A MARVEL ON LAKE KIVU OPENS ITS DOORS FOR VISITORS
(Main article courtesy of Sharon Kibwage / Serena Hotels)
(Posted 17th September 2020)
Aerial Side View of Goma Serena Hotel
Travelers generally visit Goma en-route to tracking mountain gorillas, climbing Nyiragongo or trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains. The city itself has no proper attractions, but it’s a great pre- and post-Virunga hang-out, with some decent accommodation and dining options. And now, for the first time ever, Goma is about to have the only 5-star hotel, Goma Serena Hotel.
Pool view
Set in the heart of the North Kivu’s capital, Goma Serena Hotel, the only 5-star hotel in Goma, is strategically located with ease of access to main historical and tourist’s attractions sites such as Africa’s 8th largest fresh water, Lake Kivu, Virunga National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the active volcanic Mt. Nyiragongo. The hotel is accessible within a 10-minute drive from the Goma International Airport and a 5-minute drive from the Rwanda border.
Goma Serena Hotel is meticulously designed and inspired by the allure and grace of DR Congo’s rich heritage. Guests can look forward to an authentic Congolese experience that will help them connect with the fascinating history and culture of this unexplored destination.
Reception
The meticulously styled Pan-African themed hotel consists of 109 rooms in a seven room categories all with a private balcony offering sweeping views of Lake Kivu. Each of the rooms has been inspired by authentic African art-including local Congolese artefacts inviting travellers to discover and connect with the history and culture of the region. Modern amenities, personalized touches and exceptional service completes the guests’ comfort and experience.
In addition to having all rooms being lake-facing, they are also all fitted with a Jacuzzi tub and shower cubicle with a rain shower. The executive suites have a rotating TV screen, a kitchenette and a visitor’s cloak room. The hotel and its surroundings including the gardens have ramps, special elevator and a room for persons with disability (PWD).
Room
The hotel also offers four food and beverage outlets; Rumoka- the all-day dining restaurant that includes a terrace sitting area to offer diners a spectacular view of the lake. It offers breakfast, themed buffet lunches and dinner as well as a la carte options to special Table D’hôte menus. Every Sunday, there will be a special Family Brunch starting from 1200-1400hrs and a themed Friday Congolese night with entertainment from a live band.
Rumoka Restaurant
The inviting bar Kahuzi–Biega Bar, named after Kahuzi-Biega National Park is the ideal gathering place for cocktails, light bites or winding down your day with a sundowner as you enjoy live music at the best bar in Goma and the only one facing the lake. If a quick meeting over coffee is what you desire, the Bambara Lounge located on the ground floor of the hotel offers our resident guests a dedicated café service throughout the day. Later in the evening, experience the best of Goma’s nightlife at the sophisticated fully-fledged Nyiragongo night club at Goma Serena Hotel and revel at the Lingala music; song and dance culture that Congo is famed for.
Bambara Lounge
With beautiful landscaped outdoor gardens that are lake facing, Goma Serena Hotel sets a perfect venue for an exotic dream wedding. But if you would prefer your wedding, meeting or event to be indoors, our state-of-the art ballroom, a boardroom and two smaller meeting rooms for small intimate groups are at your disposal.
And if you would rather take your time in Goma for that much needed R&R, immerse yourself in the abyss of tranquillity full of pampering and relaxation to revitalize the mind, body and soul with an array of spa treatments to choose from at the fully-fledged Maisha Spa. If you would rather have an activity in the confines of the hotel, we highly recommend a swim in the Olympic-sized pool and in case you are with the young ones- a designated pool is set aside for them.
While a stay at the Goma Serena Hotel is one to remember, the whole point of travelling is exploring the destination and Goma is brimming with bucket list items to tick off.
Begin your journey by exploring Goma through exciting city tours. Travelers have an opportunity to discover the city’s historical sites, villages and visit local markets to buy crafts and artifacts.
A face-to-face encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park is more than often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This may be one of the greatest wildlife encounters on earth owing to the fact that these endemic primates like the bonobos and mountain gorillas face an almost extinct status and can only be found in off-the-beaten tracks of DR Congo.
Gorilla Trekking at Virunga National Park
The diversity of this destination accommodates every type of traveller looking for amazing experiences no other part of the world can offer. Whether you would like to scale Mount Nyiragongo and take incredible pictures of the biggest lava lake in the world, go in search of the greatest ape on earth -Grauer’s gorillas in the south of Kivu at Kahuzi –Biega National Park, revel in the Congolese music culture or enjoy water sports in the Great Lake Kivu; the experiences will make it hard for you to say goodbye.
