Introduction
Explore the Congo Nile trail in Rwanda – Hiking and biking experiences rewarding with coffee, tea plantations, hills and village experiences
The Congo Nile Trail was officially opened in 2009 as a way of diversifying Rwanda’s tourism activities consisting of network of roads running from Rubavu (Gisenyi) to Rusizi (Cyangugu) the southern end of lake Kivu. In between, there are several natural tourist attractions ranging from forests, hills, local towns and villages, valleys and many others. This offer guests and tourists on the trail to experience Rwanda’s village life plus sounds of nature especially from the birds specifies that can be sighted while on the trail.
The Congo Nile Trail can be explored using various means including walking, cycling and motorcycling and all these have advantages and disadvantages depending on individual preferences and opinions, walking for example may be hard especially while going uphill and using a motorcycle may be a little fast thereby giving you less time to fully explore the attractions on the trail. Cycling on the other hand seems to be a much better option because you would easily move to any part in the trail from wide to narrow footpaths, uphill and downhill and of course if you are able to use the bikes.
The trail from Rubavu to Rusizi covers a distance of 227 Kilometers which can be completed in 10 days while hiking or 5 days while biking however it can be split up if a visitor does not have much time for a 10 days hike or 5 days biking. Rwanda is very safe and you will just need a few supplies to take you through the journey. A professional guide however is needed to be with you along the trail or a guiding map. You can also start the trail from the South to the North depending on your preferences. If you have a lot of stuff to carry, we can offer you a vehicle to assist you with transporting luggage. We are able to customize this trip to suits your budget, ability to hike or days you dedicate for this trail.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Guide
- COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures
- Meals
- Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visit to beautiful landscapes and scenery around Lake Kivu
- Visit to Kinunu
- Visit to Congo Nile Trail
DAY 1- Rubavu – Cyimbiri
Depart from Rubavu (Bralirwa) at 7:00 am and start a 7 hours walk to Cyimbiri village, enjoy agricultural activities (coffee, cassava, beans, yams, banana plantations,) beautiful landscapes and scenery around Lake Kivu, amazing rolling hills, enjoy the magnificent views of the area. Overnight at Cyimbiri Guest House (Budget)
DAy 2- Cyimbiri – Kinunu
After breakfast at 7:30 am, you will resume your hiking for about 5 hours, Along the trail to Kinunu you will enjoy the best views of the surrounding, bird watching, fishing activities, landscapes all the way through coffee and banana plantations. Overnight at Kinunu Guest House (budget)
DAY 3- Kinunu-Bumba
After the breakfast at 8:00 a.m, you will walk for about 5 hours to Bumba Center. On this hiking you will continue enjoying the beauty of Rwanda through its rolling hills while taking last pictures on your adventure to Congo Nile Trail.
On your arrival to Bumba, you will proceed to your room at Bumba Base Camp for meals and overnight there. (Basic Accommodation).
DAY 4- Bumba-Karongi
Breakfast at 8:00 am and continue your hiking which of about 5 hours. On arrival to Karongi, you will check on at your lodge, meals and overnight at Delta Resort Hotel
DAY 5- Karongi - Rusizi
Morning breakfast and go on a boat ride to Napoleon island for bats and hike experience. Get picked by your driver afterwards and do a 2 hours drive to Rusizi. Meals and overnight at Peace Guest House, Mantis or Emeraude Kivu Resort.
DAY 6- Rusizi
Relaxed day in Rusizi at Peace Guest House
DAY 7- Departure back to Kigali
Morning breakfast and depart for an 8 hours drive from Rusizi to Kigali with a stopover en route at the King’s Palace Museum. Drop off at the Airport.
The rates per person is $1350. More guests in a group get discounted offer.
