|
17 Jan 2009
|
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Monaco
Posts: 336
|
|
Safety Goma, DRC (Rwanda & Burundi border areas)
Hi,
I plan to make a quick day trip into Goma, DRC from Rwanda, without staying overnight.
Does anyone have a recent experience to share? Regarding visa on arrival, border procedures, safety downtown during daylight, rebel activity, etc.?
Have there been any recent war/rebel - incidents across the border in Rwanda and Burundi?
Many thanks,
|
11 Feb 2009
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Taos, New Mexico
Posts: 49
|
|
Drc
Im in Rwanda now. Aparently, Lauen Nkunda (Congolese warlord) has been captured and is being held in Gisenyi, Rwanda, next to Goma. If you want to spend a day in Goma, I would suggest working it out from Gisenyi by getting current info when you get here as the situation changes almost daily. You might be able to meet a congolese resident in Gisenyi and let them take you across the border. I was in Goma for a day years ago (2002) visiting the family of a doctor I met. My temporary visa was obtained at a tiny border crossing with the help of my friend and seemed to be an under-the-table situation.
Good luck-
Marcus
|
23 May 2009
|
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Monaco
Posts: 336
|
|
Thank you Marcus for your reply, which I only saw today.
Just back from my daytrip to Goma.
I parked my car and crossed the border by foot at Gisenyi (Corniche), Rwanda. Although officially impossible, you can get a Congolese visa on arrival if you build a friendly relationship with the guards. The cost is US$ 30 ++.
The guards were also helpful in organising a driver who took me through town. Many roads are full of lava streams, following the major volcano eruption ca. 5 years ago. The general atmosphere in Goma was tense, with lots of UN troops. As an added danger, there are gas bubbles emanating from the lake, having killed some people or the occasional cow.
If you want to play it safe: the Hotel Ihusi is only 100m from the border and provides the atmosphere of a safe haven. Prices are in the US$ 100-150 range per night for good quality 4* accomodation. Nice lunch or dinner on a terrace above Lake Kivu.
Safety seems to be ok now in the larger area, including Ugandan and Rwandan gorilla mountains. Current problem zone (rebel raids on villages) is Bukavu to Bujumbura road.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|