"A volcano changed Goma and the life of thousands" Goma by Bonobo2005

Goma Travel Guide: 30 reviews and 38 photos

Haircutting Sallon "Super Horizon" - Goma

On 17/01/2002 Mt. Nyiragongo erupted, about 15 km from the town of Goma.
A more than 100 meter wide river of lava thundered down the lower slopes of the volcano, right through the town into Lake Kivu, destroying everything on it's way.

I know one can hardly refer to Goma as a tourist destination. What had happened caused a huge humanitarian crisis.
That in mind, but also obsessively curious, I visited Goma for a day and what I saw is hard to imagine but reality...

Important to say is that much of Goma is still intact and in parts a very lively town; I just concentrate here on the effects of the eruption....

Last visit to Goma: Feb 2003
Intro Updated Jun 21, 2003
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Reviews (15)

About changing money Warnings and Dangers (4)

I found out that only notes of 5,10 and 20 Francs are in use (read: legal) in Goma. The bigger notes carry a portrait... more travel advice

Bring a local guide! Favorites (1)

A good idea is to bring a local guide, who knows Goma really well. He will also be very useful in organising things... more travel advice

Towards Lake Kivu Things to Do (8)

Although very few of the former Lakeside establishments remain, the walk from town towards lake following the new road... more travel advice

Houses on the edge of the lavaflow Things to Do (8)

On the edges of the lavastream houses are still intact enough to live in, although their views changed considerably. I... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
many transportation options

Shopping (1)
Videorecording of eruption & music tapes

Comments (23)

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Firestar24 Dec 3, 2005 at 6:48 AM

Quite an amazing experience. :o)
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andal13 Apr 1, 2004 at 7:52 PM

Touching page... and admirable experience.
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Sharrie Feb 28, 2004 at 11:07 PM

Seems like u always managed to find different colored lakes. Excellent tip about the "legal" tenders!
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mrdarius Feb 22, 2004 at 7:25 AM

incroyable! i read about goma in "we regret to inform you..." and it looks exactly how i imagined it.
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aukjejetty Jan 16, 2004 at 9:31 AM

Wat een interessante pagina, jij ziet heel wat van de wereld!
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maykal Oct 8, 2003 at 10:22 AM

Again a fascinating page. What happened to the thousands of refugees in Goma when the volcano erupted?
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nomorewars Aug 30, 2003 at 5:25 PM

Truly, you’re a remarkable person. What courage & strength you have displayed here. I admire your humanity; especially since in our day & age, such love is scarce.
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zrim Jun 12, 2003 at 2:52 PM

You are setting a standard of excellence on VT that is hard to equal. Keep it going.
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nepalgoods Jun 12, 2003 at 11:12 AM

Absolute fantastic page! Great information and beautiful photos!!!
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asgottl Jun 11, 2003 at 3:31 PM

What an amazing experience! Humanitarian relief is a noble cause for any destination. Thanks for the wonderful page!