3-Day Congo Nile Trail Hiking Adventure
Hike or bike the Congo Nile Trail along Lake Kivu
- Duration3 days / 2 nights
- LocationRubavu - Karongi
- Minimum age15+
- DifficultyChallenging
Tour overview
About this journey
The Congo Nile Trail is a hiking and biking trail in Rwanda. The trail can be completed on foot, by bike, or by kayak. The Congo Nile Trail traverses a series of interconnected single paths, dirt roads, and hiking tracks through the tropical Kivu Belt Region on the shores of Lake Kivu. As it stretches along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, hikers on the Congo Nile Trail trek by some of Africa’s few remaining tropical rainforests, and vast coffee plantations.
Trip highlights
- Three stages of the Congo Nile Trail
- Ridge views over Lake Kivu
- Coffee plantations and lakeside villages
- Walk it, or ride it by bike (bike included)
- Starts
- Kigali International Airport
- Ends
- Musasa / Kigali
- Best time
- June–September and December–February (driest trails)
- Style
- Private & tailor-made
Your route
- Rubavu
- Cyimbili
- Kinunu
- Musasa
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
-
Day1
The Congo Nile Trail. The name is as exotic as it is confusing. As the name of an African hiking and biking trail, the name makes you think of two completely different African locations. The name of the hiking trail comes from the fact that the hike passes along the mountain ridge of the African Congo-Nile divide which divides the rainfall into two of Africa’s largest rivers.
All rainfall that falls to the west of this ridge trickles down and eventually ends up in the Congo River. All rainfalls which fall to the east of this ridge eventually end up in the Nile River. On this day, you will have an opportunity to explore 18 km of this great trail starting from Rubavu early morning and ending the hike at Cyimbili where you will sleep.
- Hiking or biking
-
Day2
In the past years, Africa and Rwanda have risen as one of the world’s foremost upcoming ecotourism destinations. Even though Rwanda is mostly known for its mountain gorillas, the country has a lot more to offer than this. Known as the safest and cleanest country in Africa, it’s thousands of rolling hills and welcoming people it has made itself known as one of the best African countries for hiking and biking.
From this day, you will be able to hike from Cyimbili to Kinunu wonders with a great opportunity of having nice views of Lake Kivu, locals, coffee plantations, and birds among many other great things to see.
- Coffee plantations
- Lake views
-
Day3
Since the Congo Nile Trail runs along the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes, the views are magnificent and the friendly smiles of the locals from the villages are sure to charm every visitor. The rolling Rwandan hills and winding roads are amazing and provide great challenges to go through on this hike.
- Final stage
End of your Pride Adventure — with memories for life.
Drive times are approximate. Lodges are confirmed with you when you book, matched to your budget and availability.
Price details
What’s included
Included
- Biking
- Accommodations
- Transportation
- Professional guide
Not included
- International flights
- Tips
- Taxes
- Insurance
Gallery
Photos from the trail
Before you go
Good to know
What to pack
- Broken-in hiking shoes
- Quick-dry clothing and a rain jacket
- Hat and sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Small first-aid kit and blister plasters
- Light change of clothes for evenings
Travel with confidence
- Licensed and insured tours
- Local driver-guides who know every trail
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Permits and lodges booked for you
Questions
Frequently asked
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes. Every Pride Adventure trip is tailor-made. We can add or remove days, change the order, upgrade or downgrade lodges and add activities. Send us a request and we will send you a proposal.
Do I need hiking or biking experience?
You need good basic fitness. Trail days can be long and hilly, but the pace is relaxed and your guide adapts it to the group.
What is the best time to go?
The long dry season (June–September) and the short dry season (December–February) are the easiest for trekking and game drives. The green seasons are quieter, lush and good value.
How do I book?
Send us a request with your dates and group size. We reply within 24 hours with a quote. When you confirm, we book permits and lodges and send you a full travel pack.
Free quote
Request this tour
Tell us your dates and group. We will confirm availability and send you a tailored price within 24 hours.
What travellers say
Traveller testimonials
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