Congo Nile Trail


Congo Nile trail in Rwanda is a cycling adventure journey that traverses through the magnificent Nyungwe Forest National Park and along the shores of Lake Kivu. The Nyungwe forest, a prehistoric bio-diverse rain forest that covers an area of about 970 sq km south of Rwanda, is not necessarily in D.R. Congo. Lake Kivu borders Rwanda to the west and Democratic Republic of Congo to the east; it lies in the Albertine rift and listed as the fourth largest lake in Africa.

Undoubtedly, the best biking trail in East Africa is Congo Nile Trail. It is the ideal way to take in Rwanda's exquisite beauty and pure air.

The Rwandan gorilla tourism industry overshadows Congo Nile Trail. The popularity of gorilla tours has made conquering the Congo Nile dive optional for tourists. The Rwandan government deserves praise for making great efforts to ensure diversity in its tourist attractions. One of the most recent changes was the 2011 opening of the Congo Nile Trail, which aimed to establish Rwanda as one of the top biking destinations in Africa.

The Nyungwe Forest National Park, the renowned rolling hills of Rwanda, the clear waters and beaches of Lake Kivu, and glimpses of the distant DR Congo are just a few of the breathtaking sights along the trail.

Visit the residents' coffee, banana, and tea plantations while on the route to get a glimpse of how they go about their everyday lives. Small towns, shops, valleys, waterfalls, local markets, fishing villages, and other places can also be traversed. As you move through these areas, you will be greeted cordially by children and elderly people. Even better, go to the Mugonero orphanage to see some authentic Rwandan dances. The Kiziba refugee camp, which houses roughly 17, 000 Congolese refugees, is also adjacent to the trail. The highlight of the whole experience is climbing to the top of the Congo Nile.

There are four ways to complete the trail: by car, motorcycle, bike, and on foot. Every approach has advantages of its own. Biking and walking are the best ways to complete the trail, despite the fact that they can be exhausting. These two methods let travelers take in the stunning landscape along the way and deepen their connections to the neighborhood. They are good kinds of exercise and provide easy participation by other travelers, unlike driving or riding a motorcycle. On foot, it takes 10 days to complete the Congo Nile Trail; on a bike, it takes 5 days. Those who had limited time could complete the trek in portions. Pay close attention to the rainy seasons (March through May and October through November). Heavy rains make some sections of the trail muddy and difficult to maneuver through.

Visitors can get free maps to help them navigate the trail from Rwanda Development Board offices in Kigali, Musanze, and Gisenyi, regardless of how they decide to complete it. Maps can help with directions, accurate distances, interesting locations, landmarks, route changes, and the amount of time needed to complete particular trail segments. A map, confidence, and personal supplies are all that a solo traveler in Rwanda requires. More affluent travelers who reside in Rwanda can travel with their own personal guides, porters, and cooks. The best thing to do if you're visiting Rwanda is to hire a tour operator to arrange everything for you there before you get there.

With consideration for your interests, time frame, and financial constraints, a tour operator can assist in making arrangements for porters, guides, and other necessities.

Note that the Congo Nile Trail travels through areas with various characteristics. Hilly areas, dusty roads, and rocky terrain are all present. Most of the trail's sections don't remain flat for very long. A single biking or walking path is unparalleled. Before returning to narrower trails, you will frequently be climbing and sloping while sharing the road with others. While driving, visitors should exercise caution and keep an eye out for locals walking their dogs as well as cars and motorcycles.

Trekking the Congo Nile trail

One can travel from Kigali to Gisenyi, a journey that takes about three hours. You will need to hire a car with enough space for you and a bike if you are traveling with your own bike. Alternatively, a tour company can make all arrangements to pick you up after you've finished the trail and drive you up to the trailhead in Gisenyi. The trip back to Kigali from the finish line is much more time-consuming. If you stopped in Kamembe, it would take you roughly five hours to return to Kigali.

Renting or purchasing a bike

Moving with your own bicycle across borders is expensive. It's possible that you'll need to buy or rent a proper mountain bike from a shop that specializes in renting them in Gisenyi or in Kigali. Inzu Lodges in Gisenyi can assist with bike rentals upon request. Make sure you test the bike yourself to make sure it's in good mechanical condition and that you feel at ease riding it. Also included with the bike should be a pump and essential spare parts.

Level of difficulty of Congo Nile Trail

To complete the trail by walking or biking, you should be reasonably fit and experienced with mountain biking. If you're unsure of your overall fitness level, you can choose to hike the trail in segments while taking breaks to engage in cool, enjoyable activities like relaxing boat or canoe rides along Lake Kivu, swimming, or exploring waterfalls.

Getting Water and Food

The Congo Nile trail passes through major villages, busy trading centers and local markets. Water, fruits and food can easily be purchased along the trail. All you need is to learn how to recognize local signs leading to shops and other outlets. While here also try out some of the local Rwandan dishes.

Accommodation along the Congo Nile Trail

Although it is simple to find lodging along the way, some hikers choose to set up their own campsites using tents as soon as it becomes dark near a village, school, town or plantation. The Rwanda Development Board or your tour operator can make arrangements to rent tents or set you up with the appropriate suppliers if you don't have the necessary equipment. A number of campsites along the trail have been constructed by the Rwanda Development Board and are easily located using signposts. You simply need to bring light bedding and other essentials since many campsites already have tents.

You could also stay at some budget friendly lodges like Home Saint Jean in Kibuye, Inzu Lodge in Gisenyi: Located strategically with a stunning view of Lake Kivu, Peace Guesthouse in Kamembe, Bethanie Guesthouse in Kibuye and lots more.

Cormoran Lodge: This is a new luxury lodge on the shores of Lake Kivu with views of Nyiragongo volcano in D.R. Congo. The lodge is built with wood and offers great views of the Lake Kivu and the nearby islands.

Moriah Hill Hotel: Each room has a large balcony offering great views of Lake Kivu. There are great restaurants and conference/meeting rooms. Visitors can go visit one of the numerous Lake Kivu islands by speed boat.

Travelers can opt to combine a cycling tour with activities like Golden monkey and gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Visiting Dian Fossey's grave, Chimpanzee tracking and forest canopy walks in the Akagera National Park.

What to carry on the Congo Nile Trail?

Good hiking boots, a camera to capture good moments and beautiful sceneries, a bike, light beddings for setting up in the campsite tents, food and water and insect repellents for the nights. Heavy clothing will protect you from cold nights too.

Affiliations

UWA AUTO USAGA UTB