Hike the Congo Nile Trail
Overview
The best way to truly experience a country is on foot, and the Congo Nile Trail offers just that. It’s not only the stunning views but the people you’ll meet along the way that make this trip unforgettable. Locals will stop for a chat, invite you for tea, or even join you for part of your hike, creating connections that go far beyond the usual tourist experience.
This Private Congo Nile Trail Hike takes you through Rwanda’s incredible landscapes, from the shores of Lake Kivu to the lush hills and tea plantations. Along the way, you’ll explore fishing villages, hike to the top of Napoleon Island, and relax by the lake. You’ll also visit the Genocide Memorial in Kigali to learn about Rwanda’s powerful history, offering a deeper understanding of this resilient country.
Nyungwe Forest awaits with a thrilling canopy walk through the jungle, giving you the chance to spot primates high in the treetops. You’ll also dive into local culture with stops at the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, experience the unique tradition of swimming cows, and visit the King’s Palace for a glimpse into Rwanda’s royal past. Whether it’s chimpanzee trekking, kayaking, or simply enjoying a warm welcome from the locals, this trip connects you with the heart of Rwanda.
Walking the Congo Nile Trail is the perfect way to immerse yourself in this beautiful country, one step at a time.
What's Included?
- Airport Transfers & Private Local Transport
- Expert Local Guides
- 12 Nights Accommodation in Hotels, Guesthouses & Lodges
- Daily Breakfast, 9 Lunches & 11 Dinners
- Park Fees & Permits
- Guided Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
- Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park
- Full-Day Kayaking on Lake Kivu
- Kigali City Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
- Nyamirambo Women’s Centre Community Tour
- Guided Hikes along the Congo Nile Trail
- Visit to Bisesero Genocide Memorial
- Visit to King’s Palace Museum
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Soft Drinks, Alcohol or Drinking Water
- Tips for Guides
- Personal Equipment & Clothing
- Souvenirs
Trip Highlights
- Kigali & Genocide Memorial: Doesn’t feel right to call it a ‘highlight’ but a powerful start that helps you understand Rwanda’s past and the incredible resilience of its people.
- Congo Nile Trail Hiking: Varied landscapes, from banana plantations to lakeside paths. The real highlight? The people you’ll meet, chat with, and maybe even share tea with along the way.
- Lake Kivu: Paddle through calm waters, visit fishing villages, and unwind in natural hot springs.
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe: One of Africa’s last mountain rainforests. Hear the chimps before you see them, and watch as they swing through the trees above you.
- Nyamirambo Women’s Centre: Meet and support local women, explore their community, and shop for handmade crafts that support literacy and empowerment initiatives.
Daily Itinerary
Welcome to Rwanda! After a long journey, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a traditional welcome dinner. Get settled in, relax, and start soaking up the atmosphere of the Land of a Thousand Hills. Depending on when you arrive, feel free to explore a bit of Kigali’s vibrant streets, or simply get an early night—there’s adventure waiting first thing tomorrow!
Meals Included: Dinner
We’ll start the day with a visit to the Genocide Memorial—an emotional and powerful reminder of Rwanda's past, where you’ll learn about the events that shaped this resilient country. Afterwards, we’ll head to the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, a vibrant community hub where local women are empowered through literacy classes and sewing programs. This is a chance to see grassroots change in action and maybe even pick up a handmade souvenir. Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start your day like a true Rwandan—with a glass of fresh milk at one of Kigali’s beloved milk bars (yes, milk is a big deal here!). Then, it’s time to hit the road towards Gisenyi. You’ll pass through rolling plantations of coffee, tea, and bananas on your way to the shores of Lake Kivu. Once there, relax by the lake and watch the fishermen set off with their traditional songs as the sun sets over the water. Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Lace those boots up—it’s time to hit the trail! Today, you’ll be hiking about 10km through some of Rwanda’s most beautiful landscapes. As you make your way through wide pastures and local farms, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and even the distant peaks of Nyiragongo. Along the way, you’ll meet local farmers who will give you a glimpse into their rural lives. A rewarding day with a mix of varied terrain and memorable interactions.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Lake Kivu by kayak today! Paddle through its calm, clear waters, visiting local fishing villages along the way. Stop off at natural hot springs for a relaxing soak, then continue gliding through serene bays and inlets. It’s a peaceful and scenic day on the water, capped off by watching the fishermen return from their evening out on the lake.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you’ll tackle a 16km hike along the shores of Lake Kivu. The trail weaves through vibrant local communities and offers spectacular lakeside views. As the day draws to a close, you’ll hop on a boat to reach Kinunu, where a hands-on coffee roasting experience awaits. You’ll learn all about how Rwanda’s famous coffee is grown, processed, and roasted to perfection.