THE CONGO NILE DIVIDE TRAIL – The Congo Nile Divide Trail is the longest and most adventurous trail in Rwanda, stretching 227 km.
It starts from the northern shores of Lake Kivu, the largest lake in Rwanda, in Gisenyi town, and ends in Rusizi district, at the southern shores of Lake Kivu, west of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The trail was established in 2011 by the Rwanda Development Board as part of the government’s efforts to make Rwanda a comprehensive tourism destination with various attractions and activities for visitors.
The trail can be completed by walking, riding a bicycle, using a motorcycle, or driving.
It follows the eastern shoreline of Lake Kivu and divides the Congo River basin and the Nile River basin, hence its name “Congo Nile Divide.”
The trail is in Rwanda and does not cross the River Nile.
Hiking the Congo Nile Divide Trail
If you haven’t traveled with your own mountain bike, they are available for hire in Kigali at selected outlets and in Gisenyi town at the starting point.
From Kigali to Gisenyi town, the starting point of the trek, you will take a 3-hour drive using either public or private means with the services of your tour operator.
The Congo Nile Divide Trail is well-marked, making it easy to navigate whether you are walking or riding.
The locals can also help show you the way, so feel free to interact with them along the route. The trail passes through the countryside, farmlands, homesteads, trading centers, and local markets, granting you easy access to necessities like food, drinking water, fresh fruits, and toiletries.
The best time to hike the Congo Nile Divide Trail is during the dry months of the year, from June through September and late December to early March.
The trail is much drier and easier to navigate, making it possible to complete the trip in the allocated time. Enjoy scenic views of Lake Kivu along the way at different sections of the Congo Nile Divide.
The Congo Nile Divide is considered the best biking trail in East Africa, so if mountain biking is your passion, add this thrilling biking adventure to your Rwanda safari for a complete experience.
Biking and walking the Congo Nile Divide Trail is recommended for those who are mentally and physically prepared for the demanding task ahead.
Take breaks along the way to relax and replenish your energy. You could relax at the beaches of Lake Kivu, go swimming, canoeing, or take a boat ride.
A map of the trail is provided to visitors by the Rwanda Development Board. Solo travelers are encouraged to hire the services of a guide or join a group of other hikers en route.
Take time to interact with the people in the communities you pass through for a free cultural experience. Remember to be respectful.
Accommodation is readily available along the Congo Nile Divide Trail, catering to different budgets.
If you carry your camping gear, you can join other hikers who prefer to camp at different locations like schools, near villages, or at the campsites set up by the Rwanda Development Board.
Signposts are available to guide you to the sites.
What to Carry During the Congo Nile Divide Trail Experience?
Bring camping gear, enough clothing for different weather conditions, toiletries, a scarf or dust mask, sunglasses and sunscreen, bike pumps and extra tires, good hiking and walking shoes, sandals or flip-flops to change, gloves and helmets, a reusable drinking water bottle, snacks and energy bars, a camera and extra batteries, and binoculars for bird-watching along the way.
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