Goma

Volcanoes, gorillas and the mighty Congo

• Passport strength: ≈41 visa-free destinations
• Language: French · ~10% speak English
• Free-trade agreements: ≈4

Goma — City beneath the volcano

✦Chat with AI about Goma

Mount Nyiragongo Volcano

An active volcano whose summit cradles the world's largest lava lake.

Best time: Jun–Sep — The dry season is safest for the overnight climb.

Things to do:

• Hike to active lava lake at crater rim
• Photograph glowing red magma in darkness
• Camp at crater and watch volcanic glow nightly

Virunga National Park National park

Africa's oldest park, of mountain gorillas, volcanoes and forest.

Best time: Jun–Sep — Drier months are best for gorilla and volcano treks.

Things to do:

• Trek mountain gorillas with experienced guides
• Photograph golden monkeys in mist-covered peaks
• Camp in park protected from poachers

Lake Kivu at Goma Lake

The vast lake lapping the lava-stone city's shore.

Best time: Jun–Sep — The dry season gives calm, clear water.

Things to do:

• Beach swim in calm tropical freshwater lake
• Kayak along shoreline spotting hippos
• Sunset boat ride watching fishermen depart

Goma Lava Fields Volcanic area

Black lava flows from the 2002 and 2021 eruptions that reshaped the town.

Best time: Jun–Sep — Dry months are best for the shadeless lava fields.

Things to do:

• Walk across 1977 lava flows on black rock
• Photograph lava tubes and volcanic formations
• Study volcanic geology with park geologists

Lac Vert (Green Lake) Crater Lake

Acid crater lake with otherworldly emerald water nestled near Virunga's volcanic slopes.

Best time: Jun–Oct — Geological marvel showcasing volcanic drama and eerie natural beauty near lava fields.

Things to do:

• Walk along crater lake shores and volcanic slopes
• Photograph the distinctive green water and mountain backdrop
• Observe aquatic birds and local fishing communities

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Democratic Republic of the Congo?

It depends on where you go: every place has its own ideal season on this page. For example, National Museum of the DRC is best around Year-round. Democratic Republic of the Congo has 5 featured cities and areas to plan around.

Is English spoken in Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Roughly 10% of people speak English. The main language is French.

How strong is the Democratic Republic of the Congo passport?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 41 destinations.

Is Democratic Republic of the Congo expensive to travel in?

This page lists indicative traveller costs for Democratic Republic of the Congo — medical, insurance, connectivity and education ranges — and the interactive travelogue holds the full breakdown.

What is there to do in Democratic Republic of the Congo?

National Museum of the DRC, Congo River Rapids, Marché Central, Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Congo, Musée de la Vie Quotidienne, Lake Kivu Shore — each with the best time to visit, why it is worth it, and specific things to do.