Location: Goma
Top Things to do in Goma
What to do and see in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Best Places and Tips
Goma is the capital city of North Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, next to the Rwandan city of Gisenyi. The lake and the two cities are in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift system. Goma lies only 13 to 18 km due south of the crater of the active Nyiragongo Volcano. The recent history of Goma has been dominated by the volcano and the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, which in turn fuelled the First and Second Congo Wars. The aftermath of these events was still having effects on the city and its surroundings in 2010. The city was captured by rebels during the M23 rebellion in late 2012, but has since been retaken by government forces.
Restaurants in Goma
1. Mount Nyiragongo
Overall Ratings
5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By mfre - Palma de Mallorca, Spain
300 dollars are a lot. But still incredible worth!
I was a bit annoying because we were 12 people. There were two ladies not ready at all for it but instead to make two groups we had to go all together and wait all the time.
I did not take a porter and I regret it as the way to get the pick was hard!
I went to the supermarket the day before but I can say that their food, even if overpriced as hell, looked good.
To save some money....I reached the base camp by boda boda! It is 30 minutes far from Goma and the way is pretty good.
cabins are basic but I would have spend more and more nights there!
REALLY incredible experience!!!!
2. Virunga National Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By Jaromír G - Ostrava, Czech Republic
Me and my wife visited Virunga and the gorillas in January 2018. The experience was amazing, we were guests in one gorilla family whole one hour watching the beautiful primates from very close distance. Organization was perfect and we were lucky with weather. The rain started just after we returned to the camp.
3. Virunga Amani Tours and Travel
Overall Ratings
5 based on 41 reviews
We are an experienced tour and Travel operator in DRC, Rwanda and Uganda. We can take you to any national Park from any offic these 3 listed countries. We Also have experience in cruising on the Congo River and pygmies in the Ituri forest etc.
Reviewed By Alexandra S - Kigali, Rwanda
We have used Virunga Amani Tours twice, first to climb Nyiragongo and later to see the gorillas in Virunga NP. Jean Bosco is the best guy out there: he not only does what any tour guide should (pick up, drop off, help across border, general organisation), but also goes above and beyond to ensure we feel safe and de-stressed. On top of that, he's super friendly and hilariously funny.
I recommend everyone to use Virunga Amani Tours.
Thank you Jean Bosco!
Alex & Tom
4. Lake Kivu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By kdinesDenver - Denver, Colorado
This was our third and final stop in Virunga. After a hardy hike up to see the great Nyrigongo crater, the largest lava lake in the world, this was a perfect place to rest. it's a quiet and peaceful place-- polar opposite of the bustling city of Goma. Again, delicious food service and extremely comfortable facilities, Highly recommended.
5. Ubuntu Voyages
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Ubuntu Voyages offers opportunities for people from different cultures and backgrounds to meet and connect, to strengthen and spread the philosophy of Ubuntu through tourism; and to go beyond psychological and geographical barriers between people for common interest of happiness in living and working together for a sustainable development; and finally to promote African values.
Reviewed By Michael H - New York City, New York
We just got back from seeing the gorillas in DRC with Ubuntu. The trip went smoothly, and with their "budget" lodging option (which turned out to be a beautiful place on the water with nice rooms) it was way cheaper than any other operator in DRC, and like 10% of the total cost of doing it in Rwanda. Price aside, it was a life highlight, pulled off wonderfully by Ubuntu in a region not always associated with being easy to travel in. Every step of the trip and person we encountered was a delight
Adili, the guy who runs Ubuntu, seems way more passionate about making DRC affordable and fun for travelers than he is about having his own slice of the massively expensive tourist industry in this region. His employees/partners are friendly and competent and seem to love working for Ubuntu too
I'm going back to climb the volcano in a couple months and without hesitation plan on booking with Ubuntu again
6. Kivu Travel
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Natou007 - Wierde (Belgique)
Nous avons vécu un voyage absolument fabuleux du début à la fin grâce à la merveilleuse complicité de Kivu Travel... Laini nous a concocté un magnifique programme et nous a aidé tant et plus dans la préparation de notre voyage, une fois sur place Chidé nous a accueilli et accompagné durant tout le séjour à notre grand Bonheur. Après un bon vol de Kinshasa vers Goma, nous sommes de suite partis à la découverte de cet endroit merveilleux... L'aventure fut fantastique, la rencontre avec les Gorilles le must du voyage, émotion et frissons garantis tant ces êtres sont magnifiques, l'ascension du volcan est à faire absolument avec une équipe au top au sommet qui vous attend pour une soirée hors du temps dans un cadre unique et grandiose, la visite de l'Ile d'Idjwi avec Yves nous a permis de très belles rencontres, toutes les visites étaient magiques et la cerise sur le gâteau, un temps de repos sur la splendide Ile de Tchegera... Tous les logements étaient superbes et très confortables. Vraiment nous avons adoré notre séjour et nous espérons un jour revivre cela sans aucun doute avec la complicité de Kivu Travel... Merci sincèrement..
