The Virunga conservation region is situated in Eastern DRCongo marking the Goma border. This is the most tourists attractive part of Congo and absolutely worth visiting while in East Africa
Top places to visit in Gome
Nyiragongo Active volcano hiking
Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano located south of Goma city. Last erupted in 2002, it still emits hot gases that can be seen from a distance as a red glow at night. Visitors spend a night on the volcano and hikes begin early morning at 08am from Bukima patrol post. Getting to the summit takes about 6-8 hours. You must transfer to the post if you slept in Goma city; it’s about 30 minutes drive.
Hikers need have their own sleeping bags, rain jackets, enough drinking water, cameras, hiking stick, hiking boots. You should hire a porter at an extra cost to carry your backpacks and also help you out for preparing meals during the night on the mountain. Book your hiking permit in advance.
Mountain gorilla trekking
Mountain gorilla trekking takes place in Virunga national park about 32 km north of Goma. Visitors should arrange transportation on a guided tour using 4WD vehicle. Virunga national park also offers transportation to and from the park.
Gorilla trekking is fairly difficult due to equatorial rain forest conditions but it is also very cheap with a gorilla permit price at 450 USD per person. Trekking starts from Rumangabo visitor center. There are 6 habituated gorilla families in Virunga national park. Due to damp weather, visitors are guaranteed crowd free gorilla encounters and a unique jungle experience on a guided trek with Virunga park rangers and guides.
Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Beiga national park
Kahuzi-Beiga national park is a world heritage protecting low land gorillas. It is located 40 km west of Bukavu town in eastern DRC about 5-6 hours drive from Goma city. Getting to the park is easier with a tour operator who can arrange lowland gorilla trekking safaris. The park is home to eastern lowland gorillas and trekking to see them is not difficult due to low land terrain.
Visit Bukavu town
Bukavu town lies south west of Lake Kivu in eastern DRC and connected by water to Cyangugu town on the Rwandan side. It’s a mojor business hub and tourists can use it to connect to Virunga national park or Kahuzi Beiga national park.
There are a lot of activities and attractions to do in the city. Water kayaking, canoeing, and boats are used for transport to Goma north of Lake Kivu. The town has attractive art deco architecture, over 100 building have stood the taste of time having been built during in the beginning of 20th century.
Lake Kivu lies in the Albertine rift valley on the border between Rwanda in the west and DRC in the east. It’s a major leisure and outdoor based activity destination for its bilharzias and crocodile free waters. A lot of activities such as sea kayaking, swimming, birding, spot fishing, traditional canoeing to the Idjwi Island and the tropical white sandy beaches make it a perfect place for relaxation.
Accommodations in Goma
Lake Kivu Serena hotel is a four star with outdoor swimming pool.
Mikeno lodge has luxury bungalows featuring fire place and terrace
Lake kivu lodge offers deluxe and family accommodation, it located 10 minutes from city of Goma.
Center d’Accueil Caritas is a mid range hotel in Goma city with Wi-Fi
– Jerryson Hotel is also a budget hotel in Goma
– Hotel Ihusi has outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar
– Hotel la Versaille has three star amenities
O
ther hotels in Goma include, Mbiza Hotel, Hotel Linda, Rusina Hotel, Cap Kivu Hotel, Planet Hotel Goma
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