DISCOVER AFRICA
The Congo Nile Trail
The Congo Nile Trail is probably the most iconic cycling and hiking trail in East Africa. Despite its name, the trail runs along the shore of Lake Kivu, which is shared by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The trail is often overshadowed by other Rwanda safari destinations like the Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park, among others; nonetheless, it is a popular off-the-beaten path to explore.
The Congo Nile Trail is one of the most recent advancements, established in 2011 to make Rwanda a top cycling destination in Africa. Thanks to Rwanda’s government which has worked tirelessly to ensure diversity in the country’s tourist attractions. Stretching over 227 kilometers, the Congo Nile Trail follows a network of interconnecting single lanes, dirt roads, and hiking trails along the shores of Lake Kivu in the tropical Kivu Belt Region. The trail was named so because it follows the mountain ridge of the African Congo-Nile watershed, which separates two of Africa’s Great Rivers, the Congo, and the Nile.
Featuring incredible scenery, the Congo Nile Trail passes through some of Africa’s last surviving tropical rainforests, massive coffee farms, and secluded beaches as it runs along the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu. The path starts in Gisenyi’s northern coastlines and ends in Rusizi District’s southern coasts and is littered with undiscovered encounters, which are frequently offered by locals along the way. Rwanda’s Congo Nile trail can be explored on foot, by bike, or by kayak for anyone searching for an authentic, yet safe, hiking or cycling adventure in Africa’s off-the-beaten paths.
What to Expect Along the Congo Nile Trail
The Congo Nile Trail h is perhaps East Africa’s greatest bike path and is the finest way to appreciate Rwanda’s natural beauty and fresh air. The trail features sections: dirt roads and single dirt tracks accessible exclusively by hiking and mountain biking. The two paths intersect and overlap at various spots and tourists may enjoy the natural beauty of Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda’s famed undulating and green hills, eye-catching farmlands, and Lake Kivu’s sandy beaches, among other water bodies while walking the path. One may also have lovely views of the distant DR. Congo.
Other fascinating features include experiencing rural life in isolated Rwandan communities, visiting craft markets, meeting locals in marketplaces, and visiting the numerous landing spots on Lake Kivu. You’ll also hike and cycle through little towns, valleys, waterfalls, small local markets, and fishing villages, where smiling youngsters and inquiring elders will meet you. There is even the option of stopping at Mugonero Orphanage to help less fortunate youngsters by providing school supplies. Every visit to the orphanage includes cultural acts such as storytelling, music, dance, and theater. Moreover, the Kiziba refugee community, which houses around 17, 000 Congolese refugees, is also close to the Congo Nile Trail and can also be explored.
How to Explore the Congo Nile Trail?
The Congo Nile Trail is perhaps East Africa’s greatest bike path and is the finest way to appreciate Rwanda’s natural beauty and fresh air. The trail features sections: dirt roads and single dirt tracks accessible exclusively by hiking and mountain biking. The two paths intersect and overlap at various spots and tourists may enjoy the natural beauty of Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda’s famed undulating and green hills, eye-catching farmlands, and Lake Kivu’s sandy beaches, among other water bodies while walking the path. One may also have lovely views of the distant DR. Congo.
The Congo Nile Divide Trial can be explored in various ways including by bike, motorbike, automobile, or just hiking/walking; nonetheless, walking and cycling are the most popular activities since they allow you to better appreciate the natural surroundings of the trail. The two designated paths along the trail allow tourists to interact more with the locals and see how they live. Cycling and walking, on the other hand, might be exhausting since they need a lot of energy. The entire path may be cycled in five days, beginning in the trendy town of Gisenyi in the north and ending in Kamambe in the south. A one- or two-day journey through the most spectacular section of the path, on the other hand, may take you from Gisenyi to Kibuye. More so, there is also the tour’s most arduous section, a 4-6 hour stretch between Kinunu and Kibuye, which is also its most picturesque.
On the other hand, hiking the Congo Nile trail takes roughly ten days. To avoid riding or hiking back along the trail, visitors can charter a 3-hour boat at around 2,000 RWF from Kibuye to Gisenyi for themselves and their bikes. Unlike many other paths in the area, the Congo Nile Trail is well-marked and interspersed with settlements that offer places to eat, relax, and camp. The path is never too far from civilization, since the nearest settlement is not more than 10 kilometers away. There are convenience stores and ducas, that are not frequently identified with large signs or billboards, but they are easy to see with a keen eye. Here, you can mainly access necessities like water, fruit drinks, Kleenex, soap, bread, and some fresh fruits.
