Hiking in Scenic Trails: Gishwati and Mukura forests offer some of the most scenic and beautiful hiking trails in Rwanda. The lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, and stunning views provide a truly immersive nature experience.
Camping in the Heart of Nature: Camping in the forests/Bitenga base camp provides a unique opportunity to experience the wilderness up close. The sounds of the forest at night and the starry skies above make for an unforgettable camping experience.
Farm Experience: Along the way, you’ll have the chance to visit local farms and learn about traditional agriculture practices in the area. You’ll have the opportunity to see how crops like tea, coffee, and bananas are grown and harvested, and you’ll get to taste some of the local produce.
Cow Experience: In addition to visiting farms, you’ll also have the chance to learn about traditional cow-keeping practices in Rwanda. You’ll get to meet local farmers and see how cows are milked and cared for, and you’ll get to try some of the fresh milk and cheese.
Cultural Immersion: The expedition offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. You’ll meet friendly locals, learn about their customs, and get a firsthand look at their way of life.
Itinerary
8:00 AM – Meet Your Guide: Meet your guide at the entrance of Gishwati Forest /Kivumu center and begin your adventure.
9:00 AM – Start Hiking: Embark on a scenic hike through the lush green hills of the vicinity of Gishwati Forest. Your guide will take you on a route that passes through scenic viewpoints.
11:00 AM – Lunch Break: Take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of nature.
1:00 PM – Cow Experience: After lunch, visit a local cow farm and learn about traditional cow-keeping practices in Rwanda. Meet friendly farmers and see how cows are milked and cared for, and taste some of the fresh milk and cheese.
12:00 PM – Continue Hiking: After your cow experience, continue your hike through the stunning hills of Gishwati Forest.
12:30am: Hot lunch at Bitenga base camp after lunch you will descend to Bitenga Primary school and meet your drive and campers will stay and check out next morning.
Overall, this one-day itinerary offers the perfect mix of hiking, cultural experiences, and nature. With the chance to hike through beautiful scenery, visit a local farm, learn about cow-keeping, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of nature, this expedition is sure to be a memorable experience.
About the Organizer
Beyond the Gorillas Experience (BGE) is a tourism company based in vicinity of Volcanoes National Park (VNP). BGE operates in the whole country but it has the main offices in Musanze and Gakenke Districts located in the Northern Province/Rwanda.
Beyond the Gorillas Experience has a focus on promoting experiences outside of the national park for the sake of including local communities in tourism and helping visitors to see more and genuine experiences in Rwanda.
$30 includes:
Experienced Guide
Water
$ 80 includes:
Experienced Guide
Water
Hiking Gear
Camping Gear
Porter
Lunch
Highlights
Hike the Riverside trail
Hike through several traditional Rwandan villages,
See some of the greenest hills in Africa
Includes
Water
English/French/Kinyarwanda Speaking Guide
(Optional) Hot meal & drinks
(Optional) Hiking Gear
(Optional) Camping Gear
(Optional) Porter
More information
1 day
Requires moderate fitness
12 Kms hiking (3 hours)
Departure at 08:00 from Kivumu Center
This product cannot be cancelled once booked, but rescheduled
Hike to the top of Mt. Muhungwe, Rwanda’s tallest non volcanic mountain!
Breathtaking Scenery: Mount Muhungwe offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, as well as a unique perspective of nearby Lake Kivu. The hike will take you through dense forests, rugged terrain, and past cascading waterfalls, providing a truly immersive nature experience.
Wildlife Encounters: The hike through Mount Muhungwe will give you the chance to spot a variety of wildlife such as colorful bird species which makes the hike a truly unique experience.
Cultural Immersion: The hike through Mount Muhungwe will take you through several traditional Rwandan villages, where you can experience the local culture, meet the friendly locals and learn about their customs and traditions.
Physical Challenge: The hike through Mount Muhungwe is a challenging one, and requires a good level of fitness. It is an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself and push your limits while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.
Unique Adventure: Hiking Mount Muhungwe is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories. The combination of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and physical challenge makes this hike a truly unique and rewarding experience.
Itinerary
8:00 AM – Start the Hike: Begin your hike at the base of Mount Muhungwe, which is located about 01hour drive from Musanze outside of the town of Musanze. You’ll be accompanied by a local guide who will provide you with information about the hike and the surrounding area.
8:00-09:00 AM – Hike to the Summit: As you continue the hike, the terrain will become steeper and more challenging. The last stretch of the hike will require some scrambling and climbing, but the reward is well worth it. Once you reach the summit, take some time to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
11:30 AM – Descend the Mountain: After spending some time at the summit, it’s time to start the descent back down the mountain. The descent will be easier than the ascent, but it’s important to take your time and watch your step on the sometimes slippery terrain.
1:00 PM – Return to the Base: You’ll arrive back at the base of Mount Muhungwe around 2:00 PM. Take some time to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch with your guide. This is also a great opportunity to reflect on your experience and take in the stunning views of the mountain one last time.
Overall, this 5-hour itinerary will give you a great taste of the natural beauty and physical challenge of hiking Mount Muhungwe in Rwanda. Of course, if you have more time, it’s always possible to extend the hike and explore the area in more depth.
About the Organizer
Beyond the Gorillas Experience (BGE) is a tourism company based in vicinity of Volcanoes National Park (VNP). BGE operates in the whole country but it has the main offices in Musanze and Gakenke Districts located in the Northern Province/Rwanda.
Beyond the Gorillas Experience has a focus on promoting experiences outside of the national park for the sake of including local communities in tourism and helping visitors to see more and genuine experiences in Rwanda.
$30 includes:
Experienced Guide
Water
$60 includes:
Experienced Guide
Water
Hiking Gears
Porter
Lunch
Highlights
Hike Rwanda’s tallest non volcanic volcano
Hike through several traditional Rwandan villages, where you can experience the local culture
See a variety of local birds in the forest on the side of the mountain
Includes
Water
Optional meal
English/French/Kinyarwanda Speaking Guide
Transport to and from Gisenyi or Musanze
More information
5 hours
Requires moderate fitness
Departure at 08:00
This product cannot be cancelled once booked, but rescheduled
During this 2 day tour, visitors can experience genuine activities with the communities surrounding Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Hike the Riverside Trail combined with tea tour, traditional songs and dances, art works, milking and other activities.
Tour plan summary
Day 1:
Briefing and Departure from Rubavu
Benimana Hill Tea trail (Storytelling: Benimana story) and traditionally prepared tea tasting at Nteko community known as Gishwati Community Heritage (GCH).