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another 24km on foot today! You’ll hike through banana plantations, coffee farms, and welcoming local communities, stopping along the way to chat with locals and learn more about life along the Congo Nile Trail. The final stretch takes you up to the village of Bumba, which sits at 2000m altitude. It’s a long but rewarding day of hiking, with the chance to connect with people and landscapes few tourists ever experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a 16km hike through Rwanda’s rural heartland, you’ll reach the Rubengera asphalt junction, where the best idea is to hop on a bus for a short ride down to the lakeside town of Kibuye. Once there, relax by the shores of Lake Kivu and take in the serene atmosphere after a few days of intense hiking.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you’ll hike through the rolling tea fields of Gisovu, one of Rwanda’s most picturesque regions. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Bisesero Genocide Memorial, a poignant and powerful reminder of the country’s recent history. Here, you’ll learn about the tragic events that took place in the region during the 1994 genocide and pay tribute to the lives lost. Afterward, we’ll continue to Nyungwe for an overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nyungwe is one of Africa’s last remaining montane rainforests and is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including 13 species of primates. Today, you’ll take to the trees with a canopy walk high above the forest floor. As you walk across the suspended bridges, keep your eyes peeled for primates like colobus monkeys, as well as a stunning array of birds and insects. It’s a unique and exhilarating way to experience the biodiversity of this ancient forest.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is all about the chimpanzees! Wake up early and head into Nyungwe’s dense forest for a chimpanzee trekking adventure. You’ll likely hear their calls echoing through the trees long before you see them. Once you find them, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour watching these fascinating primates swing through the trees and interact with each other. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to spot other species of monkeys, as well as a variety of forest birds.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
End your trip with a visit to the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza. Learn about Rwanda’s royal history and meet the famous long-horned royal cows, which are treated like royalty themselves. You’ll even have the chance to be crowned as a king or queen for a memorable photo op! Afterward, return to Kigali for your final night.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. After breakfast, we’ll take you to the airport for your departure. Hopefully, your legs have recovered from all the hiking, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another Earth Dog Travel adventure—perhaps on two wheels next time?
Meals Included: Breakfast
Where We'll Stay
We’ve taken on the tough task of staying at some of the best hotels and guesthouses around the world to hand-pick those that we think you’ll love. For this trip, you’ll enjoy a mix of accommodation, from charming locally owned guesthouses to lakeside hotels.
In Kigali, we’ll settle into a comfortable hotel in the heart of the city, offering a peaceful retreat after exploring the bustling streets. As we move through the Congo Nile Trail, expect cozy guesthouses in rural villages, where the hospitality is as warm as the tea served on arrival. Along Lake Kivu, you’ll stay in serene lakeside spots, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. In Nyungwe National Park, our accommodation will bring you close to nature, with sweeping views of the rainforest and a chance to soak in the tranquil surroundings.
While we can’t guarantee the exact accommodations for each night, you can rest assured that every place we stay will be clean, comfortable, and welcoming—a great spot to relax after long days exploring Rwanda’s incredible landscapes.
Calendar & Price
Like the sound of this trip, have a question or want to check something before you book? Maybe even have a great idea to customise this itinerary? Get in touch and start your adventure!
Interactive Route Map
Check out the interactive map of this trip below. You can simply zoom in and have a look at the route.
Or, if you’re wanting to get a feel for the route or to dive into the daily details then click on any of the steps and you’ll be redirected to our Polarsteps page.
What is Polarsteps?
We’ve loaded all of our itineraries onto Polarsteps. It’s an app that can help you plan, track and relive your travels. We’ve used it to display our trips in all their glory but anyone can easily create on-the-go mementos of their adventures.
Carbon Emissions
This trip emits approximately 459 kg of carbon per person. This includes emissions from accommodation, transport, food, activities, and the operations behind the scenes to run the trip.
What does this mean?
This is roughly equivalent to driving a typical petrol car about 1,470 miles.
It’s similar to the carbon emissions from heating an average UK home with a gas boiler for about 21 days during winter.
Our Approach
We are mindful of the environmental impact of travel and are committed to supporting conservation efforts in Rwanda. By choosing this itinerary, you contribute to community projects and wildlife conservation initiatives that aim to preserve the country’s unique natural heritage. This carbon estimate helps you make informed choices about your travel footprint and consider ways to offset it responsibly.
More Information
What's the fitness level required for this trip?