7. Walking Goma City Tour by Christian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
In case you are looking a local to hang out with and see Goma, I am the right choice. Recently have graduated but work part time in hospitality since I started college to support myself and my family with three siblings. I am fluent in French, English and Swahili. Besides I also speak several of local languages as Lingala and Machi. Born and raised in Goma, I know the city inside out. So far I guided many tourists from all corners of the world and enjoy hanging with travellers and show them around my Goma town. Guiding is my passion and I truly enjoy meeting travellers and learn something new as well am happy to share something new to them. Like everywhere in Africa, travel its much easier when you know a local in the city. And if you want to spend some time on my walking tour to Goma I will be more than happy to show you around. The Goma beach, Goma downtown, the docks, the city vibes and people, the market and shopping for some Congolese hand crafts are just some of the highlights of Goma city. And if you like eating like a local, we end the tour in local place with delicious Congolese food!
Reviewed By Jeret F - Regina, Canada
My wife and I were touring both the DRC and Rwanda. After our extended stay in Virunga National Park, we wanted to explore the area in and around Goma. Fortunately, we were able to find and hire Christian as our private tour guide. We started emailing with Christian months before our arrival and he made every effort to accommodate all of our requests and to reassure us about our safety during these tours. Even though he mainly advertises for a walking tour of Goma, you can hire him to help you explore many areas in the DRC. Our first of two days with Christian, we toured the city of Goma. We had asked him to secure a private vehicle for the day and pick us up from our hotel that morning. He secured us a very reliable Rav 4 with an excellent driver, Allan. Christian was always very punctual. The day was very enjoyable getting to see all areas of Goma. One of the stops we made was to shop for some African wood carvings. In other countries we have visited, normally the tour guide gets a cut of the sales for bringing you to the store. This was the complete opposite. He helped us negotiate the price down to the same price a local would pay. This alone made Christian worth hiring! He took us to one of his favourite restaurants for lunch, which was a real highlight. It was an authentic Congolese buffet. Other stops of the day consisted of visiting different residential quarters, the local Goma market, the local boat harbour, city centre, airport and lava flows of 2002. Even getting to visit his church. It was a fantastic day after which we felt like we had a very good understanding of the city of Goma and what like was like to live in it. For our second day, we wanted to see some of the countryside around Goma. We asked him if it would be possible to drive to the town of Sake (northwest of Goma). This trip would have been incredibly foolish to attempt on our own, but was made possible by Christian. We started the trip by making a stop at a Priest's School beside a black lake. This was a very beautiful and scenic walk as the school is also located along the shores of Lake Kivu. Our next stop was a visit to a green lake. From there we continued on to the town of Sake. Once arriving, we parked the car and went for a walk through the countryside north of the town. We visited a local farm and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Then returning to Sake for a walk around town to the local market, a Coca-Cola, and then returning to Goma before dark. Sake and the road to it is not the safest place to visit, but we wanted to experience this place. Christian did an incredible job at ensuring our safety. He negotiated and got us through checkpoints we would not have been able to get through on our own and always kept our passports secure. We cannot say enough good things about Christian and our time with him. He's an exceptional individual that wants nothing more than to improve the country he lives in and help showcase it to the visitors that come. He takes the safety of his clients as his number one priority. He is incredibly flexible and willing to accommodate you and your requests. He's an excellent picture taker. He even took my iPhone to take discreet pictures when in areas pictures from tourists are not welcomed. Christian speaks very good English, we found his rates to be very reasonable and he made sure no one took advantage of us. He went above and beyond to drive us to the border the next morning and made sure that we got through safely. (no charge...just because he's a great guy) Since our time in Congo, we've stayed friends with Christian, texting and emailing weekly. It was truly our pleasure to have Christian tour us around his beautiful country! This is the guide/best friend you need for your exceptional time in Goma and surrounding area!
8. Virunga Community Programs
The Virunga Community Programs is a social Enterprise in tourism industry. It was established at Rumangabo Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo around the Virunga National Park. Currently the Regional Headquarters of Virunga Community Programs located in Goma Town. The main purposes of our programs are to connect sustainable tourism, environmental conservation and community programs around Virunga
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