Traditional songs and dances by Nteko by GCH
Gishwati Community Heritage (GCH) arts and handcrafts
Gishwati-Mukura National Park history at RDB
Milk collection center visit
Gishwati Riverside trail hiking (Storytelling: Riverside story and commentaries on Gishwati forest, villages, cows’ farms, valleys, hills, rivers)
Camping at Bitenga Base camps
Rwandan traditional evening (Storytelling: The Rwandan flute story and performing arts )
Day 2: (half day)
Cow keeping experience and its interpretation
Cow milking and Ghee making and its interpretation
Return to Rubavu
Tour package inclusion:
Lunch (traditional food)
Supper
A bottle of water
A cup of traditionally prepared tea
Tour Guide
Transport (from and to Gisenyi including a car to help those who can get tired or any problem during hiking
Accommodation (camping)
All hiking attractions
Community activities
About the Organizer
Kivu Belt Village Tours Ltd is a community-based enterprise founded by the native and tourism experts of the Kivu Belt Destination. The enterprise mainly offers historical, traditional and nature tourism activities. Its products and services include agricultural and cattle keeping experiences, cultural experiences, hiking, biking and boating experiences, camping, fishing, bird watching, home stay experience, etc. in the Kivu Belt Destination.
To be different from others, Kivu belt Village tours, ensures that its tours and experiences are:
100% safety guaranteed;
Offered with Reliable and safe transportation by e.g. bus, 4×4, bicycles, boats, canoes, etc.
Provided with respect of the Rwandan cultural values
Offered with Good knowledge of the environmental issues, what will be our footprint.
In different package deals including special activities for the different target groups available such as age categories and other special groups (all-in package deals).
Kivu Belt Village Tours share all profits with the Kivu Belt destination communities
Groups of 1-4, 250,000 Rwf
Groups of 5+, 135,000 Rwf
Highlights
Hike the riverside trail
Visit Gishwati farms, the greenest hills in Africa
Try some genuine experiences with locals
Includes
Drinks
Meals
English Speaking Guide
Transport to and from Gisenyi
camping in tents
More information
2 days
Suitable for children
Departure in the morning from Gisenyi
This product cannot be cancelled once booked, but rescheduled
This is a hiking experience (mixed with walking and boating) of almost 18 kms done within the first stage of the Congo Nile Trail where the landscape is amazing and changes all the time. Sometimes you go through small villages, local shops, valleys, along coasts of Lake Kivu, past banana trees and coffee plantations etc., and by going up and down you get lucky to access the beautiful view over the Lake Kivu. Furthermore you interact with local people all along the trail. The Hike starts from Rubavu and ends at Umwakira Kivu Coffee, Rwinyoni Village, Kivumu sector, Rutsiro District). At this place, you learn the entire making process from seed to the finished product and you participate in some of the coffee making process activities such as roasting and pounding the coffee beans using traditional wooden mortar and pestle and a clay pot, winnowing and sieving using winnower basket and sieve to get the finished powder of coffee. Finally, using a largely open clay pot, you can now heat water over a fire and mix your own fresh cup of Rwandan coffee and taste. After sharing lunch (local food) with the community, its representatives accompany you to the lake shore from which a boat picks you back to the hotel.
Activity plan summary
Briefing (at Gisenyi, close to Bralirwa)
Start hiking the CNT going through amazing landscapes composed by small villages, small hills, local shops, valleys by also going along coasts of lake Kivu, past banana trees and coffee plantations;
Make the stop-over at Umwakira Kivu Coffee, Rwinyoni Cell, Kivumu Sector, for the traditionally prepared coffee experience (learn the entire process of coffee making from seed , finished product and taste)
Receive the traditionally prepared coffee (souvenirs)
Relax with a small walk to the lake shore to take a boat for going back
Continue the relaxation with Boating tour back to Gisenyi
Arrival at the lake Kivu beach
De-briefing (at the beach)
About the Organizer
Kivu Belt Village Tours Ltd is a community-based enterprise founded by the native and tourism experts of the Kivu Belt Destination. The enterprise mainly offers historical, traditional and nature tourism activities. Its products and services include agricultural and cattle keeping experiences, cultural experiences, hiking, biking and boating experiences, camping, fishing, bird watching, home stay experience, etc. in the Kivu Belt Destination.
To be different from others, Kivu belt Village tours, ensures that its tours and experiences are:
100% safety continously guaranteed;
Offered with Reliable and safe transportation by e.g. bus, 4×4, bicycles, boats, canoes, etc.
Provided with respect of the Rwandan cultural values
Offered with Good knowledge of the environmental issues, what will be our footprint.
In different package deals including special activities for the different target groups available such as age categories and other special groups (all-in package deals).
Profits are shared with the Kivu Belt destination communities.
Groups of 1-4, 177,000 Rwf including guide, boat and coffee experience
Groups of 5+, 76,700 Rwf including guide, boat and coffee experience
Groups of 1-4, 566,400 Rwf including guide, boat and coffee experience plus 2 overnights in Rubavu and transfer from Kigali
Groups of 5+, 277,300 Rwf including guide, boat and coffee experience plus 2 overnights in Rubavu and transfer from Kigali
Highlights
Hike The Congo Nile Trail
Experience how coffee is grown and processed in Rwanda
Meet at the office on the main road at the Rubavu-Nyabihu Border Your guide will meet you at the Ibere rya Bigogwe office on the main road. The office is easily located by the arch which marks the border between Rubavu and Nyabihu Districts.
Hiking to Ibere rya Bigogwe Your guide will start with a briefing about the day ahead. After the briefing you will start your hike towards Ibere rya Bigogwe. Ibere rya Bigogwe is a large rock formation and a famous land mark in the area. The start of the hike takes you through the villages around Bigogwe. After 20 minutes of hiking you will reach the bottom of the rock. The hike continues up the hillsides towards the top of Ibere rya Bigogwe. This part of the hike is a bit steeper and more challenging but passes through a forest. After another 1 hour of hiking you will reach the top of the rock. From here you have a splendid view over the surrounding landscape and you can see Mt. Karisimbi in Volcanoes National Park and Mt. Nyiragongo and Mikeno in DRC. If the weather is clear you will see all the way to Gisenyi town. There is also a meditation point at the top commonly used for praying by locals. Enjoy some cheese and fruit while listening to the story about how this rock got its name. Your guide will also introduce you to some local plants and their traditional uses. Return by hiking to Bigogwe town.
Travel by moto to the farms (by car if you have your own) After the hiking to Ibere rya Bigogwe it is time to set off for the farms. The same way as locals in the area, you will travel on the back of a motorbike to the farms. The views of the landscape are breathtaking as you leave the main road behind and travel up the hills. A photo stop is usually made at one of the best view points. The trip takes around 30 minutes. Helmet is provided.
Explore the green hills of the farmlands Once you reach the farms, your guide will introduce you to the cows and cowboys. You will dress in a colorful shuka or rumbiya, the traditional attire of cattle keepers and get a Inkoni, a stick carried by all cattle keepers. Learn about the history of the green hills of Bigogwe, stories about cows and the traditional Rwandan life connected to cows. The hills at the farms are some of most lush and green hills in Africa.
Lunch A traditional lunch is served outside on the hillside of the farms at Bigogwe.
Milking the cows and tasting of fresh milk Milking in Bigogwe is done by hands in traditional cans or ibyansi like inkongoro in wood, and Ingare made in bamboo. Get a lesson in milking by hand by the cowboys and try milking on your own. After milking you will taste the special “Bigogwe Cappuccino” as fresh as it gets straight from the cows.
