A guide to the cycling experience on the Congo Nile Trail

A guide to the cycling experience on the Congo Nile Trail: Housing some of the best and most breathtaking sceneries of the African continent Rwanda is a beautiful place for any adventurous-minded traveler. Stretching from the western part of Lake Kivu, the Congo Nile Trail is perhaps one of the most untouched cycling trails that offer stunning views through green valleys, around some of the appealing villages, over waterfalls, and along the shores of the sparkling lake. The following article aspires to be an all-in-one resource for travelers interested in cycling the Congo Nile Trail, covering information on what to see, how to prepare, and how to stay safe.

Must know information about the Congo Nile trail

The Congo Nile Trail measures 227 kilometers winding around the western part of Lake Kivu from Rubavu in the north to Karongi in the south. It consists of a combination of tarmac and earthen tracks where cyclists and tourists are able to marvel at the beauty of the region’s gorgeously green forest, active volcanoes, and sparkling Lake Kivu. The trail is called the Nile River trail, the Nile River is sourced from Victoria Lake and passes through areas of the democratic republic of Congo before joining the Congo River. Likewise, the name Congo Nile Trail derives from the Congo River through which water also drains into the Atlantic Ocean.

Culturally, the trail is initiated to showcase Rwandese hospitality and cultural encounters as you travel from one village to another through a touch of friendly people. The Rwanda Development Board together with the local authorities has done a commendable job in the promotion and maintenance of the Congo Nile Trail to keep it as one of Rwanda’s best cycling trails.

Essential Preparation Tips

However, as with any kind of trip, there are many prerequisites that must be considered to guarantee safe and comfortable cycling.

1. Obtain a Valid Visa

Rwanda is a hospitable country to visitors, but it is imperative to know more about the visa notices at the time of the journey. There are visas on arrival or you’ll be able to apply for an e visa online which too saves a lot of hassle.

2. Rent or Bring Your Bicycle

This means that the trail can be used for adventure by any cyclist, whether a new one or a professional cyclist. Regarding the above consideration if you will not be having your personal bicycle then there are many bicycle rental shops in Kigali that provides very good quality bicycles at a fairly cheaper price.

3. Get Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage

For this reason, it is advisable to secure travel insurance that also embraces medical evacuation, theft of bicycles, and accidents. Make sure that the exact policy provides for evacuation and repatriation.

4. Check the Weather Conditions

Rwanda experiences a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons: the hot and dry period (June to September) and the hot and wet period (October to May). it is recommended to look at the possible weather conditions and take necessary garments before the trip.

5. Obtain Maps and Guidebooks

While this trail is marked to a reasonable extent, it is essential to carry a map and a guide to the trail. The following sources will assist the user in attaining direction on the route, and necessary information about sites to visit and places to spend the night.

6. Get an Understanding of Culture Differences

One of the ways of avoiding conflict with the locals is to take time to learn their way of living to increase your etiquette when dealing with them. This, therefore, calls for the desire to learn a few basic phrases in Kinyarwanda to make conversation with the locals more exciting.

Cycling the Congo Nile Trail: The Journey

For those interested, they can complete the whole 227 kilometers, or in cases of time constraints; cyclists can select smaller parts of the route. The trail can be divided into six main sections, starting from Rubavu and ending in Karongi:

1. Rubavu to Ruhunde Crater Lake

The first 26-kilometer trail is not difficult; thus, a cyclist gets familiar with the route as a beginner. It takes one through beautiful villages, and as such provides a cultural aspect.

2. Ruhunde Crater Lake to Gisenyi

This part of the ride measures 23km and leads cyclists to the active trading center of Gisenyi situated at the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo border. The trail continues through spectacular views of the lakes and the Gisenyi Market remains a must-visit.

3. Gisenyi to Cyangungu

During the cycling tours, cyclists will ride through the vegetation of the famous Virunga Volcanoes National Park, and cycle 27 kilometers to Cyangungu. This segment presents a fine opportunity to take a bath in the hot springs by the time a tourist gets to the end of this trail.

4. Cyangungu to Kibuye

The most difficult part of the Congo Nile Trail is the 31 KM from Cyangungu to Kibuye. The path comprises steep slopes where hikers will be able to have a view of Lake Kivu and the mountains.

5. Kibuye to Ndaba

This stage is fully representative of the Congo Nile Trail; the leg is 35 kilometers long. The beautiful tall cascading waterfalls and green valleys will fascinate cyclists as they continue with the ride.

6. Ndaba to Karongi

The last Chalet segment of the trail is 84 km and cyclists have to cover and pass through beautiful villages, scenic terrains, and beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, with some beaches.

Recommended Lodging and Eating

When cycling along the Congo Nile Trail there are several places where you can stop for lodging as well as for food and accommodation especially for cyclists.

• The palm-lined Hotel Marie Louise is in Rubavu and the food at La Baie de Kigali includes traditional meals.

• Accommodation facilities within the town of Gisenyi include; the luxurious Lake Kivu Serena Hotel and the relatively inexpensive Muhoza Guest House.

• Known for its affluence, Kibuye hosts the high-end Lake Kivu Lodge while catering to budget travelers who can check in at the Bishops House.

• Nyungwe holds Discovery Holiday Hotel and Nyungwe Forest Lodge, technically the best hotels for tourists because they offer wonderful scenery and excellent services.

Tour cycling the Congo Nile Trail presents a fascinating experience of cycling through one of Africa’s best assets; The Nile River while learning and interacting with the Ugandan people. If you observe the following traveler’s guide to Rwandan biking, you will be assured a safe and fun biking adventure with the finest encounters with the Rwandan people and their culture.