Overview
The 7-Day Congo Nile Trail Hiking is an exciting hiking experience, which covers a wide range of fascinating attractions on Lake Kivu shores, with beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills and clear water extends from Rubavu, continues through Rutsiro and ends in Karongi. This trail appeals to adventure travelers and is a great way to experience Rwanda. The trail can also be split up if visitors do not have the time to commit to the 7-day journey. However, it is an experience worth selling to those who crave an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival, after completing customs and immigration formalities, you will be greeted by the driver guide, we transfer you to your hotel in Kigali; once at the hotel, you will receive a detailed briefing on your trip.
Accommodation Options:
- Standard Accommodation: Chez Lando Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Tour of Kigali and Transfer to Rubavu
After breakfast at the hotel; Kigali from your hotel, take a tour of Kigali, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. Learn more about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the Genocide of 1994. After visiting Kigali, we will drive to the west of the country Rubavu, a beautiful spot all by Lake Kivu. On the way to Rubavu we will make stop-overs to see panoramic views of the country of a thousand hills.
Accommodation Options:
- Standard Accommodation: Kigufi Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Gisenyi to Rwinyoni (Kimbiri)
After an early breakfast at your hotel, a pre-departure briefing by your guide and direct you to the trail start point for the beginning of an incredible 4 days of adventure, you will make your first trip overland to the village of Rwinyoni, northwest of Lake Kivu. From here you can enjoy the sun amazing on the lake shore. Reaching Kimbiri we will make a small walk to the village to discover the surroundings of this village.
Accommodation Options:
- Standard Accommodation: Kimbiri Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Rwinyoni – Kinunu
This morning, enjoy a two-hour walk to the renowned fishing village of Nkora. From here, take in the scenic surroundings, fishermen returning from the traditional fishing in the night, and children playing in the lake. The trail continues through lush tea and banana plantations, bringing us to our accommodation around 1:00 pm. After a relaxing lunch, we will embark on a guided tour of the Kinunu coffee washing station, where you’ll have your first immersive coffee experience. Overnight in Kinunu.
Accommodation Options:
- Standard Accommodation: Senators Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Kinunu – Congo Nile via Musasa
Today you will walk for 8 hours along Lake Kivu, interact with the local community, enjoy the surrounding views and banana plantations, and visit the well-known Kinunu Catholic Church. Follow the trail of the coffee washing station in the village of Bwimana Musasa, stopping to picnic by the lake. At 17:00, a 4×4 vehicle will join you to transfer you to a Night at Congo Nile.
Accommodation Options:
- Standard Accommodation: Guest House for Priest & Sisters
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Congo Nile to Rubengera Junction
That day you will wake up early because you will have at least a minimum of 7 hours of walking to get to the junction Rubengera, following the track between fields of the community, and climbing the trail to the main road to Rubengera. At the junction asphalt Rubengera the best idea is to reach the city center of Kibuye. We go to Kibuye by public transportation. This day is the end of 4 days of walking and hiking.
Accommodation Options:
- Standard Accommodation: Home Saint Jean
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Kibuye and Transfer Back to Kigali
After an early breakfast, you will set off for Kibuye, a picturesque lakeside town. Upon arrival, embark on an unforgettable boat trip on Lake Kivu, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the serene waters and surrounding landscapes. You will follow the herdsmen and their boats as they guide their cattle, swimming from one island to another in search of grazing ground truly remarkable and rare spectacle. After you will continue with the boat trip to visit several intriguing islands on Lake Kivu, each offering its own charm and scenic beauty. After you will embark on a transfer to Kigali for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
| Price per person sharing in USD | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Options | 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax | S.S.R |
| Standard Accommodation | $ 2,943 | $ 1,826 | $ 1,630 | $ 1,390 | $ 1,306 | $ 1,188 | $ 130 |
Package Includes:
- All Accommodation including all meals
- Guide of Congo Nile Trail
- Boat Trip at Lake Kivu
- 1-litre bottled mineral water per person per day whilst on the trip
- Services of a professional English / French speaking driver/guide
- Transport by a Jeep 4×4, from Kibuye to Kigali
- All excursions and attractions as described in the itinerary, inclusive of applicable entrance fees
- Local taxes
Package Excludes:
- International flight
- Items of a personal nature i.e., telephone/internet usage, laundry, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, etc