Accommodation in Goma and Bukavu
Accommodation in Goma and Bukavu offers a perfect blend of comfort and authenticity, providing travelers with ideal bases to explore Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks while enjoying the serene beauty of Lake Kivu.
These two towns offer a diverse selection of lodges, hotels, and guesthouses, catering to both adventure travelers and those seeking comfort after days spent in the wild. From eco-luxury retreats to cozy budget stays, here’s a detailed look at where to stay in Goma and Bukavu during your Congo safari adventure.
Accommodation in Goma
Goma is the vibrant capital of North Kivu Province and the main access point to Virunga National Park. The city lies on the northern edge of Lake Kivu, just a short drive from the Rwandan border at Gisenyi, making it a convenient hub for travelers crossing between Rwanda and the DRC.
- Mikeno Lodge – Luxury Wilderness Escape
Located inside Virunga National Park near Rumangabo Headquarters, Mikeno Lodge is the park’s flagship luxury accommodation. Built from natural stone and wood, it offers stunning forest views, elegant bungalows with fireplaces, and a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by wildlife.
Guests often spot colobus monkeys and bushbucks from their verandas. The lodge also provides easy access to chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking, and the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center.
Highlights:
- Elegant cottages with private terraces
- Fine dining and attentive staff
- Perfect base for gorilla and chimpanzee excursions
- Bukima Tented Camp – Intimate Gorilla Experience
For travelers who want to stay close to gorilla trekking trails, Bukima Tented Camp is an ideal choice. Situated near Bukima Patrol Post, this mid-range eco-lodge offers breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Each spacious tent features comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and outdoor seating overlooking the forest. As dusk falls, the sound of gorillas echoing through the trees adds a magical touch.
Highlights:
- Located within walking distance of gorilla trekking start point
- Stunning views of Mikeno Volcano
- Cozy campfire dinners under the stars
- Nyiragongo Summit Huts – For the Adventurous
If you’re hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano, you’ll spend the night in basic summit huts perched on the crater rim. Each hut accommodates two people and offers shelter from the cold and wind at 3,470 meters above sea level.
While the facilities are simple, the experience is unforgettable — watching the lava lake glow beneath you is one of the most extraordinary sights in Africa.
Highlights:
- Unique overnight experience above an active lava lake
- Warm sleeping bags and porters available
- Essential stop for volcano enthusiasts
- Tchegera Island Tented Camp – Lakefront Relaxation
After gorilla trekking or volcano climbing, Tchegera Island Camp provides the perfect place to unwind. Located on a crescent-shaped island in Lake Kivu, just a 30-minute boat ride from Goma, the camp offers tranquility, kayaking, birdwatching, and panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes.
Highlights:
- Ideal for post-safari relaxation
- Comfortable tents with lake views
- Eco-friendly and solar-powered
- Goma Serena Hotel – Urban Comfort
For those who prefer to stay within Goma city, the Goma Serena Hotel (or similar upmarket establishments) provides modern comfort with luxury amenities. It features spacious rooms, a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and international cuisine — perfect for travelers arriving or departing before continuing to Virunga.
Highlights:
- Convenient location in central Goma
- Secure, modern facilities
- Great for short stays or business travelers
Accommodation in Bukavu
Bukavu, located on the southern shore of Lake Kivu, is the main gateway to Kahuzi-Biega National Park, home of the Eastern Lowland (Grauer’s) Gorillas. The town blends colonial charm with lakefront tranquility and offers a range of lodges suited for safari travelers.
- Coco Lodge Bukavu – Mid-Range Comfort
A long-time favorite among travelers, Coco Lodge sits on a quiet peninsula overlooking Lake Kivu. It offers comfortable rooms, excellent cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The lodge’s proximity to Kahuzi-Biega National Park makes it ideal for gorilla trekkers returning after a day’s adventure.
Highlights:
- Peaceful setting with lake views
- Friendly staff and delicious food
- Reliable Wi-Fi and secure parking
- Orchids Safari Club – Lakeside Elegance
For luxury seekers, the Orchids Safari Club offers the best high-end experience in Bukavu. With lush gardens, stylish rooms, and a private lakeside terrace, it combines sophistication with natural beauty.
The hotel also arranges excursions to Kahuzi-Biega, Idjwi Island, and other regional attractions.
Highlights:
- Refined comfort with excellent service
- Scenic lakefront views
- Fine dining restaurant and bar
- Hotel Begonias – Central and Affordable
Located near Bukavu’s town center, Hotel Begonias provides comfortable accommodation for travelers seeking a budget-friendly stay. Rooms are clean, and the hotel offers reliable electricity, Wi-Fi, and meals.
Highlights:
- Convenient location for short stays
- Affordable rates
- Access to shops and transport hubs
- Lodge Nyanza – For Nature Lovers
For guests seeking a quieter retreat, Lodge Nyanza, situated just outside Bukavu, offers eco-friendly cottages surrounded by nature. It’s a good option for travelers who prefer serenity and birdwatching opportunities.
Highlights:
- Peaceful natural environment
- Great for eco-conscious travelers
- Comfortable chalets with local hospitality
Best Time to Stay
The ideal time to visit is during the dry seasons — June to September and December to February. Roads are more accessible, skies are clear, and gorilla trekking and hiking conditions are at their best. However, both towns maintain mild temperatures year-round, making them enjoyable in any season.
Travel Tips
- Book early, especially during peak travel months.
- Carry USD cash for on-site payments, as cards are not always accepted.
- For gorilla and volcano tours, always book lodges inside or near the park through authorized operators like GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS.
- Expect eco-lodges to prioritize sustainability — solar power and locally sourced meals are common.
Why Stay in Goma or Bukavu
Both towns are more than just gateways — they’re integral parts of the Congo safari experience. Goma offers proximity to Virunga’s volcanoes and gorillas, while Bukavu opens the door to the eastern lowland gorillas of Kahuzi-Biega. Together, they form the perfect circuit for travelers seeking both adventure and comfort in Congo’s highlands.
Plan Your Stay with GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS
At GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS, we arrange tailored safaris with carefully selected accommodations in Goma and Bukavu, ensuring comfort, safety, and authentic local charm. Whether you seek luxury lodges, eco-retreats, or mid-range comfort, our travel specialists match every guest with the ideal stay for their itinerary.
Inquire and book your Congo Safari Accommodation Package today with GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS, and experience the warmth and hospitality of Congo’s lakeside towns.