Explore the Congo Nile trail in Rwanda — Walking, Hiking and cycling

Explore the Congo Nile trail in Rwanda – Hiking experience and biking trips to see coffee and tea plantations

Explore the Congo Nile trail in Rwanda – 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 Gisenyi to Cyangugu– the southern end of Lake Kivu. Between Gisenyi and Cyangugu are several natural tourist attractions ranging from forests, hills, local towns and villages, valleys and many others. This offers tourists on the trail to experience Rwanda’s village life plus sounds of nature especially from the bird species that can be sighted while on the trail.

The Congo trail can be explored using various means which include walking, cycling and motorcycling and all these have advantages and disadvantages depending on individual preferences and opinion; walking for example may be hard especially while going uphill and using a motorcycle maybe 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 will easily move to any part in the trail from the wide roads to narrow footpaths, uphill or downhill.

The trail from Gisenyi to Cyangugu covers a distance of 227 kilometres which can be completed in 10 days while hiking or 5 days while biking however in can be split up if the tourist does not have that much time for a 10 days hike or 5 days biking. For all the tourists interested in hiking, Rwanda is very secure and they will just need a few supplies to take them through the journey. They will however need a guiding map and if they have a lot of staff to carry, porters for hire is available as well as English speaking guides. More information about a visit to the Congo Nile Trail can be obtained from Great Adventure Safaris.

The time you need to explore the Congo Nile Trail depends on your interests and can always be adjusted, there are two options of Congo Nile Trail adventure, some tourists may want do it on foot which can take 8 days to 10 days to complete the 227 kilometres this also depends on your fitness of all group members you are walking with. Many of our clients cycling trail which is easier so you can choose cycling or walk on foot, you may have to go with your own food but there are many small town and trading centres along the trail where you can stop and buy food.

What to pack for Congo Nile Trail Tour

For those who are cycling please remember to take some spare parts with you like tires, pumps and other tool kits which you may need along the way, Cyclists will need to pack items such as sleeping bags, warm clothing, gloves and biking shoes. You also need to wear helmets, sunglasses and masks to protect from dust. Also you must be fit for you to participate in this challenging Congo Nile Trail tour.

Trail options

There are different Congo Nile paths and duration options that can be used in the Congo Nile Trail. The first option is from Gisenyi heading south and ends in Kamembe. This can be completed in 5 days on a bike without mechanical problems. The other option can be using the Gisenyi to Kibuye path which can be completed in a day or two. This best works for tourists who don’t have time.

Accommodation around

There are about eight well serviced campsites along the Congo Nile trail that were set up by the Rwanda Development Board which do not necessarily require booking in advance. There are also various guest houses especially in major towns and many campsites in local villages linked to local schools and orphanages. It’s therefore better to have your own sleeping tents and sleeping bags and if you don’t have them, you can hire them through the Rwanda Development Board or other operators with gears for hire.

The major guest houses along the Congo trail where one can sleep include Kinunu guest house, peace guest house, Home Saint Jean guest house, Kibogora guest house, Bethanie guest house among others. All these charges between 5000-30,000 Rwandan francs for accommodation and meals that are Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. The Congo trail is a little challenging and therefore to manage it well especially if you have chosen the biking option, you need to get the right bike that will match with your desires and needs. Many bikes are available for hire especially in Gisenyi but might be a little expensive especially the giant mountain bikes. Some may not be of your desired quality and some of them are locally made with 21 speed limits but without shocks. You can purchase your own new or used bike plus racks and spare parts if you don’t want to hire.

The major equipment’s one will need for a successful and less disturbing Congo Nile trail include a sleeping sack, spare parts for those using motorcycles and bikes, a few clothes, toiletries, sun glasses, scarf or sweater to manage the cold nights, a dust mask, water and snacks.Contact Great Adventure Safaris now to book a trip to explore the Congo Nile trail in Rwanda.