Overview
The 9 Days Congo Nile 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.
Day 1: Kigali City Tour
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, you will be warmly welcomed by one of our tour guides, who will transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you will receive a briefing about your upcoming tour in the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Accommodation Option:
- Standard Accommodation: Chez Lando Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Rubavu
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before being picked up from your Kigali accommodation for a city tour. This will include a visit to the Genocide Memorial, a solemn site that serves as a poignant reminder of the senseless massacre of innocent lives in 1994. In the afternoon, you will drive to Rubavu, located by the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. The city is nestled within Rwanda’s scenic valleys. Upon arrival in Rubavu, check into your hotel, and in the afternoon, you will embark on a tour of Rubavu City.
Accommodation Option:
- Standard Accommodation: Kigufi Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Gisenyi to Rwinyoni (Kimbiri)
After an early breakfast at your hotel and a pre-departure briefing by your guide who will 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 Option:
- Standard Accommodation: Kimbiri Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Rwinyoni – Kinunu
This morning, you can walk 2 hours to get to the famous village of fishermen Nkora. From this point, you can enjoy the view of the surroundings, fishermen returning from traditional fishing in the night, and children playing in the lake. The trail then leads to the tea plantations and Banana, arriving at your accommodation at 1:00pm. 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.
Accommodation Option:
- 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 Option:
- 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: Boat Trip on Lake Kivu and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
After an early breakfast, you will set off for Kibuye, a picturesque lake-side 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 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.
Accommodation Option:
- Standard Accommodation: Ken Barham Guest house
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Chimpanzee and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park
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.
Accommodation Option:
- Standard Accommodation: Ken Barham Guest house
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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.
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 | $ 4,120 | $ 2,673 | $ 2,418 | $ 2,098 | $ 1,985 | $ 1,854 | $ 140 |
Package Includes:
- All Accommodation including all meals
- A guide of Congo Nile Trail
- Meals as described
- 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