Travel Guide Goma

One of the most beautiful cities in the DRC, capital of North Kivu province. Goma lies at the center of the Virunga volcanic chain on the shores of Lake Kivu, at the foot of the Nyragongo and Nyamulagira volcanoes and on the Rwandan border. With its 75 km² and two million inhabitants, Goma is the densest city in the DRC. Historically, the city was built around Mont Goma, the ancient volcano that gave it its name (from "ngoma", Swahili for "drum", no doubt due to its shape). Goma has seen its share of tragedies since 1994, triggered by the invasion of Hutu refugees fleeing Rwanda. This led to two successive wars between 1996 and 2003, and the occupation of the town by the pro-Rwandan RCD rebels.In 2002, the town was partially destroyed by lava flows from Nyiragongo. In 2021, another eruption took place. Most of the buildings were rebuilt. Frequently, it is the M23 Group that makes its presence felt in destabilizing actions. Nevertheless, Goma and its inhabitants continue to develop, persevering during these fragile times of peace. In particular, they are counting on their major resource: tourism. The city's mild climate and proximity to Lake Kivu and the volcanoes of the nearby Virunga National Park contribute to this "picture-postcard" vision of the city and region.