Rwanda’s Congo Nile Trail
Rwanda’s Congo Nile Trail is one of the country’s incredible adventure experiences, although Rwanda’s gorilla trekking safaris are far superior to the Congo Nile Trail. This is because gorilla safaris are so popular, tourists only consider engaging in the Congo Nile as an optional activity. The Rwandan government deserves recognition for its outstanding efforts to guarantee diversity in its tourist destinations. The 2011 establishment of the Congo Nile Trail was a strategy to establish Rwanda as one of Africa’s powerhouses in biking experiences.
The trail covers a stretch of 277 km that passes through Lake Kivu from the northern part of Gisenyi through the southern shores of Ruzizi District. Despite not really passing into Congo or any area close to the Nile River, the trail is named for a point or watershed that divides the two rivers. Perhaps the greatest bike route in East Africa is the Congo Nile Trail. The Congo Nile Trail is the best avenue to take in Rwanda’s pristine landscape and fresh air.
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda’s famous undulating hills, Lake Kivu’s crystal-clear waters and beaches, and a few vistas of the far-off Democratic Republic of the Congo are among the breathtakingly gorgeous landscapes that the trail traverses. In addition to the landscape, you may observe how the people live their lives on the coffee, tea, and banana plantations. Small towns, stores, valleys, waterfalls, tiny local markets, and fishing villages are all along the way, and you are warmly welcomed by happy kids and inquisitive elderly people. After the scenic experience at Lake Kivu, you may be treated to local Rwandan dances when you visit the Mugonero orphanage. Over 17,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo reside in the Kiziba refugee camp, which is close to the trail.
Things to Know about Rwanda’s Congo Nile Trail
Travellers should know that the trail has various ways through which they can explore its unique experience, including using an automobile, bicycle, walking, or motorbikes, among others. Although some of these techniques may be challenging, but offer excellent experiences. Visitors should expect to enjoy Rwanda’s natural beauty, rolling landscapes, and community encounters along the way, among others. Travellers who explore the trail on foot may take about 10 days, and for bikers. However, bikers may decide to explore the trail in segments. However, travellers should be mindful of the rainy seasons, which occur in the months of March to May and October to November. However, the roads and the trails may become slippery, making it hard to hike and bike.
During your Congo Nile Trail, locations like Rwanda Development Board offices in Kigali, Musanze, and Gisenyi provide free maps to help visitors navigate the path, regardless of the route they take. Directions, accurate distances, landmarks, fascinating locations, route adjustments, and the amount of time needed to complete particular trail sections are all indicated on maps. All a lone traveller in Rwanda needs is a map, personal supplies, and self-assurance. High-end tourists in Rwanda have the option to bring their own cooks, guides, and porters with them on the trip.
The best course of action if you are visiting Rwanda is to use a tour operator to handle all of the arrangements before you get there. Taking into account your interests, time, and financial constraints, a tour operator can assist in making arrangements for porters, guides, and other requirements. In addition to renting or purchasing appropriate mountain bikes and associated spare parts, Journeys Uganda can assist you in obtaining the appropriate maps. We have experience setting up transportation to and from the beginning and finishing locations, as well as guides, cooks, and porters.
Rwanda’s Congo Nile Trail: Other parts of the Congo Nile path have distinct features. Hilly regions, dusty roads, and rocky locations are all present. Before you access narrower trails, you will frequently be rising and sloping while sharing the road with other people. Road travellers should exercise caution and keep an eye out for bicycles, cars, and pedestrians.
Hiking Rwanda’s Congo Nile Trail
The bus ride from Kigali to Gisenyi during a road trip in Rwanda takes roughly 3 hours. If you are bringing your own bicycle, you will need to bargain with the bus driver to get additional seats or room for you and your bike. An alternative is to have a tour operator set up a tour van to drive you up to the Gisenyi starting point and then pick you up when you’ve finished the trek. From the finishing site, the trip back to Kigali takes a bit longer. Your trip back to Kigali would take roughly 5 hours if you made a stop in Kamembe.
Physical Fitness
Visitors to engage in biking or walking the entire trail must be in good shape and experienced with mountain biking. The route can be completed in segments if you are unsure of your general level of fitness. This allows you to take stops for enjoyable and refreshing activities like watching the waterfalls, swimming, or enjoying boat or canoe excursions along Lake Kivu.
Renting Services
Moving with your own bike while travelling from abroad is expensive. It may be necessary for you to buy or rent a suitable mountain bike from specialised shops in Kigali or once you get to Gisenyi. On request, Inzu Lodges in Gisenyi may assist with bike rentals. To make sure the bike is in good mechanical condition and that you feel comfortable riding it, make sure you test it yourself.
Accommodation
Major communities, accommodation facilities, stores, marketplaces, and trading centres were all intended to be traversed by the Congo Nile path. Along the walk, it’s easy to buy food, water, and fruits. Most hikers choose to camp for one or more nights near schools and orphanage houses throughout the area, despite several accommodation choices near the trail. Still, the Rwanda Development Board or your tour operator can arrange for tents or connect you with service providers, especially for those who might lack the necessary equipment. The signposts on the trail help hikers find routes and several campgrounds, many of which have tents; therefore, you might only need the basics and light bedding.
Other hotel choices include Cormoran Lodge, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Inzu Lodge Gisenyi, Peace Guest House, Bethanie Guest House Kibuye, Moriah Hill Hotel, Paradise Malahide Gisenyi, L’Esparance Guest House, Kinunu Guest House, Kibogora Guest House, and Home Saint Jean Kibuye.