Take the cows to drink water The cows need lots of water. Twice daily they make their way to the river for a drink. Join the cowboys and use your inkoni (stick) and gentle whistles to move the cows down to the river for a drink. Watch the cowboys as the sing and whistle for the cows as they drink.
Cowboy games The cowboys spend their life watching the cows. While the cows graze the cowboys have lots of free time. Many games and traditions have been invented by the cowboys. The most common games are URUKIRAMENDE or high jump, Kunyobanwa or stick fighting and Igisoro, a traditional game played with dried seeds on a wooden board. Watch the cowboys master these games and try on your own.
Traditional songs for the cows When the cows rest after eating and milking, the cowboys sing to them. These traditional songs are called Kwivugira inka and have been passed on for generations. The songs repeat the names of the cows and include stories from legendary cows.
Making of traditional ghee Leave the farms by motobike (or car if you have your own). Watch the traditional way women make Ikimuri or ghee by hand. Ikimuri is traditionally made by moving a large calabash or Igisabo back and forth. Learn how it is done and try making your own Ikimuri.
Return to main road and departure It is time to say goodbye for now. Before you depart you may visit the shop and café where traditional crafts souvenirs and snacks are available.
About the Organizer
This experience is organized by Alex Ngabo and Ibere rya Bigogwe. Ngabo grew up with cows on the green hills in the area and is passionate to share this wonderful place with as many as possible.
Good to know
Extra info / What to bring
Hiking Shoes
Sweater & wind/rainproof jacket
The sun can be strong bring a hat & sunscreen
This Experience requires that you can do an uphill hike for 1-2 hours
Add-ons: Pick up and drop of at any hotel in Rubavu or Musanze can be organized at extra fee of 30,000 Rwf
Meet at the office on the main road at the Rubavu-Nyabihu Border Your guide will meet you at the Ibere rya Bigogwe office on the main road. The office is easily located by the arch which marks the border between Rubavu and Nyabihu Districts.
Hiking to Ibere rya Bigogwe Your guide will start with a briefing about the day ahead. After the briefing you will start your hike towards Ibere rya Bigogwe. Ibere rya Bigogwe is a large rock formation and a famous land mark in the area. The start of the hike takes you through the villages around Bigogwe. After 20 minutes of hiking you will reach the bottom of the rock. The hike continues up the hillsides towards the top of Ibere rya Bigogwe. This part of the hike is a bit steeper and more challenging but passes through a forest. After another 1 hour of hiking you will reach the top of the rock. From here you have a splendid view over the surrounding landscape and you can see Mt. Karisimbi in Volcanoes National Park and Mt. Nyiragongo and Mikeno in DRC. If the weather is clear you will see all the way to Gisenyi town. There is also a meditation point at the top commonly used for praying by locals. Enjoy some cheese and fruit while listening to the story about how this rock got its name. Your guide will also introduce you to some local plants and their traditional uses. Return by hiking to Bigogwe town.
Travel by moto to the farms (by car if you have your own) After the hiking to Ibere rya Bigogwe it is time to set off for the farms. The same way as locals in the area, you will travel on the back of a motorbike to the farms. The views of the landscape are breathtaking as you leave the main road behind and travel up the hills. A photo stop is usually made at one of the best view points. The trip takes around 30 minutes. Helmet is provided.
Explore the green hills of the farmlands Once you reach the farms, your guide will introduce you to the cows and cowboys. You will dress in a colorful shuka or rumbiya, the traditional attire of cattle keepers and get a Inkoni, a stick carried by all cattle keepers. Learn about the history of the green hills of Bigogwe, stories about cows and the traditional Rwandan life connected to cows. The hills at the farms are some of most lush and green hills in Africa. Your campsite for the night has been set. The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring the green hills of Bigogwe or if you wish, take a rest in your tent.
Campfire, dinner and storytelling A campfire is lit in the evening for everyone to gather around. A traditional dinner is served by the fire. Locals from Bigogwe join and share traditional stories and songs. After dinner, stories, songs and tea you will overnight in tents at the campsite.
Breakfast by the fire Hot milk and tea is served for breakfast by a campfire.
Milking the cows and tasting of fresh milk After breakfast it is time to milk the cows. Milking in Bigogwe is done by hands in traditional cans or ibyansi like inkongoro in wood, and Ingare made in bamboo. Get a lesson in milking by hand by the cowboys and try milking on your own. After milking you will taste the special “Bigogwe Cappuccino” as fresh as it gets straight from the cows.
Take the cows to drink water Cows need lots of water. Twice daily they make their way to the river for a drink. Join the cowboys and use your inkoni (stick) and gentle whistles to move the cows down to the river for a drink. Watch the cowboys as the sing and whistle for the cows as they drink.
Cowboy games The cowboys spend their life watching the cows. While the cows graze the cowboys have lots of free time. Many games and traditions have been invented by the cowboys. The most common games are URUKIRAMENDE or high jump, Kunyobanwa or stick fighting and Igisoro, a traditional game played with dried seeds on a wooden board. Watch the cowboys master these games and try on your own.
Traditional songs for the cows When the cows rest after eating and milking, the cowboys sing to them. These traditional songs are called Kwivugira inka and have been passed on for generations. The songs repeat the names of the cows and include stories from legendary cows.
Making of traditional ghee Leave the farms by motobike (or car if you have your own). Watch the traditional way women make Ikimuri or ghee by hand. Ikimuri is traditionally made by moving a large calabash or Igisabo back and forth. Learn how it is done and try making your own Ikimuri.
Return to main road and departure It is time to say goodbye for now. Before you depart you may visit the shop and café where traditional crafts souvenirs and snacks are available.
About the Organizer
This experience is organized by Alex Ngabo and Ibere rya Bigogwe. Ngabo grew up with cows on the green hills in the area and is passionate to share this wonderful place with as many as possible.
Good to know
Extra info / What to bring
Hiking Shoes
Sweater & wind/rainproof jacket
The sun can be strong bring a hat & sunscreen
This is an overnight experience, bring extra clothes and toiletries
Toilets are available at the campsite
This Experience requires that you can walk manage a challenging uphill hike for 1-2 hours
Add-ons: Pick up and drop of at any hotel in Rubavu or Musanze can be organized at extra fee of 30,000 Rwf
Spend a full day outdoors around a Rubavu. Hike to the top of Mt. Muhungwe, Rwanda’s tallest non volcanic mountain and relax in the natural springs in Nyamyumba in the afternoon.
In the early morning our guide will pick you at 6:30 am, then we drive to Mahoko a starting point of hiking, the hiking will take 5 to 6 hours to reach the top then after we spend 2 to 3 hours climbing down to the we drive to Nyamyumba Hot spring.
After hiking we will drive to Nyamyumba not spring where you will do hydrotherapy by hot spring and enjoy this natural massage, after exhausting by hiking 2928m of altitude you will enjoy this experience until 3pm.
