The Congo Nile trail is not very well known because most tourists who visit Rwanda prefer to go to the national parks. Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park is arguably the most popular of all the tourism activities in Rwanda. Rwanda is currently putting all efforts to offer more variety to travelers who wish to do more than just gorilla trekking while in the country. This diversification is very important in fulfilling the demands of both new and second-time travelers in the country. Also known as the Congo Nile Divide Trail, this relatively new attraction was opened in 2011. At its launch, the Congo Nile trail was not well-known or popular. However, things have changed because more and more people want to find out about it.
What is the Congo Nile Trail? The Congo Nile trail is a 227km long biking and walking route that starts from North Gisenyi and ends in the southern part of Rusizi district. The trail has no real connection to the Nile or Congo rivers which not even found in Rwanda. It was named after a watershed that separates the Congo and Nile Rivers. We also suspect that the Rwanda Development Board simply wanted a beautiful name to raise our attention. Naming aside, the Congo Nile Trail passes through some of the most beautiful areas of Rwanda. It is regarded as one of the best biking trails in the East African region.
The trail was built to pass along the shores of lake Kivu, an area with amazing scenery and other remarkable attractions. While traversing the trail, tourists get to experience the natural beauty in Nyungwe forests, the famous undulating and green hills of Rwanda, eye catching farmlands, sandy beaches of Lake Kivu and other water bodies/streams. Other interesting attractions include experiencing rural life in remote villages of Rwanda, checking out craft markets, meeting the local people in markets and the various landing sites on Lake Kivu. There is even an opportunity to make a stopover at Mugonero Orphanage to support the less privileged children by donating scholastic materials. Every visit to the orphanage involves attending to cultural performances that include storytelling, music, dance and drama.
Best way to traverse the Congo Nile Trail
The best means to traverse through the Congo Nile Divide Trial is by using a bike, a motorcycle, car or simply walking. Walking and Cycling are the most popular options because they make it possible to experience the natural scenery better. The two methods also allow tourists have better interaction with the local people. However, cycling and walking can be very challenging because they drain a lot of energy. It takes about 10 days to comb the trail by walking while biking takes about 5 days. The best time to take on the Congo Nile Trail is during the dry season (June to early October and also December to early March). Heavy rains make the trail slippery and muddy hence requiring more time for completion. Travelers who choose to walk or cycle may be forced to find shelter when it rains hence interrupting one on a tight schedule.
Management of the Congo Nile Trail
The Congo Nile Trail is managed by the Rwanda Development Board. Through their offices, the Board provides free maps to those who participate in walking or cycling through the trail. The Maps show information, directions, popular places/ sites to visit, the distance and time taken to reach each point on the trail. The Congo Nile trail is open to both lone travelers and those in groups. Lone travelers will need a map, personal equipment and the courage to go through it all alone. Lone travelers are advised to hire the services of a local Guides or porters to accompany them along the trail. Tour operators in Rwanda can help with arranging for a bike and all other amenities required during your expedition.
Starting Point of the Congo Nile Trail
It takes about 3 hours of driving by road from Kigali to Gisenyi (the starting point of the trail). You can board a public bus to get to Gisenyi from Kigali or use the services of a local tour operator. Tour operators will usually arrange a vehicle to take you from Kigali to Gisenyi. The operator will then pick you up from Kamembe and take you back to Kigali after completing the Trail. If you choose to use the local bus, negotiate with the conductor to find space for your bike.
How do you hire a bike? It is very inconveniencing and costly to travel with your own bike to Rwanda. The best option is to rent a bike around Gisenyi or even in Kigali. Lodges like Inzu hire may help with hiring a biking at a cost. These bikes are excellent for traversing through Rwanda’s countryside and hills. All hired bikes are well-maintained and come with helmets, knee caps, a spare tires, pressure pump and water bottles. You can even hire the right attire for cycling if that is what you wish.
Challenges along the Congo Nile Divide Trial
The Congo Nile Trail is 227km long and this can pose a great challenge for those who are not mentally prepared or fit. Much of the trail is composed of gravel and passes through hilly countryside which can be challenging on a wet day. In order to complete the trail, travelers may need to take breaks or spend a day or two resting. What keeps many bikers going is the beautiful scenery and countryside. Rwanda is a naturally beautiful country. There is so much to see and enjoy along the way that will make everything seem adventurous. Some of the interesting things to look out for are the waterfalls, pristine forest like Nyungwe, the beaches along Lake Kivu and the local villages.
