Overview
Goma sits on the northern shore of Lake Kivu in the far east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, beneath the smouldering Nyiragongo volcano. It is the gateway to Virunga National Park and its mountain gorillas, and a place of real drama, with lava fields, lake steamers and a busy border with neighbouring Rwanda. It is also a region affected by ongoing insecurity, so before booking flights to Goma from the UK, read the latest FCDO travel advice for North Kivu and speak to a specialist who can explain the current picture and the practical routing.
Best time to fly to Goma
At around 1,500 metres above sea level, Goma stays mild all year, usually in the low twenties Celsius by day. The long dry season from June to early September is the most comfortable time to visit and the best window for volcano and gorilla treks, when the forest trails are firmer underfoot. The wetter months from October to May tend to bring short afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain. Fares from the UK usually rise around July, August and the Christmas holidays, so check the When to book chart above to see how prices move through the year.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Goma; every routing involves at least one connection in Africa. The most established options are Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa and Kenya Airways via Nairobi, both feeding into Goma International Airport (GOM). RwandAir also flies from London Heathrow to Kigali, from where many travellers continue by a short road transfer to the border at Gisenyi, just minutes from central Goma. Expect a total journey of roughly 15 to 20 hours depending on connections; pure flying time from London is around 10 to 12 hours.
Things to do in Goma
The city itself is compact, but the surrounding Virunga landscape is extraordinary. Top attractions include:
- Mount Nyiragongo: an overnight guided trek to the crater rim of one of the world's most active volcanoes and its glowing lava lake.
- Virunga National Park: Africa's oldest national park and home to habituated mountain gorillas, subject to park access and security conditions.
- Lake Kivu: calm, scenic waters for a lakeside afternoon or a boat trip south towards Bukavu.
- Birere Market: Goma's loudest and most colourful quarter, and the best place to feel the rhythm of daily city life.
- Nyamulagira volcano: Nyiragongo's larger, more remote neighbour, for experienced trekkers when expeditions are running.
At Goma International Airport (GOM)
The airport lies on the eastern edge of the city, only about 3 km from the centre, a drive of 10 to 15 minutes. There is little in the way of public transport, so arrange a hotel pick-up in advance or use a recognised taxi; your accommodation or tour operator can organise a trusted driver. If you have crossed from Kigali by road, central Goma is a short ride from the border post.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Goma
- Book early: aim for roughly two to four months ahead, as these limited-capacity routes rarely get cheaper close to departure.
- Fly midweek and off-peak: Tuesday and Wednesday departures outside July, August and December are usually the best value.
- Stay flexible with dates: use the price charts on this page to shift your trip by a few days around the cheapest window.
- Compare the hubs: weigh Addis Ababa, Nairobi and the Kigali-plus-road option, as the lowest fare and the easiest journey are not always the same.
Travel essentials
UK travellers need a visa for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, arranged before you travel; visitors to Virunga can often apply through the park authority, otherwise use the DRC eVisa or an embassy. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry, and antimalarial tablets are strongly advised. The currency is the Congolese franc, though clean, newer US dollar notes are widely used in Goma; pounds are not accepted, so carry dollars. Always check current FCDO advice and confirm your travel insurance covers the region.