About the Organizer
Wildlife conservation travels specialize in eco tours featuring Rwanda’s remarkable nature and wildlife
Ibere rya Bigogwe is one of the greenest most spectacular places in Rwanda. The gentle rolling hills have a lush cover of fresh green grass making them a bright green with an almost dreamlike appearance as if from a fairy tale. Apart from a few walking tracks, the hillsides of Ibere rya Bigogwe are dotted with dairy cows busy munching away on the lush green grass. At the base of each green hill is a gentle stream separating it from the next. Ibere rya Bigogwe is a very gentle and dreamy place which will take the breath away from any visitor on a clear day.
Ibere rya Bigogwe is a cattle farming region established in the 80s for dairy farming. Today it is one of the largest milk-producing regions of Rwanda. Cows have a very special place in Rwanda both as an economic asset and as a symbol of wealth and social status. Traditionally the reddish Ankole breed of cows was widespread in Rwanda but has been replaced by other breeds which produce more milk. Today, black and white Jersey cows are the most common sight on the green hills of Ibere rya Bigogwe.
Drinking fresh milk on the green hillsides after a hike. (Photo, Dan Nsengiyumva)
There are many interesting activities for visitors to do in Ibere Rya Bigogwe. You can visit the green hills on your own, but a pre-booking is recommended to get a better experience. Most activities at Ibere Rya Bigogwe are obviously related to cows, but there are also nice trails for hiking and even a rock face used for rock climbing. Milking cows and tasting various dairy products such fresh cheese or Inshyushyu a pasteurized milk served hot are must-do experiences. Visitors also have the opportunity to take part in the specific Rwandan traditions and culture associated with cows and cattle keeping..
Traditional Stick Fighting (Photo, Dan Nsengiyumva)
Tending cows in Rwanda has always been the job of special cowboys. Rwandan cowboys have lived their lives next to the cows for centuries, watching over them, milking them and making sure that they are safe and healthy. Since cows do little else than eat and sleep, Rwandan cowboys have a lot of free time on their hands. During the centuries, certain games, songs and stories developed amongst the cowboys to pass the time. At Ibere Rya Bigogwe, visitors are welcome to join traditional cowboy games such as high jumping and stick fighting. The cowboys will also recite traditional stories and sing songs as part of the old Rwanda traditions and culture linked with cows
Easy hiking at Ibere Rya Bigogwe (Photo, Dan Nsengiyumva)
There is the possibility to stay over night or over an entire weekend at Ibere rya Bigogwe. Tents are available for hire and you will be served fresh hot food. Nights are spent under the stars in front of the fire with the cowboys telling tales of ancient stories, singing songs and reciting poems while drinking warm milk from traditional wooden gourds. Visitors who stay over several days will can use one of the many hiking trails to explore the green hills. The views are incredible and on a clear day one will see Mt. Sabinyo in the north and Mt. Nyiragongo in the South. The lush short grass makes it easy to move around and in the few hills which are covered in forest have excellent trails for hiking.
Camping at Ibere rya Bigogwe (Photo, Dan Nsengiyumva)
Contact Information and Booking
Ibere rya Bigogwe is an area of green lush hills off the RN4 main road halfway between Rubavu and Musanze with roughly 1 hour travel distance from each town. Visit Bigogwe is a company who organize various tours and activities for visitors.
Pre booking is not always necessary but is strongly advised.
This scenic route stretching along the shores of Lake Kivu in western province from Rubavu District to through Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyamasheke to Rusizi Districts. This hike includes many delights such as coffee washing stations and tea plantations and it is a both cycling and hiking adventure that takes place along the shores of lake Kivu and through Nyungwe National park. This trail experience offers guests a chance to challenge your hiking capabilities and cycling abilities as you appreciate the beauty and the unique scenery of Lake Kivu and surrounding hilly countryside of Rwanda.
The Congo Nile Trail delivers one of the most unforgettable experiences in Africa. Hikers, bikers and kayaking enthusiasts will enjoy this network of trails and roads that run from Rubavu in the north of the lake to the town of Rusizi at its southern end. For 227 km, this stretch of ancient dirt roads and trails twists through jungle and farmland, rows of banana trees and vast coffee plantations as Lake Kivu’s coastline and undisturbed waters lie in the majestic backdrop. The route continues, past emerald tea plantations, to the divide that separates the Nile and Congo rivers and into the thick of Nyungwe rainforest where 13 species of primates reside. The Congo Nile Trail can be completed in 5 days by bike, 10 days by hike or 8 days by Kayak. As you are aware Rwanda is incredibly safe, and this trail can easily be completed independently by experienced and confident hikers, kayakers, and bikers. We do recommend you take our local guide in Rubavu, who is an expert birder and a cycling guide with exquisite experience to make your Congo Nile trail a memorable experience.
About the Organizer
Red Rocks Ecotours is all about the community, the wildlife, tourism & travel thus promoting sustainable tourism through community and conservation programs. Our pioneering cultural tourism scheme involves developing our community and promoting our nature preserve through tourism
All community activities and private initiatives offered by Red Rocks work on improving the community with focus on benefitting the quality of life of community people. Our philanthropic work in the rural villages will ensure you are involved in original humanistic traditional communities as well as contribute to the social life development of people.
The cultural exchange campsite offers you an opportunity to be a part of community philanthropic travel with a commitment to conservation and responsible tourism in Rwanda.
Red Rocks Rwanda continues to create long-lasting relationships with the communities in the areas around the Virunga Massif where we operate by building long lasting relationships with the rural communities and through the work of the Red Rocks initiative identify and sponsor long-term, viable and self-sustaining projects that will have the support of our staff and visitors. The projects that are supported by the initiative are all community collaborative and we work closely with them to determine their needs and improve their well-being.
Come and enjoy the serene beauty of Red Rocks as your stay with us will give you purpose in the most effective way by connecting you with communities and giving you an opportunity of serving others. Embark on an unforgettable philanthropic journey which ensures that we work with people to find life changing solutions to the problems faced throughout the great Virunga massive starting off at Red Rocks where you will Meet individuals from the Community and learn the traditional Rwandan way of life or discover how the local people live in harmony alongside Africa’s majestic mountains.
Highlights
Hike, bike or kayak the Congo Nile Trail
Experience genuine Rwanda off the beaten track
Professional Guide
Includes
Equipment
Food
English Speaking Guide
More information
1-8 days
Can be booked any dates of your choice
This product can be cancelled with a full refund up to 24h before start
There are many options of accommodation along the Congo Nile Trail for all budgets no matter if you are hiking, biking or kayaking the Congo Nile Trail. This list shows some of the options along the trail, but there are many more options which can be found if asking around. Rwanda is developing rapidly and new hotels are constantly being built along the shore of Lake Kivu and the Congo Nile Trail.
Accommodation in Rubavu
Rubavu is a rather large and touristic town on the shores of lake Kivu and where the Congo Nile Trail starts. There are many options of places to stay in and around Rubavu near the start of the Congo Nile Trail. The start of the Congo Nile Trail Stage 1 is near Bralirwa Brewery, a few kilometres outside of Rubavu along the newly paved road by the lake shores.
Beach at Lake Kivu Serena, Rubavu
High end accommodation
Lake Kivu Serena
Classic hotel with private beach on the shores of Lake Kivu with sunbeds. Restaurant offers bar seating or seating down in the garden by the lake.
