If you have heard about the Democratic Republic of Congo, then you know Goma town. If not the only one, it’s absolutely one of the fastest-growing tourist towns in this central African country, regardless of the security issues that occasionally affect eastern Congo. Goma town has stood the test of time and continuously grown swiftly into a busy border point serving both Rwanda and Uganda, as well as a fast-growing town with luxurious accommodation facilities and other modern services.
On almost all trips to Rwanda and Uganda, whether for a gorilla safari, wildlife trip, or a hiking tour, a city tour is always included in the itineraries. It’s difficult for a traveler to leave Rwanda or Uganda without passing through Kigali or Kampala. Similarly, when it comes to the DR Congo, travelers must go through Goma.
Undoubtedly, world travelers to DR Congo usually have only thought of the Nyiragongo hike, the Virunga mountain gorillas, or the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Some travelers even visit Congo just for the isolated Idjwi Island within Lake Kivu. Whatever your preferred activity, if it’s in D.R. Congo, a traveler must pass through Goma, as it is positioned as one of the safest entry points to the country.
Located in the North Kivu Province of DR Congo, Goma neighbors Rwanda’s Gisenyi along the Albertine Rift and serves as the capital of the eastern Congo province.
Goma is home to the popular Nyiragongo Mountain, the world’s most active volcano located in the Virunga mountain ranges, and many other attractions like part of the eastern arm of the Rift Valley, mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, and Lake Kivu in the neighborhood. Goma is ideally a one-stop center for tourism in eastern D.R. Congo.
History has it that Goma was destroyed by flowing lava following the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo in 2002, burying almost all the town’s streets, buildings, and claiming a significant number of lives. Since then, the town has been under constant construction. Unlike other areas in DR Congo, Goma is relatively stable and safe, but visits outside this center need to be researched beforehand.
What to do while in Goma?
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo
This is one of the best activities to do in Congo. If not the most popular, then it’s among the top attractions for tourists to this country. This involves walking through Virunga National Park to the top of Mount Nyiragongo to see the world’s largest active lava lake. Summiting the mountain offers stunning views of the lava lake with separated rock plates forming a spider-web-like pattern, and views of the other Virunga volcanoes. It’s a challenging activity but worth every step taken.
Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
There is mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park. Virunga National Park is a World Heritage Site and Africa’s oldest and largest protected area. Tourists here engage in gorilla trekking to have outstanding encounters with the mighty apes of the forest.
You can also go on nature walks in the park to have close encounters with the natural wonders. Given that Virunga National Park is in the Virunga Massif, hiking adventures are very popular, especially to Nyiragongo, Visoke, and even the Rwenzori Mountains. Visitors here can also enjoy birding tours to spot over 1000 bird species that call Virunga home.
Goma City Walk
This exposes travelers to the local way of life of the native Congolese here. Have personal interactions with the locals, enjoy traditional performances organized at one of the hotels, dive into local cuisines, visit local schools, and have an awesome time in the community.
Apart from Kahuzi-Biega National Park and a few other attractions in DR Congo, most tourists to the country pass through Goma. As for accommodation, travelers shouldn’t worry; several hotels, lodges, cottages, guest houses, and campsites have been set up to cater to the continuing number of tourists flocking to the town.
You cannot fail to find excellent food and a comfortable place for an overnight stay. The truth is, Goma town, as a traveler’s city in DR Congo, is an attraction in its own right. Don’t miss out on any Congo Safari.
