From the public port at Goma, Mount Goma rises as a low extinct cone, and on a clear morning the water of Lake Kivu opens out in front of you while the Virunga volcanoes stand along the horizon. It is one of the few places in the city where the scale of the landscape becomes obvious in a single view.
Goma suits travellers who are prepared to organise carefully and who are drawn by volcanic terrain, lake scenery and the national park on the city's edge rather than by conventional city sightseeing. Much of what is worth doing here is outdoors, and the practical arrangements matter as much as the destination.
This guide covers the sights and experiences named in the source material, with the practical details those sources provide.
Top things to do in Goma
1. Climb Nyiragongo Volcano
Nyiragongo is the active volcano south of the city, known for its lava lake, and climbing it is a technically easy ascent from the direction of Goma. A trip to the top should take around six to eight hours, so most climbers spend the night at the top.
The tour with Virunga National Park includes the park permit, lodging at the top of the volcano and guides. The park has closed at times in the past, including during the M23 siege of the city, and reopened in November 2014, so confirm the current situation before committing to a date.
2. See the lava lake at the summit
The lava lake is what makes the climb distinctive, and the overnight stay at the top is what allows you to see it. Because most climbers sleep at the summit, the experience is built around the night rather than a quick up-and-down.
Plan for cold conditions at altitude and check that your tour includes the lodging at the top, since that is what makes the overnight possible.
3. Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu lies along Goma's southern edge, and the city sits on its northern shore. The lake is one of the defining features of the setting and pairs naturally with time around the port area.
Combine a look at the lake with Mount Goma, which stands at the public port of Goma on the lakefront, so you can take in the water and the hill in one outing.
4. Mount Goma
Mount Goma is an extinct volcano that lies at the public port of Goma. It was formed during ancient volcanic eruptions and marks the southeastern limit of the Goma plain.
Go as part of a visit to the port rather than as a separate trip, and use the elevated position to get your bearings on the city and the lake.
5. Gorillas in Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is the UNESCO World Heritage Site associated with Goma, and gorillas are among the experiences it offers. The park is also the framework through which the Nyiragongo climb is arranged.
Because park access has been interrupted by security events in the past, treat any gorilla or volcano booking as something to confirm directly with the park before you build a trip around it.
6. The Green Lake
The Green Lake is one of the named sights in the Goma area. It sits in the Mugunga area to the west of the city, alongside the smaller Black Lake in Buhimba.
It works best as a half-day outing combined with the western side of the city rather than as a standalone stop.
7. Climb with Hakuna Matata safaris
Hakuna Matata safaris offers a two-day climb and tour of Goma. The owner is a native of the region and very friendly, though it can take time to track him down.
If you trek the volcano with this operator, bring your own equipment, as the gear provided is of low quality, with leaking tents given as an example.
8. Tour with Green Hills Eco-Tours
Green Hills Eco-Tours is a local specialist tour guide organisation that arranges tours in eastern DRC. Its offerings include climbing the Nyiragongo live volcano, mountain gorillas and lowland tracking, a Goma sightseeing tour, and Ijwi Island tours.
Use it if you want a single operator to cover several of the experiences above, and confirm which tours are running before you travel.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Mount Goma at the public port of Goma, where the extinct volcano marks the southeastern limit of the plain and gives you a view over Lake Kivu.
Afternoon: Continue along the lakefront and then head west towards the Green Lake in Mugunga, pairing it with the surrounding western side of the city.
Evening: Return to the lake side of the city to watch the light go down over Lake Kivu, with the Virunga volcanoes on the horizon. Note that the Nyiragongo climb takes six to eight hours and normally involves sleeping at the top, so it does not fit into a single day.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Nyiragongo climb take?
A trip to the top should take around six to eight hours, which is why most climbers spend the night at the top rather than descending the same day.
What does the Virunga National Park tour include?
The tour includes the permit to the park, lodging at the top of the volcano and guides.
Is the park always open?
No. It was closed in May 2009 due to rebel occupation and reopened in March 2010, then closed again during the M23 siege of the city before reopening in November 2014. Check the current status before you plan around it.
What should I bring for the volcano trek?
Bring your own equipment. The gear provided by Hakuna Matata safaris is described as low quality, with leaking tents given as an example.
Decide which of these you want to build your trip around, confirm the park and tour arrangements directly, and start planning around the season and the security situation on the ground.