- Albert Robley
As someone with a life-long interest in Central Africa, it wasn't hard for me to move here. For my wife it was not that easy. She met other spouses through InterNations, though.
Living in Goma
Goma is the tourist capital of the African Congo and is close to a number of tourist sites, including the Virunga National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 and home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The city is also proud of its up and coming music scene, with a number of studios and radio stations springing up and supporting local talent. Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes, attracts tourists from all over the world with its pretty surrounding towns and relaxing atmosphere. There is also Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano, which looms over the city; locals, tourists, and expats living in Goma are able to see the red glow from the crater as the city grows dark in the evening. It’s quite a sight. You can find out more about life in Goma from expatriates who have successfully built a life in the city on InterNations' forums and discussion groups. Get answers to any questions you might have, build local contacts and discover the city’s hidden gems.
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Moving to Goma
Any expatriate moving to Goma can expect two very different environments, the first being the city still recovering from the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo in 2002. The eruption destroyed 40% of the city and expats will be living and working with a population that’s busy rebuilding. The second is the beauty of the nearby Virunga National Park where the endangered Mountain Gorillas are bred and protected. The success of the breeding program and the parks’ desire to increase tourism means that number of tourists visiting the park and staying in Goma is steadily increasing. Get answers to any questions you may have about moving to Goma on InterNations’ discussion groups, forums or via private one-on-one messages. Fellow expatriates in Goma are more than happy to help and support anyone considering a move to the city.
Working in Goma
There are many opportunities for aid and health workers in the area. Expats looking to put their skills to good use by supporting aid charities, and other organizations offering the city support, will find a rewarding opportunity to help rebuild a city with many attractions and areas of natural beauty. Goma is becoming more popular with tourists because of the opportunities to visit the Virunga National Park, the endangered Mountain Gorillas and Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great freshwater lakes. There are increasing opportunities for expatriates to work in tourism as the number of people visiting Goma continues to grow. However, moving to a new city and country can be daunting; InterNations can offer support, put you in touch with local expatriates and help you settle into your new life. Find more information on working and living in Goma from expats that have actually experienced life there.
- Albert Robley
As someone with a life-long interest in Central Africa, it wasn't hard for me to move here. For my wife it was not that easy. She met other spouses through InterNations, though.
- Victoria Arrington
Where the hell is Brazzaville? That was my first thought before moving here. Then I joined InterNations and received many valuable tips from expats living there.
