The Congo Nile Trail is one of the most iconic, best hiking and biking trails in Africa. The trail is from Rubavu through Rutsiro via the districts of Nyamasheke and Karongi, ending in Rusizi.
It covers 227km with beautiful landscapes, tropical rain forests, coffee plantations, beaches, and rolling hills through the tropical Kivu belt region on the shores of Lake Kivu.
The trail can be completed on foot, bike, or by kayak (canoe). It consists of a series of interconnected single paths, roads, and hiking tracks.
The Congo Nile trail offers a unique safe experience for hiking and biking offering tourists an exciting way of discovering and enjoying their time in Rwanda.
The locals along the trail supplement more to its uniqueness because of the cultural and customary tour they provide.
The trail is along the coastline of Lake Kivu where the tourists get to view the stunning views of the lake coastline together with the cool breeze.
Trekking the trail may take five to ten days, but it can also be done in sections in case the trekkers feel they can’t do the whole trail. There are overnight stopovers along the trail where the hikers and bikers can plan to conquer the trail.
Dirt roads and single dirt roads make up the trail and these are only accessible by hiking or biking.
The trail has two different routes which cross at different points and overlap at certain places; one is from Gisenyi as you head south and ends in Kamembe, and the other route Gisenyi to Kibuye which is shorter and can be completed in less days.
Rwanda as a country is safe with a minimal crime rate hence making hiking possible as tourists/ hikers can pitch tents at any point along the trail.
The hospitality of the Rwandese is unmatched, the people are very welcoming and friendly making it possible for inquiries and interactions by the tourists/hikers.
A point to note is that foreign tourists excite the local people, they are always curious to interact with them despite the language differences.
Nevertheless, the locals ensure they offer support when you are in need even when there is a communication gap.
Hiking along the trail presents various learning opportunities when it comes to agriculture as there are various plantations for tea, coffee and bananas.
Coffee tours are always organized by Coopracaci coffee cooperative, Rushel Kivu Lodge, and Kinuni Guesthouse. Whereas tea tours are organized by the Pfunda Tea Factory all located along the trail.
Another eye-catching agricultural scenery are the traditional beehives made from banana fibers which are found hanging on trees along the trail, tourists can get a taste of the local honey that is harvested a couple of times a year, and why not also participate in the harvesting itself which can be an experience.
Along the trail, foreign hikers can associate themselves with the local culture and festivals like weddings among others. These always have cultural dances, and local brews which provide a whole different experience from the normal life of a trekker.
Locals also do engage in the making of local crafts from pottery and papyrus. These crafts are always beautiful and a must-add to anyone’s collection along the trail. In addition, buying the crafts enhances the incomes and development of the local communities built along the trail.
Along the trail are vast national parks where tourists can go and view wildlife in case they need a break off the trail, these include Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park. The trail passes next to each of these national parks
Other activities along the Congo – Nile trail
Boat trips on Lake Kivu. These take visitors to different islands in the interior like Napoleon Island which is the most recommended as it hosts the straw-colored fruit bats and a hike to the peak of the island gives a splendid view of the surroundings.
The lake also offers the night fishing experience. You stay with fishermen throughout the night the same way as their ancestors before.
Where to stay?
Refreshment points, relaxing points and accommodation facilities do exist along the trail. The trail has got some beaches as well where the tourists can go relax and have a dip after a long day on the trail.
Rwanda Development Board set up eight serviced campsites and these don’t require booking in advance, but also many guest houses in different towns along the trail exist.
Tourists can as well carry their own tents and sleeping bags or hire from Rwanda Development Board and other operators.
The trail offers unexplored experiences and for anyone looking for a safe genuine hiking or biking experience away from home, the Congo Nile trail is the place to go.