Congo Nile Trail
Book the 227-kilometer-long Congo Nile Trail to explore rural Rwanda with Superfine Safaris Limited. The adventure trail entails hiking and biking in the local villages of Rwanda along the shores of Lake Kivu in western Rwanda. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in local cultures and traditions as you interact with local people in their local communities. A ride through the rolling hills of Rwanda is a unique experience. The “Congo Nile” is the Congo-Nile Divide, the watershed that separates the drainage basins of the two great African rivers. The trail can be done by either hiking or biking
Congo Nile trail by Hiking
Lasting for about 10 Days of hiking is the best way to experience the Congo Nile trail. The hike on foot via local farms and homesteads is an intimate way to experience and embrace the natural Rwanda. Hiking is an opportunity to meet and interact with local people who share their lifestyles with wide smiles. Stop somewhere in the farm to sip on your drinks and reenergize. A walking stick is a must on this adventure. Stand on the hill and take magical photos of the beautiful Rwanda
Congo Nile Trail by Biking
For bikers, the Congo Nile Trail is rated as one of the best biking routes in East Africa. A ride through the hills, tea farms, and local communities is an adventure worth doing. Biking is a suitable option for travelers with limited time. Enjoy a ride through rocky areas and unpaved layers, which require some stamina. You require between 4- 6 days to have a complete bike tour. Superfine Safaris provides you with mountain bikes to ease your adventure
Sections and Routes of the Congo Nile Trail
The famous Congo Nile trail starts from Gisenyi, Rubavu in the lakeside town ending in Rusizi, Kamembe in southern Rwanda near Nyungwe Forest National Park. The trail takes you through the districts of Rutsiro, Karongi, and Nyamasheke
Activities long the Congo Nile trail
The Congo Nile trail is not a trail but rather a collection of different activities and experiences. These activities include
Cultural encounters
YES, the trail takes you through local communities in the country side of Rwanda rewarding you with an opportunity to meet and interact with local people. Meet up with indigenous people of the areas, learn and experience their daily lifestyles, traditions, norms and customs. Ride or walk to the local markets and farms to interact with local people. Engage in local activities such as digging and local beer brewing among others.
Scenic viewing and Photography
The trail reward you with scenic views of Rwanda’s beautiful landscapes, communities and Lake Kivu. Shoot nice photos from uphill covering the whole of Rwanda and neighboring communities.
Agro tourism
While you ride or hike through Rwanda’s tea and coffee plantation farms, you get time to learn about farming in the area. A visit to a tea farm is a chance to learn all processes that coffee go through from plantation to consumption. Travelers are sometimes served coffee fresh from the farm!
Bird watching
For birders, the Congo Nile trail is a chance to see some exotic birds! The trail takes you through swamps, forests and other habitats of some bird species which you will definitely see. You can see up to 300 bird species both endemic and migratory!
Water sports activities on Lake Kivu
Enjoy different watersports activities on your Congo Nile trail at Lake kivu. These include kayaking, boat cruising, smiling, island tour to the Napoleon island, sunbathing, sport fishing and canoeing among others.
Best time for Congo Nile Trail
The experience is best time in the dry season from June to early October and December to February. The trails are dry and less slippery making it easy to hike to ride through. Also, the weather if sunny with no rains to disrupt. However, you can still do the Congo Nile trail throughout the year.
What to pack for Congo Nile trail
Travelers are reminded to pack light but essential gears when going for the trail. These include hiking shoes, garden gloves, rain jacket, insect repellants, bottled drinking water and energy giving snacks. Your are advised to have a local guide well versed with local communities and the routes
5 Days Congo Nile Trail by Biking
Be part of this 5 Days Congo Nile trail from north to south of Rwanda guided by Superfine Safaris Limited
Day 1: Gisenyi (Rubavu) to Kinunu
Today you will cover 4 kilometers starting from Gisenyi town riding uphill. Begin your journey in the vibrant lakeside town of Gisenyi riding uphill through Nkora fishing village to see how local fisher men prepare their boats and nets. Ride through tea and coffee plantations. Overnight stay in Kinunu village
Day 2: Kinunu to Kibuye (Karongi)
Rise up early, have breakfast and start the 60 kilometers ride! The journey is the most difficult and long ride as you maneuver through the numerous rolling hills. Enjoy the scenic views of lake kivu, local communities and Virunga volcanoes. Dinner and overnight in Kibuye
Day 3: Kibuye to Mugonero
Have breakfast and go for the 35 kilometers ride which is the shores of the 5 days. Enjoy a more relaxed ride climbing to one of the highest points of the trip at over 1,887 meters, offering spectacular views. Visit the tea factory to learn on the tea planting and processing. Dinner and overnight in Mugonero
Day 4: Mugonero to Kibogora
Today’s ride covers between 30-40 kilometers as you descend toward Lake Kivu. The ride offers you great views of Lake Kivu, islands, fishing villages, and local communities nearby. Dinner and overnight in Kibogora
Day 5: Kibogora to Rusizi (Kamembe)
Today’s ride stretches for 60 kilometers as you transfer from Kibogora to Rusizi. Some parts of this ride are done on the tarmac road, which makes it easier. You will finish in Rusizi, the major town in the southern region of Rwanda
Conclusively, Congo Nile Trail is a journey through the “land of a thousand hills, rewarding you with magical encounters and lifetime memories in the rural part of Rwanda.
Contact Superfine Safaris for a customized Congo Nile trail adventure