3 Day Rwanda Tour Hiking the Congo Nile Trail
This 3-Day Rwanda Tour Hiking the Congo Nile Trail will take you through the Congo Nile Trail, a hiking and biking trail in Rwanda. The trail can be completed on foot, by bike, or by kayak. The Congo Nile Trail traverses a series of interconnected single paths, dirt roads, and hiking tracks through the tropical Kivu Belt Region on the shores of Lake Kivu. As it stretches along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, hikers on the Congo Nile Trail trek by some of Africa’s few remaining tropical rainforests, and vast coffee plantations.
A Rwanda tour along the Congo Nile Trail offers an extraordinary hiking adventure through one of Africa's most pristine landscapes. This remarkable trail stretches along the shores of Lake Kivu, presenting breathtaking views and challenging terrain that will captivate any outdoor enthusiast. The path winds through local communities, coffee plantations, and dense forests, providing an authentic glimpse into rural Rwandan life.
The Rwanda tour experience combines natural beauty with cultural immersion as you traverse the historic divide between two of Africa's great water systems. Each step along this trail tells a story of geological wonder, where raindrops decide their fate between the mighty Congo and Nile rivers. The trail's unique position offers hikers unparalleled views of Lake Kivu's sparkling waters and the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Tour highlights
18km trek from Rubavu to Cyimbili
Exploration of coffee plantations and local villages
Spectacular views of Lake Kivu
Cultural interactions with local communities
Bird watching opportunities
Traditional fishing village visits
Overnight stays in eco-lodges
Photography opportunities of Rwanda's famous hills
Price Includes:
- Park entrance fees
- All guided hiking activities
- Ground transport in 4WD custom vehicle
- Bottled water during hikes
- Full board accommodation
- English-speaking guide
- Driver allowances
- Porter services
Price Excludes:
- Rwandan Visa
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities and beverages
- Optional Activities
- Laundry fees
- Tips
- Life insurance
- Additional drinks besides water
Itinary in details
- DayDay 1Rubavu to Cyimbili (18km)
Your Rwanda tour begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Rubavu (formerly Gisenyi) at 7:00 AM. This Rwanda tour segment follows an 18-kilometer trail that takes approximately 6-7 hours of hiking through varied terrain. Your Rwanda tour guide will lead you through the historic Congo-Nile divide, where you'll witness the geographical phenomenon that gives the trail its name. The day concludes at Cyimbili, known for its coffee washing station and stunning lake views, where you'll spend the night at the Cyimbili Coffee Washing Station Guesthouse.
- DayDay 2Cyimbili to Kinunu (15km)
The second day of your Rwanda tour starts after breakfast at 8:00 AM, leading you through a 15-kilometer stretch that typically takes 5-6 hours. This Rwanda tour section showcases some of the region's finest coffee plantations, including the famous Kinunu Coffee Cooperative. Your Rwanda tour experience includes stopping at local villages to observe traditional fishing methods on Lake Kivu. The day ends at Kinunu, where you'll stay at the comfortable Kinunu Guesthouse, offering panoramic views of the lake.
- DayDay 3Kinunu to Musasa (12km)
The final day of your Rwanda tour begins at 8:30 AM with a 12-kilometer hike that takes about 4-5 hours. This Rwanda tour portion features some of the most dramatic landscapes along Lake Kivu. Your Rwanda tour concludes with a challenging but rewarding climb through the hills of Musasa, known for its tea plantations. At Musasa, you can enjoy optional kayaking activities at the Musasa Watersports Center before your transfer back to Rubavu or Kigali.