Hotel in Goma, Democratic Republic Of The Congo
Backpackers Goma
Hostel-style accommodation designed for budget travelers and backpackers. Dorm beds and private rooms available. Communal kitchen, social areas, and tour booking assistance. Perfect for meeting other travelers.
Backpackers Goma is a hostel-style accommodation on Avenue de l'Université in Goma, North Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, designed specifically for budget travellers navigating eastern Congo. The property offers both dormitory beds and private rooms, making it one of the few true hostel-format options in a city where budget accommodation is generally dominated by basic guesthouses with limited communal infrastructure.
Dormitory rooms sleep multiple guests in bunk-bed configurations with shared bathroom and toilet facilities on each floor. Private rooms are compact but provide a degree of privacy for solo travellers or couples who prefer not to share sleeping space. Rooms are kept clean and functional, with mosquito nets provided in both dorm and private configurations — an essential provision in Goma's tropical climate.
The communal kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, allowing guests to prepare meals using ingredients from the nearby Goma market. This is a practical cost-saving measure in a city where restaurant meals add up quickly over multi-week stays. Social areas including a lounge and outdoor courtyard are active meeting points for travellers, NGO volunteers, journalists, and researchers who regularly pass through Goma.
Tour booking assistance is available informally through the hostel, with staff able to connect guests with licensed operators for Virunga National Park gorilla trekking, Mount Nyiragongo hikes, and border runs to Gisenyi in Rwanda. The hostel functions as a reliable information exchange hub for independent travellers, with notice boards and staff knowledge covering current conditions in the region and practical logistics advice.
WiFi is available throughout the property. Laundry facilities allow guests to wash clothes by hand or through a local laundry service the hostel can arrange. The rate range of $15–$38 per night places Backpackers Goma among the most affordable accommodation options available in the city.
Amenities
- dorm beds
- shared kitchen
- social areas
- tour bookings
- WiFi
- laundry
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +243 99 333 2222
Location
Avenue de l'Université, Goma
-1.6914, 29.2386 — View on map
Highlights
- Hostel-format accommodation with dorm beds and private rooms at the lowest price bracket available in Goma ($15–$38/night)
- Communal kitchen for self-catering, significantly reducing daily food costs during multi-week stays
- Active social scene connecting backpackers, volunteers, researchers, and independent travellers passing through Goma
- Tour booking assistance for Virunga gorilla trekking, Mount Nyiragongo hikes, and Rwanda border crossings
- Mosquito nets in all sleeping areas — essential safety provision in Goma's tropical climate
Tips
- Book dorm beds well in advance during gorilla trekking season (June–September) when Goma sees its highest visitor numbers
- Use the communal kitchen for at least breakfast and lunch to manage daily costs in an otherwise expensive travel destination
- Check the hostel notice board on arrival — it is a valuable source for current safety conditions, transport options, and fellow traveller recommendations
- Bring a padlock for dormitory locker use; lockers are typically provided but padlocks may not be supplied by the hostel
- Sleep under the provided mosquito net every night regardless of perceived mosquito activity — malaria is endemic in the Goma region
FAQ
Are dormitory beds and private rooms both available?
Yes. Dormitory beds offer the lowest nightly rate and are the primary option for solo budget travellers. Private rooms are available at a higher price for guests who prefer not to share sleeping space.
Can the hostel help arrange Virunga gorilla trekking permits?
Staff can connect guests with local licensed operators who facilitate ICCN permit applications. Permits cannot be obtained directly through the hostel, but the staff's local operator contacts are a practical resource for navigating the process.
Is Backpackers Goma safe for solo female travellers?
The hostel serves an international traveller community and is generally considered a socially safe environment within the property. The wider Goma security context requires awareness; guests are advised to travel with others after dark and follow current advisory guidance for moving around the city.
Are there check-in time restrictions or a curfew?
Operating policies including check-in hours and any curfew arrangements should be confirmed directly with the hostel before arrival, particularly for guests arriving on late flights from Kigali or Kinshasa.
Accessibility
Backpackers Goma is a basic multi-level building without lift access or dedicated wheelchair facilities. Dormitory configurations and shared bathroom layouts present significant barriers for guests with mobility constraints. The property is not recommended for travellers requiring wheelchair or mobility assistance.
When to visit
June to September is the most popular period for visiting Goma, coinciding with the dry season and peak Virunga gorilla trekking demand. Hostel bed availability is tightest during these months and advance booking is essential.