The Congo Nile Trail Rwanda: Ultimate Biking & Hiking Guide For First Timers
The Congo Nile Trail, Rwanda
The Congo trail is one of the most sought after destinations of Rwanda offering an adventure like no other in the picture square landscapes of the Country, Rwanda is also referred to as the land of a thousand hills and the trail is part of these angelic hills, it stretches about 227 kilometres straddling along the shores of Lake Kivu, it provides a great experience for travellers whether you are a cyclist, a seasoned walker or seeking a leisure trail drive through this region, the routing passes through districts if Rubavu, Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyamasheke and Rusizi. The trail offers great views of Lake Kivu.
The Congo trail was launched in 2011 in an attempt to making Rwanda one of the greatest biking destinations of Africa and the world thanks to the Rwandan government, the trails sparks off from the shores of Gisenyi and ends in Rusizi district, it was named after a land mark separating Congo and Nile rivers, this does not necessarily mean that the trail is any where near the Nile or the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is one of the best ways to experience the untold story of the angelic nature of Rwanda and a refreshing point despite every one having their focus on the Mountain Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park.
The phenomenal route is great for walking safari experiences, when walking it takes about 8 days while enjoying the amazing scenery of the surrounding areas right from Lake Kivu to the angelic forest of Nyungwe forest national park, this part of the country offers amazing scenery of the backdrop of endless rolling mountains. While on a mountain bike, it takes 5 days to conquer the trail and 3 days by vehicle as you pass through the several districts along which are shops, fuel stations, and accommodation facilities offering a place to stay in case you tire out during the walking or cycling. These can be booked through your ground handler or directly to the hotel. The best recommended way to explore the trail is by taking a bicycle; this way, you will be able to explore most of the areas without being very tired. On each of the options, you will be accompanied by an experienced English or French-speaking guide and a porter, You can come with your guide or hire one from Gisenyi at the starting point.
Congo trail combines several tourism attractions for example the curves along the shores of Lake Kivu, coffee and Tea plantations, isles and bays, camping sites, beautiful villages, steep valleys, forests, as well as engaging with the local communities and fisher men villages, this offers a deeper insight of the Country and its welcoming people at every stopover that will leave you more than excited. Birders have had a great time along the trail on a ride here, travellers get the chance to see birds like the white breasted cormorants, swamp warbler, Shelley’s crimsonwing, dusky crimsonwing, Kivu ground thrush, African green broadbill, mountain sooty boubou, to mention a few.
For a great experience along the Congo trail it is important to know what to pack, a few of the list includes a camera, binoculars, water bottle, drinking bottled water, sunglasses, sweater as the evenings and mornings can get colder, sleeping bags, helmet, dust masks, long sleeved shirts and trousers, water proof covers for phones and cameras, proper hiking boots, and any other items if personal nature. Places to stay along the Congo trail include Kinunu guest house, Home Saint Jean guest house, to mention a few, and serviced camping sites en route that are set up by the Rwanda development boards.
The Congo trail can be visited all year round but best during the dry season between the months of December, February, June, July, August, and September. During this time the country received a great weather, sunny which makes it more accessible and easier to ride along. When riding you may need to consider to be possibly physically fit to be able to complete the trail.
How to get to the starting point of the Congo trail starting point in Gisenyi, it takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Kigali, the transfer can be arranged through your tour operator or can take public means on a bicycle. You can be picked up later after you complete hiking or ridding the trail back to Kigali.