This Congo Nile trail is along the famous Lake Kivu that extends from Rubavu and then goes through the Rustiro via the Karongi, the Nyamasheke districts and the end of Rusizi district. The trail is 227km and is filled with land scape that includes the clear water as well as the rolling hills. This trek can be completed in 10 days and can also be done in sections for travellers who do not have time to complete the whole trail. The trail gives very stunning views of Lake Kivu and also gives the travellers a good way to discover Rwanda.
You can also enjoy biking along the Congo Nile trail and can be completed in 5 days with good views as well as the immersive cultural experiences along the way. This trail appeals to the travellers and is also a good way to adventure Rwanda. The trail can also be divided in case the guest’s don’t have time to complete the 5 days journey.
Even though you like this trail with the pedals, paddles, Rwanda Development Board will give you a well detailed map for free and any of their offices in Gisenyi, Musanze or in Kigali. This will help to point you in all the right directions, the walking times, elevation changes, as well as the camping facilities. RDB map is all you need to get from Gisenyi to Kamembe and everywhere. Even though you have the time to finish the 10 days, there is variety of the stretch of the trail and the map features and the trod sub trails at shagi, Pfunda, and Gisovu. There are also side trips from the trail as well as RDB that can help you blade over to the Nkombo Island and in case you want to extend your tour more.
When planning your safari, it may seem like there are many options when it comes to exploring this trail, but there is no any wrong way to do it. With only 227km of the beautiful forest, plantations, villages and the vistas over the lake, it doesn’t matter if you have got 1 day or 10 days, by this you are sure to come out smiling. Since the area has got a lot of security and the villages welcoming you along the way, the self-guided back packers can also hike the trail end to end with few supplies, confidence and a good map.
Biking can also be done along this trail and will allow you explore the trail in the shortest time ever, biking is a fantastic way to get out and also explore this Congo Nile trail and you will have no shortage of the yellow cyclists and you will be joined by other cyclists. For those who might be short of time and don’t want to miss a metre of this Congo Trail, can do the trip on a bike and cut the 0 day hiking time by more than half and the RDB can work out the itinerary for you. In case you don’t have a bicycle of your own, they will show you one of the several specialized mountain biking outfitters. For the riders who are shorter on time, it’s possible to tackle any section of the trail in short stages that will either have you back at your hotel by nightfall
Hiking is also part of the Congo trail and with twelve coffee washing stations, three cities, three tea plantations, many villages and beaches, waterfalls, coves, valleys , the Congo Nile trail is a true paradise and also offers some of the finest hiking to be enjoyed in the east and central Africa. The hike is challenging though rewarding, it has got a peak elevation of over 2630m and its serious work out to boot. This full 227km route will take 10 days to complete on foot and cab approached in sections that are based on your ability as well as interests. The hike can be booked from RDB offices and you can get to explore the Trail.
Camping can also be done along this trail, there are over eight serviced and well-marked campsites that are spaced out along the Congo Nile trail and also the basic accommodation at the coffee washing stations as well as a full range of the guest houses in the major towns. Many of the visitors prefer to camp where possible and you can have 6 nights on the classic 10 day through the hike. RDB can arrange the hire of tents, the sleeping bags, and other equipment’s for those who need them or will direct you an outfitter who can.