(A nature interaction like no other)

The Congo Nile Trail Adventure is an enthusiastic hiking and biking trail in Rwanda that can be completed on foot, by bike, or by kayak. The Congo Nile Trail twists and turns through a series of interconnected paths, dirt roads, and hiking tracks through the tropical Kivu Belt Region just on the Lake Kivu shores.

As it stretches along the scenic shores, hikers on the Congo Nile Trail have an opportunity to trek through one of Africa’s few remaining tropical montane rain forests, vast coffee plantations, and hidden beaches as walking the entire route can take up to 10 days and is usually hosted by locals.  With a peak elevation of approximately 2630 meters, the hiker will be in for a formidable workout. For anyone looking to level up their hiking experience, it’s not over until you take on the Congo Nile trail, and few trails in Africa can match the experience of the Congo Nile trail.

WHY THE CONGO NILE TRAIL IS CALLED SO?

The Congo Nile trail derives its name from the fact that it is located on the lush ridge that separates two African great rivers; river Nile and the Congo River. Streams flow westwards to form the early stages of the Congo River while the westward rainfall forms what is believed to be the furthest source of river Nile in Nyungwe National Park. A host of accommodation facilities and local shops are lined along the trail to provide refreshments and a night’s rest while on the hiking adventure. Interested hikers along the Congo Nile trail have the chance to explore Lake Kivu waters with boat rides, kayaking, and island visits.

WHAT TO EXPECT ALONG THE CONGO NILE TRAIL; HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONGO NILE TRAIL?

On your next Congo Nile Adventure trail, a few key places are most likely to catch your eye among the beautiful sceneries, lush vegetation, and challenging landscapes.

Gisenyi town.

Being the Congo Nile starting point, it is a remarkable and vibrant town harbored on the northern shores of Lake Kivu. 

Its proximity to the DRC offers a precious opportunity to watch live scenes of the Nyiragongo volcano. Gisenyi town is also a relaxation center with a sandy beach, a golf course, a brewery, and a hot spring.

Kinunu fishing village

Sitting on Lake Kivus’s eastern shores, it is one of the country’s coffee-producing localities on top of the aquatic life.

 Hikers can get a chance to learn more about coffee growing and production so an interested tourist can support the local community by carrying a bag or two to their homeland.

Farming along the Congo Nile trail.

While taking on the Congo Nile trail, a tourist will be amazed by the different cash and food crops grown, processed, and produced in the surrounding areas, 

Tea harvesting tours are a great way to get first-hand information about tea growing and production. Tourists will also be lucky to get hands-on experience harvesting tea in the company of local harvesters.

Sorghum is another cash crop they grow across the Congo Nile trail. On the sorghum tour, visitors will get insights into the whole process of using coffee to make a local brew. 

Ekigage is a thick brew from sorghum and part of traditional ceremonies across Rwanda. Hikers can get a glorious chance to take a sip. 

Several other interesting farming practices include beekeeping and honey harvesting on top of the famous banana plantations. These are some of the major sources of daily food for the locals.

Our local guide will make sure you have an enticing hiking experience. The techniques and tactics of farming along the Congo Nile trail are explained, elaborated, and sometimes practiced.

Kibuye town

Harbored at the  Lake Kivu peninsula, several different activities will be on your to-do list while on the lake.  

Kibuye town offers boat trips to several islands. The most interesting of the islands is Karongi; a Napoleon Island that hosts a large colony of straw-colored fruit bats. A nice scenic view perfect for a picnic. 

Kibuye town is also a charming and historical town with a genocide memorial church. A vibrant market, and a cultural center which all add to its allure.

Nyungwe national park

While on your Congo Nile Adventure trail, A rewarding biodiverse experience awaits you in the renowned Nyungwe Forest National Park; Rwanda’s largest national park which is occupied by one of Africa’s intact natural montane rainforests. 

 It is also home to over 300 bird species around 75 mammal species and 13 primate species including the chimpanzees, golden and colobus monkeys. 

Nyungwe forest hike can also be a chance to have an eagle’s eye view of the vast tropical rainforest trees on the famous canopy walk.

Craftsmanship along the Congo Nile trail

A variety of residents have and keep organising cooperative groups aimed at producing locally made crafts. Several materials like fabric, fibers, leaves, cotton, raffia, bamboo items, wood, hides, and skins of domestic animals are essential in curving out and designing a variety of products that are readily available at friendly prices.

These women cooperatives in Kiguri Pottery in Rubavu or Kigano Pottery at Ishara Beach outside Nyamasheke next to Gishwati Forest are always excited to welcome tourists who can participate in the crafting process of purchasing some of their locally made products.