We grade all of our trips to try and make it easy to understand the fitness levels required. These are broad guidelines however so you’re welcome to chat to us about any specific concerns you might have.
You’ll find more information about these levels here and you can find the difficulty rating for this specific trip at the top of the page.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, it is. We run adventurous trips and it’s mandatory that you have suitable travel insurance in place to cover overseas medical treatment as well as evacuation or repatriation.
We can’t recommend which provider you use but the main things we’d encourage you to look out for is that you’re fully covered for the activities you’re taking part in (i.e., covers you up to the altitude you’ll be trekking at) and that it covers cancellation in the event that illness or other circumstances prevent you from travelling.
How much should I tip in Rwanda?
Tips are not included in any of our trips. They are entirely discretionary but in most cases are expected by the teams that will be looking after you. We know it can be daunting to work out exactly what to give so whilst this guideline hopefully helps, please remember that it’s a completely personal choice and you should feel free to tip more or less based on the quality of service that you receive.
Trekking Guide: $10-20 USD per day
Porters or Support Staff: $5 USD per day
Drivers: $10 USD per day
Again, tipping is not compulsory and please only do so if the service you’ve received warrants it. It’s hugely appreciated and a way for the teams looking after you to supplement their income.
How do I find out which hotels, meals and activities are included?
Unfortunately we can’t provide an exhaustive list of everything included in the ‘What’s Included’ section of this page as we include a whole bunch of stuff on our trips!
If it’s in the itinerary and we’ve not explicitly said that it’s an optional activity, then yes – it’s almost certainly included. If you’re not sure, please ask.
The meals that are included are all listed on the daily itinerary.
For the accommodation, we’ve got a shortlist of properties that we use. You can get a sense of the types of accommodation we use higher up the page in the ‘Where We’ll Stay’ section. We cannot guarantee any specific properties for your trip as it’s based on availability. If you are wanting to specifically request a property then please get in touch as we’re able to customise our trips.
Which airport do I need to fly into and out of for my trip to Rwanda?
Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the only airport for trips starting and finishing in Rwanda.
What are your payment terms and is my booking financially protected?
Yes, absolutely. Here’s a link to where you can read more about how we are an ABTOT member and have an ATOL licence and what this means for your financial protection when booking a trip with us.
Deposits vary from destination to destination and from trip to trip. Generally speaking we require a deposit of 25%. This amount may be higher for certain trips where more services that usual need to be booked and paid for in advance (such as gorilla permits in Rwanda). Deposits are non-refundable.
Balance payments are required up to 70 days prior to travel.
If you need to cancel your booking, the following fees will apply based on the time before your scheduled departure:
- Immediate loss of deposit (25% of total cost) upon cancellation.
- 50% of the total cost if cancelled after the balance is paid and up to 45 days before departure.
- 75% of the total cost if cancelled 30 to 45 days before departure.
- 100% of the total cost if cancelled within 30 days of departure.
These fees compensate for expenses and bookings made on your behalf in anticipation of your trip.
Can I customise this trip in any way?
- adding in extra days or cutting out a day here or there;
- squeezing in other destinations or removing them;
- starting or finishing the trip in a different place;
- staying in a hotel or guesthouse that we don’t list as an option.
What if someone under the minimum age wants to travel?
It might not be an issue. Some destinations such as Rwanda have firm rules in place about how old people should be in order to visit the gorillas. In other destinations it’s more of a guideline.
Please do contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
What information will I receive after I book?
After you book, we’ll get to work confirming that the dates you’ve selected are completely available.
There are extremely rare circumstances that may mean we’re unable to confirm your booking. These circumstances are limited to events beyond our control or not being able to secure the services that you wanted to book.
In the extremely rare event that we’re unable to confirm your booking you will be offered an alternative itinerary or a full refund without any fees. Please do not book any non-changeable travel plans until you receive the confirmation from us. This will be within 72 hours.
A detailed Trip Dossier will then be sent to you after you make your booking. It’ll contain all the information you might need to help you pack and get prepared for your trip, including information on visas, vaccinations, packing and training.
We encourage you to refer to the UK Government’s official travel advisory service when planning your trips. You can find the FCDO advice here.
And when you travel, we work closely with local experts to put together the best itineraries. We’ve worked with them exhaustively to provide safe adventures at great value. They know their destination better than we ever could so you’ll be in good hands! You can read a bit more about why we will only ever have locally-led trips here.
Book Now
Whether you’d like more information about this itinerary or to customise it to exactly what you want to do, drop us a line and let us know your plans!
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