Goma is a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in North Kivu Province, on the northern shore of Lake Kivu. Its setting is its most striking feature: the lake lies at its edge, and the landscape rises steeply around it.
What draws visitors
Goma sits close to Nyiragongo volcano, which makes it a common starting point for travellers interested in volcanic scenery. The city is also a gateway to Virunga National Park, one of the best-known protected areas in the region. Visitors heading into the park typically use Goma as a base for arrangements and onward travel.
What a visit involves
- Setting: a lakeside city with volcanoes in view from the surrounding area.
- Nature: access to Virunga National Park and the wider Kivu landscape.
- Planning: Goma works best as a place to organise trips rather than a destination in itself for a short stop.
Because Goma is a working city near the park and the volcano, the trip suits travellers who want to combine time on the lake and the city with the natural attractions nearby. Anyone considering a visit should check current travel conditions for the region before deciding, as the wider province has been affected by insecurity.