The administrative capital of North Kivu, Goma is built on the north shore of Lake Kivu, in the center of a magnificent amphitheater designed by the volcanic chain of Virunga, with two craters still in operation: Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira Eruption at the time of writing these lines, but without consequence on the city and its inhabitants). The town has historically established itself around Mount Goma, the ancient volcano that gave it its name (which comes from "ngoma" which means drum in Swahili, presumably because of its shape).
Goma has had its share of drama since 1994, the trigger of which is the invasion of Hutu refugees fleeing Rwanda. This will give rise to the two successive wars between 1996 and 2003 and to the occupation of the city by the pro-Rwandan rebels of the Congolese Rally for Democracy. And as if that were not enough, in 2002 the city is largely destroyed by the lava flows of Nyiragongo which is the last major eruption to date and whose traces are still visible today. Although most of the destroyed buildings have since been rebuilt on the two-meter-thick layer of lava (so the ground floor of some buildings today was actually the first or second floor Of the original building). The town is gradually rebuilt on this lava space which gives it its black color and, curiously, its charm. And gradually Goma arrives, like the country, to leave the head out of the water for a few years and to consider again a future a little more serene and promising. Notably thanks to its major resource: tourism. Indeed, Goma has always been considered as the tourist capital of the Congo, thanks to the particular location it enjoys amidst exceptional natural sites (Virunga Park which houses the famous mountain gorillas and incredible fauna and flora, volcanoes, Lake Kivu ...). And even if all this has been undermined during the war, we have seen in recent years a gradual resumption of tourism activity in South Kivu, which augurs beautiful futures for the city and the province if the situation remains stable.
Why Goma?
How to reach Goma?
Goma is today one of the best served cities in the country at the transport level. It is often reached by Kigali, the Rwandan capital, and then a three hour drive to Goma. However, today with the opening of goma airport to international flights, you can now land directly in Goma without transit in Rwanda.
The other option is via Kinshasa since the two cities are connected by daily flights. But there are also many connections with Lubumbashi and Kisangani. As with other cities such as Kindu, Beni, Bunia and even Entebbe (in Uganda) ... From Bukavu you can reach Goma by car (207 km of trails only 4 × 4), by plane (± 30 km) Minutes) or by boat (3 to 8 hours of crossing of the lake according to the boats). Last option clearly to privilege: the landscape is superb and the conditions of crossing very good (boat comfort, speed, punctuality ...). It is also possible to make the night crossing via some companies.
The journey from the airport to the city center takes ± 10 minutes. Taxi $ 10 (negotiable). It is relatively easy to find your way around town. The central point of Goma is the roundabout of the independence (or roundabout of the banks) which is crossed by the Boulevard Kanya Muhanga, the main axis where one finds numerous establishments of part and 'other. Some hotels and restaurants are also located in the western district, along the Katindo Gauche avenue which runs along the lake. On the other hand, traffic is particularly difficult with these black lava blocks that cover roads and give off a ton of dust. It is not pleasant to walk in Goma for this reason. On the other hand, new in comparison with Kinshasa, Lubumbashi or even Bukavu: here, motorcyclists are legion, very practical, manageable and inexpensive.
Important: Before any excursion by car outside Goma, it is strongly advised to consult with reliable operators (travel agencies, ICCN ...) to make sure that the road is safe and that there is not (Rutshuru road notably to be avoided, as well as the Rwindi area).