Congo Nile Trail – The Hiking Experience

Congo Nile Trail – The Hiking Experience

The two hundred and twenty seven kilometers hike includes many delights such as coffee and tea route with twelve coffee washing stations and three tea factory, quiet natural beaches and austere beauty of Rubona bay. Along the way you’ll discover  community, banana and coffee plantation, three beautiful lakeside towns, hundred of wooden bridges, and of course aligned typical African villages and thousands of miles.

Welcome to the Congo Nile Trail.

“Birding the Western Rwanda Corridor”

When talking about Congo Nile Trail, most people can’t even point  them out on a map. When deciding for hiking destinations, most people have in mind the Kilimanjaro trail in Tanzania or The Eagle Creek trail in Oregon, USA.

We would advise you the Congo Nile Trail, the best hiking destination, and you will be overwhelmed by the beauty and unique scenery, you will never forget.

• At the doortstep to the incredible Nyugwe National Park, Africa’s largest rain forest.
• Walk along the Lake Kivu shores through the coffee, banana and tea plantation.
• Breathe clean air, swim crystal clear water and a see million stars at night!
• Enjoy hiking, biking, 4×4 driving , wildlife and sightseeing
• Relax while orphan of Mugonero entertain you withb typical Rwandan traditioinal dance.
• Ride a bike to the top of Congo Nile divide and spend the day at 2630m altitude.
• Try catching fish(Tilapia) at Balirwa bay and enjoy the local food while interacting with local people.
• Escape to Nkombo Island to discover the unique culture of the Nkombo residents, the biggest island in the Rwandan side of Lake Kivu.
• A destination to quiet your mind and regenerate your spirit.

Trail information

 

Activity type:	Hiking, Cycling and 4×4 driving
Nearby Cities:	Gisenyi,. Kibuye and Kamembe
Length:	227kms
Elevation Gain:	1050m
Trail Type:	Out-and-Back
Skill Level:	Difficult
Duration:	10 Days
Season:	Best May through September
Top Elevation:	2630m
Local Contacts:	Gisenyi Tourism Information Centre
Local Maps:	Congo Nile Trail Map
Trail Directions:	North to South

 

The Hiking Experience

Starting Point

Gisenyi, Rubavu District, the starting point of the Congo Nile Trail, is one of the five districts in the Western Province linked by the trail. It features the a resort on the shores lof Lake Kivu, with several hotels and sandy beaches. The area is best for watersports activities.

The incredible Congo Nile journey will take you to a number of different amazing tourism attractions like the roadside coffee and tea plantations with endless views, waterfalls and watershed.

Crossing 5 Western Province’s districts, With more than eight amazing base camps and accommodation facilities, three bonus sub trails which offers diverse experiences, breath taking scenic views and a thousands of kids smiles makes up a hiking lifetime experience!

The sub trails

Pfunda sub trail(tea agri based experience)

Distance: 30 kms

Hiking days: 2

Rating: Easy to moderate

Elevation: -low point:1460m

-high point: 1710m

Cumulative gain; 250m

Shangi sub-trail

Distance; 52km

Hiking Days: 2

Rating: Difficult

Elevation: -low point: 1460m

-high point: 2000m

Cumulative gain: 200m

The Congo Nile Trail

Come and discover one of Africa’s most beautiful region while interacting and benefiting the local community.

The trail offers a thousand amazing options, depending on you time and budget.

From one day to 10 days full experience

Cycling and 4×4 driving

Some people prefer to experience the Congo Nile Trail by a combined Hiking, cycling, boat ride or 4×4 drive.