Resort style hotel with round stone bungalows situated in a wonderful tropical palm garden on the shores of Lake Kivu. Nice restaurant and bar with seating at the edge of the lake.
Hotel with a good location near the public beach. Unfortunately, a bit run down but caters mostly towards business travelers. There is a pool next to the parking and a pool bar which unfortunately closes at sundown.
Simple hotel with good restaurant offering seating by the water. The bungalows are very simple and offer overnight accommodation in Rwandan style using local materials.. There is also a private island in the bay.
This guest house is run by the local community who also runs the school in the village. The accommodation is divided in two different apartments located at the edge of the lake. The apartments are basic, but comfortable and clean with electricity and hot running water. Each apartment has a number of ensuite double and single rooms, a common sitting room, a dining table and a kitchen with a gas stove. There are also comfortable camping facilities on the lawn by the water with access to bathrooms with shower facilities and toilets. Food can be cooked in one of the kitchens or food can be pre ordered by contacting the guest house before arrival. There is a nice beach for swimming.
Community owned Cyimbiri Guest House
Kinunu Accommodation
Mid Range Accommodation
Kinunu Guest House
This Guest house is located on a hill shaded by local trees and a nice garden leading down to the lake. There is a beach for swimming nearby behind the coffee washing station. The guest house is small but well managed and offers two different kinds of accommodation. Stay in one of the comfortable rooms in the guest house or in one of the new apartments with private terrace and views of Lake Kivu.
Resort style hotel at the shore of Lake Kivu with private beach volleyball and nice beach. There is a number of different accommodation options ranging from smaller tents, luxurious suites and normal hotel rooms. There is a full service restaurant overlooking the private garden and beach.
View over Rushel Kivu Lodge from the Congo Nile Trail
Bumba Accommodation
Budget accommodation
Bumba Base Camp
Simple, but clean accommodation in the form of 4 rooms with bathrooms with running (cold) water. There are camping facilities on a nearby lawn and a service building with toilets and running water. Food should be pre ordered.
This large hotel has magnificent views from the edge of the town overlooking the valley below and Lake Kivu in the distance. The Hotel has recently undergone renovations and is relatively nice. There is a restaurant and a bar.
Not to be mistaken with Bethany Hotel A. Run down hotel at a prime location at the sea front. Cheap and somewhat functional with a nice view of the lake.
Bethany Hotel "B" in Karongi, run down but great location
Mugonero Accommodation
Budget Accommodation
L’ Esperance Orphanage Mugonero
It is possible to stay in one of the comfortable visitor rooms with access to toilets and showers at the Orphanage. Food and the room must be pre ordered by contacting the orphanage before arrival.
Guest room at the catholic church in Twumba at the edge of the tea plantations in Gisovu.
Mid Range Accommodation
Gisovu Tea Estate Guest House
Nice guest house with only three rooms located in the middle of the tea plantations in Gisovu Estate. Good place to stay when biking stage 4 of the Congo Nile Trail or as a base to explore Nyungwe Forest.
Karengera High School offers you basic but clean and functional accommodation in one of the boarding rooms. This accommodation is very special and offers a memorable experience. Accommodation needs to be pre booked before arrival and food should be pre ordered.
Kumbya Accommodation
Budget Accommodation
Kumbya Retreat Centre
This Christian retreat center is ideally located on a peninsula in a calming and natural setting. Accommodation can be had in one of the cabins and there is also a camping site with service buildings including shower and toilets. There is a bar but food should be pre ordered.
This lodge on the edge of the lake has wonderful views of the mountains and the bay below. There is a nice place to sit on the tables by the waters edge. Accommodation is in one of the round wooden bungalows. There is a bar overlooking the lake and a restaurant.
Ishara Accommodation
Budget Accommodation
Ishara Beach Hotel
This large complex overlooking the lake offers various forms or accommodation a private beach with a beach bar and large restaurant. You can stay one the wooden beach bungalows on the beach, in one of the rooms in the hotel, or camp at the campsite.
Rusizi Accommodation
High End Accommodation
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay
Large and modern conference hotel with a view of the bay of Lake Kivu outside Rusizi. Nice pool with a pool bar and a modern restaurant.
Comfortable and affordable hotel on the lake front. Nice view of Nkombo and Gihaya Islands and at night the lanterns of the night fishermen light up the bay below.
The Congo Nile Hiking Trail is one of the most iconic hiking trails in Rwanda. The trail is popular with both cyclists and hikers, traversing rain forests, bracken fields and bamboo forests. The entire Congo Nile Trail passes along the hills of Lake Kivu with magnificent views from the hiking trail of Lake Kivu and the rolling Rwandan hills. The Congo Nile trail takes 10 days to complete on foot combined with two short boat rides. It is possible to hike each single section or the entire trail, which is the longest trail for hiking in Rwanda. The hiking trail follows mainly the footpaths of the local people and is a wonderful way to soak up daily Rwandan life in traditional villages, very close to nature and experience Rwanda up-close.
With interesting community-based tourism activities, coffee-washing stations, tea plantations, big towns, dozens of villages, and innumerable beaches, coves, waterfalls, valleys and vistas, the winding path of the Congo Nile Hiking Trail offers some of the finest hiking in Rwanda and perhaps to be had anywhere in east and central Africa. Winding its way along the fringes of the lake via the peaks of Rwanda’s green hills, the Congo-Nile Trail as challenging as it is rewarding. With a peak elevation of 2,630m, like most hiking in Rwanda, it’s a serious workout to boot.
There are camp sites along the trail or guest houses in the towns for those after a bit more comfort. Refreshments are available along the route supplied by small shops. Active hikers can discover the coastal waters on kayaking tours and boat rides and visit the many islands of Lake Kivu. The Congo Nile Trail can be trekked from both directions (North to South/ South to North). Hikers are advised to book ahead for accommodation facilities and /or meals
Hiking map of the Congo Nile Trail
This and the other maps on the page can be opened in Google Maps on any mobile device and for easy guiding on the trail. Simply click in the square in the top right corner of the map.
Hiking the Congo Nile Trail, Stage 1, Rubavu – Cyimbiri
The 16.5 km stage of the Congo Nile Trail starts from Rubavu, the largest beach town of Rwanda. The town has a range of accommodations from budget guest houses to four-star accommodation. Stage one ends at Cyimbiri Guest House located on the shores of Lake Kivu and surrounded mainly by coffee estates and other green plantations. In the middle of this stage, you can choose to do different community-based activities from traditional pottery, traditional healing and music to coffee and tea experiences.
Accommodation: Cyimbiri Guest House with possibility to camp or rent one of the apartments.
Hiking the Congo Nile Trail, Stage 2, Cyimbiri – Kinunu
Starting point: Cyimbiri Guest House Duration: 4 hours Length: 13.4 km
The second stage of the Congo Nile Trail passes near or along Lake Kivu and offers some of the most varied hiking in Rwanda. The 13.4 from Cyimbiri to Kinunu passes through small villages and harbours. This stage of the Congo Nile Trail starts with the traditional healing trail and continues with the charming views of the amazing landscapes and coffee plantations of Kinunu. In the middle of this stage, hikers have opportunities to experience some community-based tourism products including the beekeeping experience, coffee experience as well as handcrafting experiences with a local women cooperative.
