11 days full of Congo Nile Trail

The Congo Nile Trail is divided into 10 sections, each offering its own attractions and challenges. Spanning approximately 227 kilometers, the distance of the entire trail can take anywhere from 2 to 10 days to complete, depending on the mode of transportation and the pace of travel.

Section 1: Rubavu – Cyimbiri Trail

Starting point: BRALIRWA Brewery Ltd.

Duration: 5 hours

Length: 16.5 km

Difficulty: Medium

The 16.5 km Rubavu-Cyimbiri hike starts from Rubavu, Rwanda’s largest beach town. The trail concludes at Cyimbiri Guest House, nestled lakeside amidst coffee plantations and lush greenery. Midway, participants can engage in various community-based activities, such as traditional pottery, music, and immersive coffee and tea experiences. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to upscale four-star lodgings.

Accommodation: Cyimbiri Guest House (camping is also available).

Section 2: Cyimbiri – Kinunu

Starting point: Cyimbiri Guest House

Duration: 4 hours

Length: 13.4 km

Difficulty: Medium

Spanning Lake Kivu’s periphery and weaving through small villages and harbors, the 13.4 km Cyimbiri-Kinunu stretch begins with a traditional healing trail and showcases captivating landscapes.

Within this phase, visitors can also partake in community-based tourism offerings like beekeeping, coffee encounters, and engaging with local women cooperatives for handcrafting experiences.

Accommodation:

Kinunu Guest House

Rushel Kivu lodge

Section 3: Kinunu – Bumba

Starting point: Kinunu Center

Duration: 7 hours

Length: 24 km

Difficulty: Challenging

Covering 24 km of rolling hills, the Kinunu-Bumba trail provides hikers with awe-inspiring Lake Kivu vistas. This challenging but feasible phase offers opportunities for agro-tourism experiences with local communities. The route provides intriguing lake and valley views, coupled with occasional steep and demanding stretches.

Accommodation:

Bumba Base Camp

Dian Fossey Hotel

Section 4: Bumba – Karongi

Starting point: Bumba Base Camp

Duration: 5 hours

Length: 15.9 km

Difficulty: Challenging

The 15.9 km Bumba-Karongi segment marks the northern culmination of the Congo Nile Hiking Trail. A short boat voyage precedes entry into the tranquil town of Karongi. Within this town, tourists can engage with local fishermen during night fishing outings, experience unique activities like swimming cows, sorghum, and silkworm encounters, and embark on boat rides to the lake’s hilly islands.

Accommodation: Karongi offers a range of options, from small guest houses to larger hotels.

Section 5: Karongi – Mugonero

Starting point: Karongi Hospital roundabout

Duration: 6 hours

Length: 19.6 km

Difficulty: Challenging

The 19.6 km Karongi-Mugonero stage unfolds breathtaking views of Lake Kivu and its captivating islands. Hikers may extend their trek with a challenging ascent up Mount Karongi to the Gisovu Tea plantations, providing options to reach Nyungwe National Park or continue along the Congo Nile Hiking Trail the following day. Gisovu offers accommodation facilities and a tea experience amidst the lush tea plantations.

Section 6: Mugonero – Karengera

Starting point: L’Esperance Mugonero

Duration: 7 hours

Length: 22.5 km

Difficulty: Challenging

The extensive 22.5 km Karengera-Mugonero route meanders through hills, valleys, and fields, showcasing splendid lake and Kivu Belt road views. The journey culminates at Karengera High School. While undertaking this leg, hikers embark on a boat trip across Mugonero Bay, scaling small paths to an elevated hill overlooking the lake, meandering through rice fields, and more.

Accommodation: Karengera High School (basic accommodation available).

Section 7: Karengera – Kumbya Trail

Starts: Karengera High School

Duration: 4 hours

Distance: 14.7 km

Difficulty: Moderate

The 14.7 km Karengera-Kumbya stretch traverses rice fields, leading to the serene Kumbya retreat center nestled on a picturesque peninsula. Birdwatchers will delight in the bird-friendly native tree forest. Accommodation options comprise the Kumbya Retreat Centre and Kumbya Kivu Life Eco Lodge.

Accommodation:

Kumbya Retreat Centre

Kumbya Kivu Life Eco Lodge

Section 8: Kumbya – Ishara Trail

Starting: Kumbya peninsula entrance

Duration: 3 hours

Distance: 13 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Encompassing charming lakeside paths and picturesque villages, the 13 km Kumbya-Ishara route showcases rural smiles and greetings from local communities. This segment concludes with a stroll through Kamiranzovu Valley’s rice fields. Ishara Beach Hotel in Nyamasheke serves as the main accommodation, with alternative options available in Nyamasheke.

Accommodation:

Ishara Beach Hotel in Nyamasheke

Guest houses available in Nyamasheke Town

Section 9: Ishara – Shangi Trail

Begins from Ishara Beach Hotel

Duration: 7 hours

Distance: 24 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Laying near Lake Kivu and enveloped by nature, the 24 km Ishara-Shangi stretch unveils captivating vegetation, including eucalyptus trees. Narrow footpaths weave through villages and fields, granting stunning lake views. The trail concludes at Shangi Catholic Church, where visitors can explore historical landmarks like “Richard Kandt House.”

Accommodation: St. Martin Parish

Section 10: Shangi – Kamembe Trail

Starts at: Shangi Catholic Church

Duration: 5 hours

Distance: 18.3 km

The final stage, spanning 18.3 km from Shangi to Kamembe Town, immerses hikers in the vibrant Rusizi District. Kamembe Town, home to Kamembe Airport, offers various accommodation options and community-based tourism activities, including night fishing, boat rides, and cultural experiences.

What to prepare for your hiking trip to Rwanda:

Tourist visa: Apply online at www.migration.gov.rw before your trip to Rwanda.

Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers: to protect you from the sun, insects, and vegetation along the trail.

Waterproof, sturdy hiking boots: Choose boots that provide ankle support and are suitable for rugged terrain.

Sturdy gloves: These will come in handy for gripping rocks or branches during the hike.

Rain jacket/poncho: Be prepared for unpredictable weather. A waterproof jacket or poncho will keep you dry during rain showers.

Hat: Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat that provides shade for your face and neck.

Gaiters: Gaiters will help keep debris, mud, and small rocks out of your boots.

Insect repellent: Apply insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.

A warm jacket: Evenings and higher elevations can get chilly, so pack a warm jacket or fleece to layer up.

Including :

.Accommodation

.Dinners

.Lunches

.Breakfast

.Guiding fee