Congo Nile Trail
Congo Nile Trail is among the leading trail in Rwanda that connects Rwanda and Congo in the eastern side of Rwanda and the west of Congo. This is the most challenging Rwanda’s adventures where visitors engaging in different activities including hiking, biking, and kayaking as they explore the beautiful scenery along the trail this can take a couple of days to explore it in detail.
Congo Nile Trail is found on the coast of Lake Kivu, stretching from the northern part of Rubavu district up to the Rusizi district with about 141 miles approximately 227 km, going through Rutsiro, Karongi, and Nyamasheke. Gisenyi, the capital of the Rubavu District is generally the starting point for the Congo Nile Trail, but you also opt to begin at any point.
Congo Nile Trail takes you about 10- days to be completed the entire hike as you explore the fascinating attractions on Lake Kivu shores, on the other hand, traveler can still hike the trail in different section depending the time you have which offers you an astonishing spectacular view of Lake Kivu coastline and offer adventurous activities that travelers an excite during the discovering of Rwanda which is amazing to see while you’re here.
Rwanda is known as a land of a thousand hills due to the astonishing spectacular scenery and adventure exciting experience along with the country, apart from gorilla trekking, wildlife safari, culture experience and among other hidden gems that have made Rwanda as one of the best destinations in the world
Congo Nile Trail has numerous natural tourist attractions which are amazing to see with your natural eyes from forests, hills, local centers and villages, valleys and other adventure activities that you can explore using different means including bicycling, Kayaking, walking, motorcycling and among others. Through using such means to explore Congo Nile Trail you will need a guiding map, porters to carry your luggage if you have any and English speaking guides
Bicycling along the Congo Nile Trail takes you 5 days exploring the astonishing scenery with lush green vegetation along the way. Biking assures you the panoramic views of the Lake Kivu coastline, tea plantations, and the insight of the daily life of Rwandan which can’t leave you the same. You will also have the opportunity to move at any part of the trail from the wide to narrow roads. Any traveler who wishes to hire a bike at a fee is available at Gisenyi both international and locally made depending on your desire and quality.
Kayaking along the Congo Nile Trail takes you approximately eight days to complete the entire trial which offers you beautiful scenery of Lake Kivu coastline, culture experience and tea plantations among others. Kayaking gives you a detail an opportunity to leave from Kingfisher Journeys and kayaking trip between Gisenyi and Kibuye take you through 4 days
The Congo Nile Trail to Gisenyi heading south and ends in Kamembe takes about 5 days on a bike and other tail from Gisenyi to Kibuye path which can be completed in a day or two which is optional who have limited time but they are wishing to explore Congo Nile Trail
Where to stay
Congo Nile Trail has different accommodation facilities that can cater all travelers from luxury to budget service that are over eight official Congo Nile campsites in addition to several guesthouses along the trail. The Campgrounds are clearly marked on the trail map and are generally well known in the surrounding area. The Emeraude Kivu Resort, Cormoran Lodge, Rushel Kivu Lodge, Kinunu Guesthouse, and Paradis Malahide all offer high-end travelers to mid-range and budget
What to do and see
Congo Nile Trail offers you various attractions and beautiful scenery along its way which can leave you confirming that truly Rwanda is the land of thousand hills from different tea and coffee excursions—such as with Huye Mountain Coffee and Pfunda tea plantation—can be booked in advance, and general market visits, beachside naps, nature walks, and quiet afternoons are also recommended. A traveler who interested to take off the trail, for example, to visit Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park which is located just one hour from Gisenyi and Cyangugu respectively is welcomed. They will have some extra time to trek gorilla or chimpanzee in their natural environment, hike a volcano or two and enjoy the misty green and blue mountains of Nyungwe—Central Africa’s largest montane the rainforest is something unbelievable in a day.
How to reach Congo Nile Trail
Congo Nile Trail is found in the west of Rwanda near DR Congo along the Lake Kivu, which approximately 4 hours’ drive from Kigali the capital of Rwanda, the journey takes you to the northern Rubavu district up to the Rusizi district, take you through Rutsiro, Karongi, and Nyamasheke. Gisenyi, the capital of the Rubavu District is generally the starting point for the Congo Nile Trail, through which can be trek can every day
Best time to do Congo Nile Trail
Rwanda is a safe country that guarantees you security while at your safari in Rwanda meaning that you’re most welcome in the land of thousand hills all year round in a conducive environment with a good climate. The best time to do Congo Nile Trail goes from the months of March to May and October to November, travelers should be wary of attempting the Congo Nile Trail due to the season’s impressive downpours. While there will definitely be some nice and dry days during the rainy season, the weather is just not reliable enough that time of year to plan an extended (and outdoor) adventure.