Rwanda Nile trail hiking Safari overview
This 6-day Rwanda Nile route hiking Safari takes you to explore and trek the Rwanda side Congo-Rwanda Nile trail, which is a network of roads that runs from Rubavu (Gisenyi) to Rusizi (Cyangugu) at the southern end of Lake Kivu.
There are several natural tourist attractions, including forests, hills, small towns and villages, valleys, and many more. It allows travelers on the trail to experience Rwandan village life as well as the sounds of nature, particularly the birds that may be seen while on the trail.
This Rwanda Nile Trail can be explored by walking, cycling, or motorcycling, and each has benefits as well as disadvantages depending on your personal tastes and opinions. Walking, for example, can be difficult, especially when going uphill, and riding a motorcycle can be a little fast, giving you less time to fully explore the attractions on the trail. Cycling, on the other hand, appears to be a much better option because you can quickly shift from large to narrow footpaths, uphill and downhill, and of course, if you can utilize the bikes.
Detailed 6 days Rwanda trail hiking safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and transfer to Gisenyi
Our driver guide will greet you at the airport upon your arrival. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may choose to explore Kigali after introductions. You will then be driven to Kisenyi, where you will check into the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 2: Hike from Gisenyi to Cyimbiri: Hike distance 18 km
After breakfast, depart Rubavu on the Kinunu main trail, which passes Rwanda’s largest brewery. Following that, a methane plant building site will be established, as part of a large initiative to convert Lake Kivu’s gas into energy. That will signal the end of contemporary developments and the start of true lake village life. The path will keep you on the lakefront the entire day, and you will see many fishing boats parked along the coast awaiting their night tasks.
Take part in agricultural operations (plantations of coffee, cassava, beans, yams, and bananas, for example). Beautiful sceneries and surroundings surround Lake Kivu, with lovely rolling hills, and breathtaking views. Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 3: Hike from Cyimbiri to Kinunu: Hike distance 14 km
You will continue trekking or cycling along the coastline of Lake Kivu, with a succession of islands on your right. Boats are being mended using scrap materials in the fishing community of Nkora.
On the way to Kinunu’ base camp site, go through a little fishing market called Maziba and several coffee plantations. This is where you can observe the entire coffee growing process, from seedlings to processing. You can, of course, taste the product and purchase packaged coffee.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 4: From Kinunu to Bumba: Distance 15 km
After breakfast, begin your journey to Bunba by crossing the River Koko, where large boats from Rusizi gather to quarry sand for the cement industries on Lake Kivu’s southern tip. Bumba is another simple town, but the breathtaking vistas make it worthwhile. In the evening, you will be able to observe Kibuye/Karongi Bay and enjoy fresh and crisp air.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 5: From Bumba to Karongi/Kibuye: Distance 17km
On the final day of the trail, the hikers will descend to the lake level and board a speedboat to Kibuye. In contrast, a cyclist has no choice but to pedal onto the tarmac and begin a thrilling downhill!
The huge Catholic guesthouse constructed on a peninsula not far from the town center stands out among Kibuye’s many offerings. The church adjacent to it is a genocide memorial in Rwanda; decades ago, it was a horrific hideout for individuals fleeing the machete-wielding mob. Enjoy your final day engaging with others and learning more about the tragic genocide.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 6: Transfer back to Kigali for departure
After a leisurely breakfast, drive from Karongi to Kigali, stopping en route at the King’s Palace Museum. Continue your travel to Kigali, where you will be dropped off at the resort or airport depending on the flight itinerary, bringing this Rwanda nile trail 6days hiking safari to a close.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch
