Congo Nile Trail
Rubavu (Gisenyi) is the most common starting point for the 227-km (141-mile) Congo Nile Trail. This clearly marked route skirts the shores of Lake Kivu and the edge of Nyungwe Forest National Park and leads travelers through verdant tea plantations and traditional villages. The full trail takes cyclists 5 days; however, visitors can also walk, boat, or drive the trail, or smaller sections of it. Demarcated overnight stops tend to be simple but accommodation upgrades are available at several (not all) locations. Hiring an experienced guide can boost your experience immeasurably. Not only will they help with logistics, but they can also point you to the trail’s must-visit (yet barely documented) community tourism experiences.
