3 Days Safari to Rwanda Hiking Congo Nile Trail
This 3 Days Safari to Rwanda Hiking Congo Nile Trail takes 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.
Your safari to Rwanda journey follows ancient pathways along Lake Kivu's sparkling shores, where every step reveals breathtaking panoramas of Rwanda's western frontier. The trail carries you through coffee plantations, rural villages, and pristine forests, offering authentic cultural encounters with Rwanda's warm and welcoming communities.
This safari to Rwanda expedition balances physical challenge with natural wonder as you hike approximately 40 kilometers over three days along one of Africa's most scenic trails. Each night concludes at charming lakeside accommodations where you can reflect on your day's adventure while watching the sunset over Lake Kivu's tranquil waters.
Tour highlights
Traverse the legendary Congo-Nile divide watershed ridgeline
Experience stunning panoramic views of Lake Kivu
Visit vibrant local communities and traditional coffee plantations
Observe diverse birdlife unique to Rwanda's western region
Explore the picturesque settlements of Rubavu, Cyimbili, Kinunu, and Musasa
Enjoy authentic cultural interactions with local villagers
Sample freshly roasted Rwandan coffee directly from the source
Stay at charming lakeside accommodations each night
Price Includes:
- All trail and park fees
- All scheduled activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in 4WD vehicle for transfers
- Bottled water during the hike
- Full board accommodation at Cyimbili Coffee Guesthouse and Kinunu Guesthouse
- Professional English-speaking hiking guide
- Porter services for luggage
- All mentioned activities except for optional ones
Price Excludes:
- Rwanda Visa
- International and Internal Flights
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs and extra beverages
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Gratuities for guides and staff
- Travel and life insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Itinary in details
- Day1Rubavu to Cyimbiri
Your safari to Rwanda adventure begins in Rubavu (formerly Gisenyi), where your guide will meet you at 7:00 AM for a briefing before embarking on the 18km hike along the Congo Nile Trail. The safari to Rwanda experience includes traversing the western slopes of Rwanda's hills, and passing through the villages of Nyamyumba and Busoro while enjoying magnificent views of Lake Kivu. After approximately 6-7 hours of hiking, your safari to Rwanda journey reaches Cyimbili, home to a renowned coffee washing station, where you'll enjoy dinner and overnight accommodations at the charming Cyimbili Coffee Guesthouse.
- Day2Cyimbili to Kinunu
The second day of your safari to Rwanda continues after breakfast with a 14km hike from Cyimbili to Kinunu, taking approximately 5-6 hours at a moderate pace. Your safari to Rwanda adventure takes you through terraced hillsides where local farmers, known as "abahinzi" in Kinyarwanda, cultivate coffee, bananas, and cassava using traditional methods. The afternoon safari to Rwanda experience features exploration of the award-winning Kinunu coffee plantation, where you'll learn about Rwanda's coffee production before settling at Kinunu Guesthouse for dinner and overnight rest.
- Day3Kinunu to Musasa
The final day of your safari to Rwanda begins with an early breakfast before tackling the most challenging 12km section of the Congo Nile Trail from Kinunu to Musasa, taking approximately 4-5 hours. This safari to Rwanda hike rewards you with the most spectacular views of Lake Kivu and the distant mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo, locally known as "Ibirunga." Your safari to Rwanda concludes in the fishing village of Musasa, where a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Rubavu, completing your journey along this magnificent trail by approximately 3:00 PM.