Hiking the Congo Nile Trail, Stage 3, Kinunu – Bumba
Starting point: Kinunu Center Duration: 7 hours Length: 24 km
This challenging but walkable stage of the Congo Nile Trail gives hikers an opportunity to walk around rolling hills and have a great view of the clear water of the Lake Kivu with some of the best views of hiking in Rwanda. Different agro-tourism activities are available for those who prefer to spend some time with the local communities in their daily activities. The hiking trail is high above Lake Kivu providing amazing views of the lake and the Koko-River Valley. This stage of the Congo Nile Trail has has some steep and challenging hikes.
Hiking the Congo Nile Trail, Stage 4 Bumba – Karongi
Starting point: Bumba Base Camp Duration: 5 hours Length: 15.9 km
This 15.9 km is the last stage of the northern part of the Congo-Nile Hiking Trail from Bumba to Karongi Town. Karongi is one of the most unique places for hiking in Rwanda as it has numerous of bays and islands. Before entering the calm town of Karongi, hikers take a short boat trip to Home Saint Jean, one of the many of accommodation options available in Karongi. One of the most iconic experiences in Rwanda is the Night Fishing Experience which we advise you to do during your stay in Karongi. There are also other community-based activities including the swimming cows, sorghum beer making and silkworms’ experiences as well as boat rides to different hilly islands available in Lake Kivu. Cross Muregeya-River on the suspension bridge, then follow small the footpaths of the local people up and down over some hills, down to the lake and up again. Pass banana forests and the rich diversity of landscapes.
Observe! This stage requires a boat passage across the bay just before arriving at Home St. Jean which must be booked/announced in advance. Your local guide or the previous accommodation can help you book.
Accommodation: The town offers different option for accommodation ranging from small guest houses to big hotels.
Hiking the Congo Nile Trail, Stage 5, Karongi – Mugonero
This 19.6 km stage of the Congo Nile Trail gives remarkable views of Lake Kivu and its beautiful islands. From this stretch of the Congo Nile Trail, you can see the fascinating Kivu Belt Road twisting on the shores of Lake Kivu a unique sight while hiking in Rwanda. The stage ends at Mugonero Orphanage, which also offers accommodation.
For those who like to challenge themselves and want to extend their hiking in Rwanda for a few extra days, there is the possibility to make a detour and to hike up Mount Karongi to the Gisovu Tea plantations. This hiking trail continues up to Nyungwe National Park or you can re-join the Congo-Nile Hiking Trail the next day. Gisovu offers accommodation facility and tea experience in the middle of the tea plantations.
Congo Nile Trail, Hiking Stage 6, Mugonero – Karengera
Starting point: L’Esperance Mugonero Duration: 7 hours Length: 22.5 km
This long but amazing stage of the Congo Nile Trail of 22.5 km offers you beautiful footpaths through hills, valleys and fields. There are several viewpoints to the Lake Kivu and the Kivu Belt road. The hike ends at Karengera High School. The start of this stage is a bit different than other hiking in Rwanda as it starts with a boat trip across Mugonero Bay, climb up small paths to a hill 1,800m high (350m above lake level) overlooking the lake, pass a valley with rice fields, follow a long and small valley framed by steep hills before climbing up through fields and small forests to Karengera.
Observe! There is one boat passage across Mugonero Bay which must be booked/announced in advance. Your local guide or the previous accommodation can help you book.
Accommodation: Karengera High School
Hiking the Congo Nile Trail, Stage 7, Karengera – Kumbya
Starting point: Karengera High School Duration: 4 hours Length: 14.7 km
From Karengera, the 7th stage of the Congo Nile Trail of 14.7 km goes mainly through rice fields. This stage leads you to Kumbya, a hidden gem. This is one of the most serene of all hiking in Rwanda to the lovely, serene and peaceful retreat center on a little peninsula on Lake Kivu secluded away from the rest of Rwanda. This peninsula with a small forest of native trees is a birder’s paradise and offers two options for accommodation on the shores of the lake, either inside the retreat center or at the Kumbya Kivu Life Eco Lodge. Cross the rice fields of Kilimbi-River on small dams, jump over small ditches, watch the herons on the fields and the monkeys near Kumbya.
This 13 km of the Congo Nile Trail starts with a very beautiful footpath along the banks of the lake, continues through several villages where you come across charming smiles and greetings from the rural communities along the trail. The end of this stage is quite unique compared to other hiking in Rwanda as it ends with a walk through the rice fields of Kamiranzovu Valley. Ishara Beach Hotel in Nyamasheke is the main accommodation after this stage. However, one can choose to stay in other available guest houses in Nyamasheke. The trail follows the path on the shores of Karundura River.
Accommodation: Ishara Beach Hotel in Nyamasheke or Guest houses available in Nyamasheke Town
Hiking the Congo Nile Trail, Stage 9, Ishara – Shangi
Starting point: Ishara Beach Hotel Duration: 7 hours Length: 24 km
Laying very close to Lake Kivu and surrounded by nature, this 24 km stage of the Congo Nile Trail is also a great trek through beautiful vegetations, including forests of eucalyptus trees. The stage of the Congo Nile Trail is mainly on narrow footpaths passing through villages and fields. This is one of the few trails for hiking in Rwanda which also offers astonishing lake views with long passages on the coastal path of Lake Kivu. The stage ends at Shangi Catholic Church where you can stay at St. Martin Parish in the priests ‘compound. In Shangi, you can visit one of the historical landmarks “Richard Kandt House”. For more info about this German explorer and first colonial governor of Rwanda, please download the Richard Kandt Trail App.
Accommodation: St. Martin Parish
Hiking the Congo Nile Trail, Stage 10, Shangi – Kamembe
Starting point: Shangi Catholic Church Duration: 5 hours Length: 18.3 km
The last stage of the Congo Nile Trail stretches for 18.3 km from Shangi to Kamembe Town in Rusizi District. Rusizi is the largest town on the shores of the lake Kivu and only approximately an hour drive from Nyungwe National Park and home to Kamembe Airport, one of the two current operating Airports in Rwanda. The town offers different option for accommodation ranging from small guest houses to big hotels. There are many options for community-based tourism activities including night fishing, boat rides to the inhabited islands and other cultural experiences.
Accommodation: Rusizi town offers different option for accommodation ranging from small guest houses to big hotels.
Booking the Congo Nile Trail with a proffessional company
The easiest and most convenient way to hike, bike or kayak The Congo Nile Trail is through a local tour operator. There are many operators in Rwanda who can organize various tours and packages along the Congo Nile Trail. Most operators will be able to provide you with a transfer to and from Kigali, a guide, bikes if you are biking, book accommodation and porters to transport your luggage to and from your accommodation. They will also include various activities like chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest or a night fishing experience with dinner one evening. This list is a compilation of all operators who organize hiking, biking or kayaking on the Congo Nile Trail.
