Hike or Bike the Congo Nile Trail in Nyungwe National Park

Spend three to four days in Nyungwe National Park exploring the 50 km Congo Nile Divide Trail. You can do this trail on foot or by mountain bike. Most times, it is led by a tour guide, but you can also do it alone by following a map of the area.

If you get tired along the way, there are guesthouses and campsites where you can rest before continuing the next day. At these resting places, you can buy meals, snacks, and drinks to help you regain your energy.

Avoid hiking at night, and keep your money out of sight. While Rwanda is a safe country, it is still wise to be careful. For female solo travelers, Rwanda has low levels of harassment and a respectful culture, so you should feel safe.

The Congo Nile Divide Trail is a government project started in 2011 to help grow the country’s tourism. It is named after the watershed that separates the Congo River Basin and the Nile River Basin. However, the trail itself does not pass through the Congo or the Nile. It runs through Rwanda and covers 227 kilometers along Lake Kivu.

The trail begins on the northern shores of Lake Kivu in Gisenyi and continues down to the Rusizi area, which is located between the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. This area is a great place for cyclists.

The trail can be challenging. During the dry season, it can get very hot. In the rainy season, the ground becomes muddy and cold. But with the right equipment, such as a rain jacket, hiking boots, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a first aid kit, you will be well prepared.

The hills along the way make the journey harder, but remember to move at your own pace, not based on others. Locals may stop and look at you because you’re new to their area. Don’t be afraid—they are friendly and welcoming. Just focus on finishing your trail.

English is widely spoken, and most tour guides understand it well. However, it is helpful to learn two or three simple sentences in Kinyarwanda. It will help you connect better with the local people, especially during the trail.

The Congo Nile Divide Trail is a peaceful and exciting place to visit in the heart of Rwanda. It is a good experience for visitors from all over the world.

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