Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo? If you're planning to go to Goma, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Based on the climate and weather in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Goma, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo by month

January

January in Goma is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Goma may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

February

February in Goma is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Goma may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Take care to find the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

March

March in Goma is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Goma may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Ensure that you get the correct type. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

April in Goma is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Goma may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Be careful to find the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

If you vacation in Goma during May, you might notice that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Goma may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. It's important that you find the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

If you go to Goma in June, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Goma may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Ensure that you pick the right kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

July is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Goma may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Be careful to find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

August in Goma is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Goma may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Be careful to find the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

September

September in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Goma may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Make sure to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

October in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Goma may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Be careful to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

November

Traveling to Goma in November, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Goma may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Ensure that you get the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December in Goma is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Democratic Republic of the Congo has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Goma may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and E. Check that you get the necessary type. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Goma, a city located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Known for its lush natural surroundings, volcanoes and gorilla sanctuaries, Goma offers tourists an opportunity to witness the beauty of Africa firsthand. Here are some top tourist attractions in Goma.

1. Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is one of the biggest attractions in Goma. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants and hippos. Tourists can take a guided tour of the park and see the animals in their natural habitat. The park is also known for its active volcano, Mount Nyiragongo, which attracts visitors year-round.

2. Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is a natural wonder located on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. It is the sixth-largest lake in Africa and one of the deepest in the world. The lake offers tourists the chance to swim, boat, fish or just relax on the shore.

3. Goma Market

The Goma Market is a bustling hub of activity where tourists can buy traditional African garments, unique souvenirs and local handicrafts. The market is known for its vibrant colors and lively atmosphere. Tourists can spend hours exploring the different stalls and bargaining for the perfect souvenir.

4. Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the most active in Africa, and tourists can hike to the top to witness the amazing lava lake at its summit. The hike is a challenging but rewarding journey that takes visitors through lush forests and up steep inclines. Tourists can spend the night at the top to see the spectacular views and sounds of the erupting volcano.

5. Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that lets visitors see the majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The gorilla sanctuaries in Goma offer guided tours that take visitors through the dense forests and up the hills to see the gorillas up close. It is an unforgettable experience that gives people a new appreciation for these amazing creatures.

In conclusion, Goma offers a wide range of tourist attractions that cater to all types of travelers. From the wildlife sanctuaries to the bustling markets and active volcanoes, Goma is a city that truly has something for everyone. Its natural beauty and cultural charm make it an ideal destination for a truly unforgettable vacation.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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