Ames Tours
Ames Tours is based in Rubavu (Gisenyi) at the start of the Congo Nile Trail. Ames Tours will help to organize hiking and biking package tours on the Congo Nile Trail. Ames Tours also have several boats and organize various boat trips around Karongi and Rubavu. Asa a local company, they have some of the most experienced guides who know the Kivu Belt Region like the back of their hand. You can also book various shorter hiking, biking and boating excursions in Karongi and Rubavu if you wish.
This tour operator has their office near the public beach in Rubavu and offer numerous tours around Rubavu as well as multi-day tours on the Congo Nile Trail by foot or by bike. The local owner has an extensive network and knowledge of the Kivu Belt Region.
Hope Tours Rwanda is a sustainable tour company offering responsible journeys while bringing hope to communities and environment. Their tours have comfortable safari cars and knowledgable drivers and guides. Hope Tours offer many options to the Kivu Belt such as guided biking tours, coffee tours, night fishing and island tours. They also have mutli day offers combining visits to the national parks with community tours and Lake Kivu.
Kingfisher journeys are operated from Rubavu in the Kivu Belt and specialize in canoeing and kayaking. They have great guides and professional equipment. Kingfisher journeys can organize multi-day canoeing or kayaking tours of the Congo Nile Trail on Lake Kivu. Paddling the Congo Nile Trail is a very comfortable way to experience the trail and Lake Kivu and involves some islands and experience which cannot be reached on foot or by bike.
Lava bike tours is one of the most renowned tour companies when it comes to biking in Rwanda. All guides of Lava Tours are professional biking enthusiasts. They have high quality bikes and all other equipment needed to bike the Congo Nile Trail.
Go Gisenyi Tours are based in Rubavu (Gisenyi) and is run by a couple of local enthusiasts with extensive knowledge of The Kivu Belt and the Congo Nile Trail. Go Gisenyi Tours offers various premade and custom tours around the Congo Nile Trail, including multi-day hiking and biking tours on the trail. All tours are guided by the owners of the company who also have extensive local knowledge and connections.
This company is specialized in helping visitors to experience genuine outdoor experiences in Rwanda of the beaten path. They specialize in hiking, biking and camping in various locations around Rwanda, including the Congo Nile Trail. Ask4Adventure also rent out bikes, camping equipment and organize transfers.
A Kigali based tour operator who offer a mixture of city tours and other multiday tours. They can organize complete guided biking tours of the Congo Nile Trail including transfer from Kigali.
This operator is based in Musanze and specializes in genuine experiences involving local communities off the beaten track in Rwanda. They offer many different tours along the Congo Nile Trail as well as multi day hiking and transfers from Kigali to and from the Cong Nile trail.
Rwanda Eco Company offer complete guided hiking packages of the Congo Nile Trail including a guide, full board and accommodation. The standard tour takes 9 days and includes Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest after hiking the Congo Nile Trail.
Ikaze Rwanda Tours are based in Kigali and specialize in outdoor activities around Rwanda. They offer various multiday hiking and biking tours on the Congo Nile Trail which are fully serviced including transfer to and from Kigali, guide, accommodation and full board.
This Kigali-based tour operator can help you organize a multi-day biking tour of the Congo Nile Trail with a guide, a bike and other necessary equipment.
Rwandan adventures have several multi-day packages for hiking and biking the Congo Nile Trail. The packages are customizable but generally include transfer to and from Kigali, a guide, accommodation and all the necessary equipment you will need.
The Congo Nile Trail is a hiking and biking trail in 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, vast coffee plantations and hidden beaches. This trail is scattered with unexplored experiences, often hosted by locals along the trail. For those looking for a genuine, yet safe hiking or biking experience in Africa away from the beaten path, Rwanda’s Congo Nile Trail is a hiking trail waiting for you to challenge her on foot, by bike or by kayak and is one of the most iconic and best hiking trails in Africa.
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 which falls to the west of this ridge trickles down and eventually ends up in the Congo River. All rainfalls which falls to the east of this ridge eventually ends up in the Nile River.
In the past years Africa and Rwanda has risen as one of the world’s foremost upcoming ecotourism destinations. Even though Rwanda is mostly known for the 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 a nice and welcoming people it has made itself known as of the best African countries for hiking and biking. Located in Eastern Africa, the tropical climate along with the elevation gives Rwanda constant year-round pleasant temperatures of around 25°C (77°F). Since 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, have in recent years seen the rise of the cycling team Team Africa Rising which have started to have international success and Rwanda has also applied to host the 2025 World Cycling Championships.
The biking trail and the hiking trails of the Congo Nile Trail overlap in places and have slightly different overnight stop overs and therefore require different planning
Part of the Congo Nile Trail consists of dirt roads while other parts of the trail consists of single dirt tracks only accessible by hiking or on a mountain bike. There are two different routes which at some points cross and at places overlap. One route is for biking and one is for hiking.
Rwanda very safe compared to other places for hiking in Africa. Rwanda is known as the safest country in Africa and there is no crime to speak of. You can feel safe to pitch a tent just about anywhere without having to worry about being robbed. Compared to other places you might go hiking in Africa there is no large wildlife in Rwanda outside of the national parks. You do no have to worry about bumping in to a heard of buffalo while hiking or biking the Congo Nile Trail.
The lack of wild animals also goes for the Lake Kivu. Many other African Lakes are dangerous since there are often hippos and crocodiles living in them. There are no dangerous animals in Lake Kivu and you can feel safe to refresh on one of the lake’s beaches after a days hiking or biking the trail.
The people in Rwanda are very friendly. Rwandans are known to be a bit more calm and timid compared to other parts of Africa. As a visitor to rural Rwanda you will stand out. For many people, seeing a foreigner is something exciting, so be prepared for many people to be curious about you, want to talk to you and great you. You will never be treated in a bad way, but in some places where you stop you might have a crowd nearby who are curious about what you are doing. The language barrier in rural Rwanda is quite strong and most people except for staff at hotels speak only Kinyarwanda and a few words of English, French or Swahili. Despite the language barrier, people will often go out of their way to help you in case you are lost or if there is a problem.
View over Lake Kivu from the Congo Nile Trail
What to do along the Congo Nile Trail
While hiking or biking the Congo Nile Trail through the rolling hills, it passes different plantations and villages. Rwanda is a large producer of both coffee and tea both of which you will see plenty of along the Congo Nile Trail. To learn more about coffee production, COOPROCACI Coffee Cooperative has a great coffee tour and both Rushel Kivu Lodge and Kinunu Guest House organizes coffee tours at the nearby plantation and coffee washing stations. To learn more about tea production, Pfunda Tea Factory organizes a tea tour which includes picking tea and a look inside the nearby tea factor. One thing which amazes along the Congo Nile Trail are the banana plantations. Banana is the most abundantly grown crops along the trail and bananas are cooked and eaten in many ways in Rwanda.
Another common sight along the trail are the traditional beehives made from banana fibers. These traditional beehives can be found hung in trees along the trail and are normally harvested a couple of times a year. Local honey can be bought in many places. Some communities along the Congo Nile Trail organize honey harvesting tours.
