The 9-Day Congo Nile Trail and Nyungwe Tour combines the breathtaking Congo Nile Trail with the lush beauty of Nyungwe National Park. The trail, which runs along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, stretches from Rubavu through Rutsiro and concludes in Karongi, offering a captivating journey through rolling hills and crystal-clear waters. While the entire trail can be completed in a four-day hike, this tour integrates the experience with a visit to Nyungwe National Park. The Congo Nile Trail provides stunning views of Lake Kivu’s coastline, making it an exciting adventure for travelers eager to explore Rwanda’s natural beauty. Request a Quote
Day 1: Kigali City Tour
On arrival at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, you will be received by one of our tour guide who will transfer you to the hotel. Have a briefing about your tour in the country of thousand hills.
Standard accommodation: Chez Lando Hotel
Meals: Diner
Day 2: Kigali – Rubavu
Have Breakfast at the Hotel; Pick up from your Kigali hotel Take up a City Tour of Kigali including the Genocide Memorial site a grim reminder of a senseless massacre of innocent’s lives in 1994. In the afternoon drive to Rubavu, around the Kivu Lake. Overnight in Soeurs Benedictrides Guest House Drive to Rubavu city , the city lies on the eastern shore of Lake Kivu, Lake Kivu is the largest of all lakes that fill the valleys of Rwanda, arriving in Rubavu city, you go to your hotel, in the afternoon you do Rubavu city tour.
Standard accommodation: Kigufi Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Diner
Day 3: Gisenyi – Rwinyoni ( Kimbiri )
After an early breakfast at our hotel and 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. Reaches Kimbiri we will make small walk to the village to discover the surroundings of this village.
Standard accommodation: Kimbiri Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Diner
Day 4: Rwinyoni – Kinunu
This morning, you can walk two hours to get to the famous village of fishermen Nkora. From this point, you can enjoy the view of the surroundings, fishermen returning from the tradition fishing in the night, children playing in the lake. The trail then leads to the tea plantations and banana, arrive at our accommodation at 1:00 pm. After lunch we will do a guided tour at the Kinunu washing station for your first coffee experience. Overnight in Kinunu at The Senators Guest house
Standard accommodation: Senators Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Diner
Day 5: Kinunu – Congo Nile via Musasa
Today you will walk for 8 hours along Lake Kivu, interaction 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.
Standard accommodation: Priest Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Diner
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 climb 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 with public transportation. This day is the end of 4 days walking and hiking.
Standard accommodation: Home Saint Jean
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Diner
Day 7: Boat trip on Lake Kivu and transfer to Nyungwe
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’ll follow the herdsmen and their boats as they guide their cattle, swimming from one island to another in search of grazing grounds—a truly remarkable and rare spectacle. After you will continue with the boat trip to visit to several intriguing islands on Lake Kivu, each offering its own charm and scenic beauty. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing lunch in Kibuye. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Nyungwe National Park, where dinner and overnight accommodations await, preparing you for more adventures ahead.
Standard accommodation: Ear Ken Barham Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Diner
Day 8: Chimpanzee and canopy walk in Nyungwe NP
Today, after enjoying an early morning cup of African coffee, you will depart from your lodge to explore the natural wonders of Nyungwe Forest, renowned for its 13 species of primates. Upon arrival at the park, you will receive a briefing before embarking on an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will spend a fascinating one hour observing them in their natural habitat. After the trek, you will take a break for lunch. In the afternoon, at approximately 3:00 PM, you will experience the thrilling canopy walk. This activity offers a unique perspective of the forest as you traverse a 70-meter-high suspended metallic bridge. Along the canopy trail, you may also have the opportunity to spot various bird species. Later in the evening, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Standard accommodation: Ear Ken Barham Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Diner
Day 9: Departure to Kigali
After breakfast in the morning, begin your journey back to Kigali. Along the way, visit the Ethnographic Museum in Butare to gain insight into Rwanda’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Additionally, stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza to learn about the history and traditions of Rwanda’s monarchy.
Meals : Breakfast and lunch
End of the 9 Days Congo Nile Trail and Nyungwe Tour.
The 9 Days Congo Nile Trail and Nyungwe Tour includes;
- All Accommodation including all meals
- A guide of Congo Nile Trail
- Meals as described by B (Buffet Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner)
- 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
The 9 Days Congo Nile Trail and Nyungwe Tour excludes; Request a Quote
- International flight
- Items of a personal nature i.e., telephone/internet usage, laundry, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, etc
If you have additional days to spend in Rwanda, the 9-Day Congo Nile Trail and Nyungwe can be tailored to include cultural experiences, and even Akagera National Park, depending on the duration of your stay. Reach out to us, and we will customize an itinerary that incorporates all the destinations you wish to explore in Rwanda.