The dry season (June to early October, as well as December to early March) is the optimum time to hike the Congo Nile Trail. Due to heavy rainfall, the track becomes slick and muddy, taking additional time to complete. Travelers who opt to walk or cycle may be compelled to seek shelter when it rains, disrupting a busy schedule, but regardless of how you finish the path, there are free maps accessible to tourists at the Rwanda Tourism Board.
Getting to the Congo Nile Trail
The starting point of the Congo Nile Trail lies in Gisenyi which is roughly 3 hours to drive from Kigali. The cities of Rubavu, Karongi, and Rusizi are also suitable starting or ending points for the Congo Nile Trail. You can either travel using a public bus or hire a local tour operator who will normally organize your transportation from Kigali. Ritco is the quickest and most dependable bus company, operating huge, well-maintained, and contemporary buses. The majority of buses depart from Kigali’s Nyabugogo Taxi Park. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Nyabugogo’s ticket offices or on the bus using mobile money or cash.
After finishing the Trail, the operator will pick you up at Kamembe and drive you back to Kigali and if you decide to use the local bus, be sure there is enough room for your bike. However, renting a bike in Gisenyi or perhaps Kigali is the greatest option since it is cheaper. Lodges such as Inzu Hire may be able to assist with the rental of a bicycle for a fee. All rented bikes are in good condition and equipped with helmets, kneecaps, spare tires, a pressure pump, and water bottles. You may even rent riding gear if that is your preference.
Level of Difficulty of the Congo Nile Trail
Spanning over 227 kilometers, the Congo Nile Trail might be difficult for individuals who are not psychologically prepared or physically healthy. Much of the path is gravel and runs through mountainous terrain, which may be difficult to traverse on a rainy day. To finish the path, trekkers may need to take pauses or spend a day or two resting. Nevertheless, the beautiful views and countryside are what keep many hikers and riders moving; from gorgeous waterfalls to magnificent forests like Nyungwe, exotic beaches on the shores of Lake Kivu, and local communities, among many others
Management of the Congo Nile Trail
The Rwanda Development Board oversees the Congo Nile Trail and all tourism activities that are done along the trail. The Board gives free maps to anyone who walks or cycles along the path past its offices. The maps include information, directions, popular spots to visit, as well as the distance and time required to reach each point on the path. The Congo Nile path is suitable for both solo and group visitors. Solo travelers, on the other hand, will require a map, personal supplies, and the confidence to do it alone. Moreover, solo travelers ought to seek the services of a local guide or porter to accompany them on the trek or cycling tour. Your tour operator in Rwanda will assist you in organizing a bike and all other necessities for your journey.
Accommodation Along the Congo Nile Trail
There are several lodging options along the Congo Nile Trail and travelers can choose from luxurious hotels, regular lodges, or simple/budget campsites. Campgrounds can also be found within plantations, schools, orphanages, communities, and the complexes of certain hotels and lodges. Those who wish to camp can either carry their camping equipment or ask their tour operator to make arrangements for them in advance. The Rwanda Development Board operates its campgrounds and rents out camping equipment at a fair price. Below are some places to stay along the Congo Nile Trail;
Inzu Lodge: This is one of the most well-known lodges along the Congo Nile Trail, located in Gisenyi. The lodge overlooks Lake Kivu and it offers a bar, a restaurant, free WiFi, and a souvenir store. Inzu Lodge also includes a campground where guests may pitch a tent or rent one. In the evening, guests can request that the hotel organize traditional music, dancing, and theatre.
Hotel Paradis Malahide in Gisenyi is yet another superb luxury resort situated on the beaches of Lake Kivu, making it ideal for relaxing and unwinding. The lodge offers accommodation to both luxury and mid-range travelers.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel: The most popular luxury hotel on Lake Kivu’s shoreline. Lake Kivu Serena has big rooms, a bar, a restaurant, a fitness club, a swimming pool, and gorgeous grounds.
Home Saint Jean in Kibuye: This budget-friendly hostel is hidden behind a wayside chapel, just a steep slope down Lake Kivu.
Bethanie Guesthouse: Bethanie Guesthouse, located in Kibuye, is one of the best affordable accommodation options along the Congo Nile Divide Trail. The guest house also organizes boat tours and adventures to explore the several islands in Lake Kivu.
