While on your Rwanda safari, you can choose to indulge in a Rwanda cycling tour on the Congo Nile trail. The Congo Nile Trail runs in western Rwanda with views of Lake Kivu. 8-day immersive adventure along the Congo Nile Trail, one of Africa’s most breathtaking long-distance treks of 227 km. This trail follows the scenic path along the shores of Lake Kivu, passing through lush forests, traditional villages, and stunning viewpoints. It’s the perfect combination of nature, culture, and adventure for those looking to explore Rwanda’s picturesque landscapes in a truly unique way.
The Congo Nile trail is well-marked with several stopovers in villages that offer camping sites, shops, and guesthouses for those who prefer this. The trail primarily follows rocky, dirt roads that wind up and around the numerous hills between Gisenyi and Kamembe. Do not expect a pleasant rural single track; you will be sharing the road with motorcycle traffic and the occasional beer delivery trucks or minibus. There are a few long climbs; you will be ascending and descending between intervals of 1450 and 1800 meters.
After arriving in Kigali, the next day in the morning we will transfer you from Kigali to Gisenyi, driving about 4 hours. After having your lunch at your hotel in Gisenyi, you will go to visit a border that is between Rwanda and the DRC to see how the local community carries out their daily live activities. You will spend your night in Gisenyi.
The first day features the steepest elevation climb but incorporates stunning views of Lake Kivu. The trail goes through villages and coffee and banana plantations.
Distance to ride: 36.5 km from the point where the trail starts
Duration: 5 to 6 hours.
Accommodation: Kinunu guest house.
Start off with early breakfastand with your packed lunch, begin your wonderful expedition, riding on the shores and hills above Lake Kivu, exploring fishing villages, interacting with local communities along the wayand enjoying the scenic views.
Overnight at the Bumba camping site.
Difficulty: moderate; duration: 5 to 6 hours.
Distance to ride: 29 km
The ride from Bumba to Kibuye has a long descent at the beginning with a few climbs at the end. The road to cycle includes dirt and tarmac features.
Distance to ride: 33 km.
Duration: 4 hours.
Accommodation: home Saint Jean.
After eating breakfast, we will climb the mountain and see beautiful Lake Kivu behind you as you climb on the dirt road. This is where we will pass through tea plantations on top and have lunch at Gisovu. From the tea plantation, we will ride 95% downhill. Enjoy the long descent to Mugonero through forests and community farms. Refreshing winds blow from Lake Kivu, and shade is provided by eucalyptus, pine, and fruit trees. This short stage ends in Mugonero at the tarmac road.
Distance to ride: 41 km
Riding duration: 5-6h
Accommodation: centre de l’espérance
Riding rapidly descends to 1,440 meters (Lake Kivu level) and climbs back up to 1,750 meters for 13 kilometers of climbing.
Distance to ride: 56.6 km.
Riding duration: 5 hours.
Accommodation: Kumbya life Kivu eco lodge
Start The beautiful last ride with a good ascent, which will warm you up for the pleasant descent to Kinini back on the main road.
Without too much elevation to gain, your ride on a relaxing note. Descend to the beautiful rice fields in Cyunu Valley. Crossing the bridge, you arrive in Rusizi, the last of the five districts you visit on this trail. As in Eastern DRC, you see villages (Nkaka and Gihundwe) with wooden houses lining the road
Distance to ride: 40km
Duration: 5 hours.
Accommodation: La classe hotel
From your hotel, our driver will transfer you to Kigali for your flight back home.
Difficult: Challenging