They train, work, and support each other in developing their skills and improving so they carry on the practice to generations.

Night fishing on Lake Kivu

It is dusk and lest do you feel like sleeping off yet? If so, there is a hidden treasure awaiting its discovery: the Lake Kivu night fishing. 

This activity presents a rare opportunity for visitors to take part in the night fishing as the local fishermen guide their nets into the water with a glorious lake view produced by the light reflections from the kibuye “peninsula” town. 

The experience becomes interesting by the singing melodies of the locals and the fading sounds of their neighbouring fishermen all in search of the samba fish, a lake kivu endemic. All this is not only entertaining but also mind-blowing as all these fishing skills pass on from generation to generation.

Route sections of the Congo Nile trail

The Congo Nile trail is divided into 10 sections each with varying and unique challenges across its entire about 228km which can take between 2 to 10 days depending on several factors. They include:

• The 16km Rubavu-Cyimbiri trail.
• The 13km Cyimbiri-Kinunu trail.
• The 24km Kinunu-Bumba trail.
• The 15km Bumba-Karongi trail.
• The challenging 19km Karongi-Mugonero trail.
• The challenging 22km Mugonero-Karengera.
• The 14km Karengera-Kumbya trail.
• The 13km Kumbya-Ishara trail.
• The 24km Ishara-Shangi trail.
• The final 18km Shangi-Kamembe trail section.

NB; Kindly note that the above distances are approximate and not exact.

Where to stay along the Congo Nile Trail.

A variety of accommodation options are available ranging from budget to luxury services. Some of the accommodation facilities along the Congo Nile hike include. Kinunu Guest House and Rushel Kivu Lodge in Kinunu, Dian Fossey Hotel and Bumba Base Camp in Bumba. Kumbya Retreat Centre, and Karengera High School for basic budget accommodation among others,

What to prepare for the Congo Nile trail 

A tourist visa can be obtained from the migration website of Rwanda before embarking on your trip to this beautiful nation.

• Long-sleeved attire: It is advisable to choose the longest-sleeved shirts and trousers while parking for a Congo Nile trail hike. These can offer you protection from the insects, coldness, and stinging vegetation along the pathways.
• Waterproof sturdy hiking shoes. For steep and slippery terrain, you will need ankle-protecting shoes that can support you through the rugged terrain.
• Garden gloves; provide extra protection and safety as you hold onto rocks and tree branches along the trails seeking support.
• Hat;  sometimes it can get hotter and you need extra guard on your face and neck. A hat also offers protection from overhead falling debris
• Insect repellant. The wild is naturally insect-infested and some of which can be dangerous to our health. Applying an insect repellant before your Congo Nile trail will be a big advantage.
• A warm jacket; High elevations, dusk, or dawn could all be chilly moments of your hike. THEREFORE carrying a warm jacket or jumper for layering up will keep you from the effects of these extreme conditions. 

Getting to and from the Congo Nile Trail

The Congo Nile Trail traverses along the  Kivu Belt Region in Rwanda while the towns of Rubavu, Karongi, or Rusizi are perfect bases from where one can start or end the Congo Nile Trail. 

These towns are an easy access from Kigali by bus or private car. Offering all you desire as far as service, food, and accommodation are concerned. Several public bus operators offer daily departures from Kigali. Most buses depart from Nyabugogo Taxi Park in Kigali to any of your preferred starting points. 

A ticket aboard any of the buses is available electronically at the bus station on departure time or in advance. 

A return journey after the Congo Nile adventure trail uses the same route. From your ending point of choice back to Kigali or any other destination.

when is the best time to have the congo nile adventure?

The best time to do the Congo Nile trail is during one of Rwanda’s two dry seasons. In the months of June, July, August and September or January and February. When the downpour is less, shrubs are shorter, trails passable and wild life easily observable.

Make the move,  take the trail

Have you always wanted to have a muscle stretch on a walk or a bike ride? Moreover in the company of beautiful bird sounds, scenic views, challenging terrain, and creative residents all in one package. Then take the Congo Nile adventure trail which will offer you a lifelong experience,

Shimmering lakes, lush rainforest tops, and ascending mountain climaxes will bring you the closest to nature interaction before you learn about the rich local culture that usually comes with a local item package.

Congo Nile trail has claimed its reputation not just as a hike but also as an inspiration of boundless possibilities evidenced by each mile covered by those who dare embark on this thrilling, wholesome, and captivating journey of deep nature interaction.

Our expert team is always available: For any inquiries and free price quotations. We shall ensure that your Congo Nile trail experience will not only be life life-changing but also enriching.