Where to Eat
The Congo Nile Trail was strategically built to pass through interesting landmarks and amenities. Along the way, travelers should expect to find lodges, resorts, restaurants, bars, trading centers and vibrant villages. Food and water is easy to find along the way. There are also stalls along the way selling fresh fruits like mangoes, pineapples, watermelons, sugarcane, sweet bananas and more. The restaurants along the trail sell both local and international dishes. You can local Kinyarwanda dishes and drink local brew in the evening.
Accommodation along the Congo Nile Trail
There are many accommodation facilities along the Congo Nile Trail. Travelers can opt for luxury hotels, standard lodges or one of the simple/budget campsites. The campsites are located within plantations, schools, orphanages, villages and compounds of some hotels/lodges. Travelers who don’t have their own camping gears can request their tour operator to arrange for them in advance. The Rwanda Development Board has its own campsites with the necessary camping gear for hire at a reasonable price. Let’s discuss some of the accommodation facilities along the way easily: –
Home Saint Jean: This budget facility is built close to Lake Kivu and hidden behind a church in Kibuye.
Inzu Lodge: This is one of the most popular lodges found along the Congo Nile Divide trail. It is located in Gisenyi overlooking Lake Kivu. It has a bar, restaurant, wireless internet and souvenir shop. Inzu Lodge also has a campsite where one can set up their tent or hire one. Guests may request the hotel to organize traditional music, dance and drama in the evening.
Peace Guesthouse: This accommodation facility is located in Kamembe. Peace Guesthouse is popular for it’s beautiful gardens overlooking lake Kivu. Food is mouth-watering and hotel staffs are very friendly.
Kinunu Guesthouse: They market themselves as one of the best Eco-lodges close to Lake Kivu.
Bethanie Guesthouse: Located in Kibuye, Bethanie Guesthouse is one of the best budget accommodation facilities alone the Congo Nile Divide Trail. They arrange boat rides and adventures to discover the different islands in Lake Kivu.
L’Esparance Guesthouse in Mugonero: This is a great place for the budget traveler. Their rooms cost as little as $10 per night.
Kibogora Guesthouse: This is one of the few more luxurious facilities along the Congo Nile Trail. Guests who book here should expect services of a higher quality.
Paradis Malahide in Gisenyi: Another excellent lodge for the luxury traveler. The resort is located on the shores of Lake Kivu and hence perfect for relaxation and unwinding.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel: The most popular luxury hotel along the shores of lake Kivu. Lake Kivu Serena has outstanding facilities including spacious rooms, a bar, a restaurant, health club, swimming pool and beautiful gardens.
Cormoran Lodge: This newly established lodge is also found on the shores of Lake Kivu. Apart from the great views on the lake, guests can see the amazing Nyiragongo volcano in Congo.
Moriah Hill Hotel: Another executive accommodation facility overlooking Lake Kivu. The rooms in Moriah all have balconies offering magnificent views of the lake and its natural surroundings. They hire out speed boats to discover the Lake and its numerous islands.
What to Pack
Hiking or walking along the Congo Nile Trail is an adventurous activity that requires some planning. One should consider packing certain gear and tools to enjoy the experience. Key items on a packing list for cycling along the Congo Nile Trail include a bike, a spare tire, a pressure pump, cycling attire/costumes, helmet, gloves and shoes. Travelers may also consider acquiring a sleeping bag, a good camera, sanitary items, toiletries, dust masks and sunglasses. Do not forget to carry a headlamp and reflectors for evening rides. Other things to consider on your packing list include snacks, enough drinking water and energy drinks.
Additional attractions in Rwanda other than Congo Nile Trail
If you are planning to travel in Rwanda for several days, you might be wondering what else to do after conquering the Congo Nile Trail. There are many other activities to consider including Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe national park, Kigali City tour, Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park and Hiking Mount Karisimbi. There is also a safari in Akagera national park, Exploring Lake Kivu, Hiking Mount Bisoke, Visiting the Gorilla Guardians Village, Golden Monkey Trekking and visiting the grave of Dian Fossey.