Sorghum is a crop commonly used to make beer in Rwanda as is common throughout Africa. This traditional brew, commonly known as kigage is thick and nutritious. Kigage is normally drunk during traditional ceremonies and weddings in Rwanda. In a village just outside Karongi, a local village organizes a very special Sorghum-beer experience. During the experience, guests are invited to take part in a sorghum beer making tour. The tour includes the entire process of beer making, from seed to drink and involves planting, harvesting and fermenting the sorghum. The experience ends with tasting the finished kigage along with traditional food.
Many of the villages along the Congo Nile Trail have specialized in making of traditional crafts. Common crafts are various types of traditional pottery and different types of weaving. The making of crafts in the villages are often organized in the form of cooperatives who support and train each other and share profits. Most of these craft making cooperatives are happy to have visitors to join them in craft making or who come to purchase some of their crafts. For pottery making tours along the Congo Nile Trail, you can visit Kiguri Pottery Rubavu or Kigano Pottery at Ishara Beach outside Nyamasheke. Nearby Gishwati Forest you will find COOVAKARU Cooperative of women who weave baskets and other things. Young Women Destination in Rubavu is a cooperative of young women who meet every Saturday to make crafts which they sell in town. They are happy to have visitors join them in in craft making or one of their other traditional experiences.
Since you are close to the shores of Lake Kivu, several different activities will take you out on the lake. Most places where you stop close to the lake will offer boat trips. The best place for a boat trip is without a doubt Karongi which has numerous interesting islands to visit. The most interesting of the islands in Karongi is Napoleon Island which hosts a large colony of straw-colored fruit bats and a nice hike to the peak of the island with a splendid view of the surrounding archipelago.
One of the most unique experiences along the Congo Nile Trail is the Lake Kivu night fishing experience. The night fishing experience is an evening with the singing fishermen of Lake Kivu where you get to join the traditional fishermen as they spend the night fishing sambaza the same way as their ancestors have done for generations.
There are numerous beaches along the Congo Nile Trail where you can enjoy a dip after a long day on the trail. For a complete list, head over to the Lake Kivu Beach Guide.
National Parks along the Congo Nile Trail
Parts of the Congo Nile Trail passes on top of the mountain range which divides the Congo basin from the Nile Basin. This mountain range used to be covered in an ancient montane rainforest which stretched from Congo to Burundi. As the montane rainforest on the Congo Nile divide has been separated from the surrounding areas of similar habitats, many species here evolved separately. Many animals evolved separately from other populations in these forests. Today these animals are endemic species which can only be found in the remaining forests of the Congo Nile Divide. Most of the original vast forest has been cut down, but some large portions of this rainforest have been preserved as national parks. These are today protected as part of Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park. The Congo Nile Trail passes next to both of these national parks where you can not only see the remaining endemic species but also a number of endangered primates including the elusive eastern chimpanzee.
Nyungwe Forest National is a large area which contains some of Africa’s oldest forests. It is full of hiking trails, waterfalls and has one of the world’s largest population of the eastern chimpanzee. Gishwati Mukura National Park was recently made into a national park and contains two separate pockets of rainforest. In Gishwati Forest a small population of chimpanzees can still be found and there are several hiking trails and waterfalls throughout the forest.
Apart from the chimpanzees, these forests contain another 12 species of primates, more than 300 species of birds, 30 of which are endemic, and several other large mammals including serval cats and jackals. There are also many exotic butterflies as well as endemic flowers and trees in these forests.
If you want to visit one of the national parks while on the Congo Nile trail it is possible to take a small detour and do so. A detour to the biking stage 3 of the Congo Nile Trail will take you past Mukura Forest. The 4th biking stage of the trail takes you to Gisovu, which is very close to the northern part of Nyungwe Forest National Park. The road which passes through the Gisovu Tea Estate passes through one corner of Nyungwe Forest where you could potentially do some wildlife spotting from the road. All park activities, including chimpanzee tracking can be booked from the Gisovu Office located Gisovu Tea Estate. Be prepared that most of the activities start early in the morning and need to be pre-booked at least the day before.
Nyungwe National Park is best visited as a separate activity after the Congo Nile Trail and can easily be arranged with an operator from Rusizi or Kamembe. Most activities start early in the morning and require at least half a day to complete, so an overnight in or near the park is necessary. A good base for visiting the park is either the campsite in the park near Uwinka Visitors Center which also offers rustic cabins or one of the nearby lodges such as Nyungwe Top View Hotel or upmarket One & Only Nyungwe House.
Gishwati Forest, located a short distance away from Rubavu at the northern end of the Congo Nile Trail has one accommodation option in close connection to the park. The Forest of Hope Guest House and Camp Site is located next to the forest. They offer camping accommodation or accommodation in a nice guest house. The place is located at the edge of the forest with spectacular views of the forest and surrounding landscape.
To do a hike or other activity inside one of the national parks, chimpanzee trekking or other activities, you need to pre-book and organize this with a private tour operator, with RDB, or the operator of the national park. Nyungwe is operated by African Parks and Gishwati Mukura is operated by Wilderness Safaris. All hiking inside the national parks require a guide and a permit. This can be bought at the park office or online in the online system Irembo which can be found here. More information can be found at one of the park offices, including booking of park activities.
Congo Nile Trail passes next to the vast Nyungwe Forest
Where to stay along the Congo Nile Trail
Finding somewhere to stay along the Congo Nile Trail is easy and there are many different forms of accommodation. In Rubavu, Karongi and Rusizi there are numerous different levels of hotels, hostels and campsites. Between the larger centers there are also a lot of different places to stay from hotels to rustic community run hostels, to campsites with toilets and showers.
This list of accommodation along the Congo Nile Trail will help you, so will the plan of the Hiking or Biking which has recommendation of accommodation after each stage of the Congo Nile Trail.
Rushel Kivu Lodge along the Congo Nile Trail
Planning for the Congo Nile Trail
The Congo Nile Trail normally starts in Rubavu and ends in Rusizi but can be done in any direction. Plan for 10 days to hike or 5-8 days to bike the entire trail. There are also good options for shorter weekend trips or day hikes from one of the basecamps along the trail. Accommodation and food can be found at the end of each stage of the trail but should be pre-booked. Shops and other service like bike mechanics can be found in the villages. For more detailed information, read about the hiking stages or biking stages of the Congo Nile Trail.
Hiking the Congo Nile Trail
Getting to and from the Congo Nile Trail
The Congo Nile Trail runs along the entire Kivu Belt Region in Rwanda. The towns of Rubavu, Karongi or Rusizi serve as good bases from where to start or end the Congo Nile Trail. These towns are easy to get to from Kigali by bus or your own car and offer everything you need in terms of service, food and accommodation. There are many bus companies with several daily departures from Kigali. The fastest and most reliable bus company who operate large, well maintained and modern buses is Ritco. Most buses depart from Nyabugogo Taxi Park in Kigali. Tickets can generally be bought in advance in the ticket offices at Nyabugogo but is generally not needed and can also be bought by mobile money or cash directly on the bus.
