Journey Along the Waters

7-Day Congo Nile Trail Hiking Adventure

FROM $1350 USD PER PERSON

Journey Along the Waters: 7-Day Congo Nile Trail Hiking Adventure

The Congo Nile Trail is a 227km long popular trail destination for hikers and mountain bikers eager to discover Rwanda’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. The trail derives its name from the watershed that separates the Congo and Nile rivers and it is done along the shores of Lake Kivu on the Rwanda side stretching from the northern shores in Gisenyi and ending in the Southern shores of Rusizi District. Depending on the mode of transport, this trail hike can take up to 10 days to complete.

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Tour Rates 2025-2027

Select and View Rates in Prefered Currency

Rates are Per Person (PP) in U.S Dollars ($).

Tour Prices U.S Dollar
2 persons
4 persons
6+ persons
Budget
$1250 pp
$1250 pp
$1250 pp
Mid-range
$1250 pp
$1250 pp
$1250 pp
Luxury
$1250 pp
$1250 pp
$1250 pp
High-end
$1250 pp
$1250 pp
$1250 pp

Rates are Per Person (PP) in Euro (€).

Tour Prices Euro (€)
2 persons
4 persons
6+ persons
Budget
€1250 pp
€1250 pp
€1250 pp
Mid-range
€1250 pp
€1250 pp
€1250 pp
Luxury
€1250 pp
€1250 pp
€1250 pp
High-end
€1250 pp
€1250 pp
€1250 pp

Rates are Per Person (PP) in British pounds (£).

Tour Prices British pounds (£)
2 persons
4 persons
6+ persons
Budget
£1250 pp
£1250 pp
£1250 pp
Mid-range
£1250 pp
£1250 pp
£1250 pp
Luxury
£1250 pp
£1250 pp
£1250 pp
High-end
$1250 pp
$1250 pp
$1250 pp
Summarized Itinerary
  • Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and briefing and city tour
  • Day 2: Transfer to Rubavu (Gisenyi)
  • Day 3: Rubavu (Gisenyi) to Cyimbiri
  • Day 4: Cyimbiri to Kinunu
  • Day 5: Kinunu to Bumba
  • Day 6: Bumba to Karongi
  • Day 7: Karongi to Kigali
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Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and briefing and transfer to Rubavu
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be received by a tour guide who will transfer you to your hotel and give you a briefing about the trail. You will have lunch at your hotel and then take a tour of Kigali city where you will visit the Genocide memorial centre and learn more about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the genocide of 1994. You will then head back to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation: Serena hotel Kigali (Luxury), Hotel des Mille Collines (Mid-range) or Quiet Haven Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options:

Five To Five Hotel, Inside Afrika Boutique Hotel

Hôtel des Mille Collines, Heaven Boutique Hotel Kigali

Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Marriott Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre

The Retreat by Heaven

Day 2: Transfer to Rubavu (Gisenyi)
After an early morning breakfast, you will set off for Gisenyi which is a 6-hour drive from Kigali and have lunch at your booked hotel. In the afternoon you can do a community tour then have dinner at your hotel and rest. Accommodation: La Corniche Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Rubavu (Gisenyi) to Cyimbiri
This first stage begins some 7km south of Rubavu (formerly Gisenyi) in Rubona. From the starting point after the Bralirwa Brewery, you ride overland to the agricultural village of Rwinyoni. Early birds enjoy the sunrise lighting up the lake shores. The trail concludes at Cyimbiri Guest House, nestled lakeside amidst coffee plantations and lush greenery. Midway, participants can engage in various community-based activities, such as traditional pottery, music, and immersive coffee and tea experiences. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to upscale four-star lodgings. Accommodation: Cyimbiri Guest House (camping is also available)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Same As Day 2
Day 4: Cyimbiri to Kinunu
The 13.4 km Cyimbiri-Kinunu stretch begins with a traditional healing trail and showcases captivating landscapes. Within this phase, visitors can also partake in community-based tourism offerings like beekeeping, coffee encounters, and engaging with local women cooperatives for handcrafting experiences. The next village is Nkora Fishing Village where you may see fishermen returning from the traditional overnight fishing and children playing in the lake. The trail then leads through coffee and banana plantations to Kinunu Center. Accommodation: Kinunu Guest House, Rushel Kivu lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Kinunu to Bumba
The Kinunu-Bumba trail provides hikers with awe-inspiring Lake Kivu scenes. This challenging but feasible phase offers opportunities for agro-tourism experiences with local communities. The route provides intriguing lake and valley views, coupled with occasional steep and demanding stretches. After a wonderful ride on and above the shores of the Lake, interacting with the local communities and enjoying the scenic views, you pass a coffee washing station before you reach Musasa. Soon after, the Musasa Homestay offers meals to bikers and hikers. Renowned for its yams crops and next on your trail are Coko Valley and the river by the same name. A steep climb to Bumba and the Congo-Nil Center makes you sweat as you conclude the day. Accommodation: Bumba Base Camp, Dian Fossey Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Bumba to Karongi
The 15.9 km Bumba-Karongi segment marks the northern culmination of the Congo Nile Hiking Trail. Much less demanding physically, this beautiful alternative makes up for by-passing the Congo Nile Divide by bringing you much closer to the farming communities. Descend to Sure on a different track and continue through banana plantations to the sandy valley of Musaho. Cross Muregeya River on a suspension bridge and climb gently out of the Valley up to the main road at Ryanyirakabano. Bend right to join the main trail coming down from the Congo Nile Divide and Mukura Forest for the final 16 kilometers to Karongi. Accommodation: Livalana Hotel, Moriah Hill hotel, Karongi Lake view retreat
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Same As Day 2
Day 7: Karongi to Kigali
After an early morning breakfast, you will have an opportunity to visit the museum of the environment. This smart museum is located in Kibuye and has information about energy sources and environmental impact of various fuel sources. Here you will also find a rooftop garden with a collection of native plants that are well defined with their traditional medicinal and other uses. After the visit to the museum, you will have your lunch and then be transferred to Kigali to the airport for departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Begin Planning your dream African Safari holiday.

Get in touch with Adventure in the Wild Safaris to begin Planning your dream African Vacation. We have a team of expert Safari consultants who will help you in planning your best ever vacation in Africa.

Accommodation Options :

At Adventure in the Wild Safaris, we understand that every traveler has a unique style and budget. That’s why we offer four carefully curated accommodation categories—budget, mid-range, luxury, and high-end exclusive lodges—each designed to enhance your safari experience in Uganda, Rwanda, and beyond. Whether you’re a backpacker, a family on holiday, or a luxury traveler seeking private indulgence, we have something for everyone.

1. Budget Accommodation: Affordable Comfort for Adventure Seekers

Ideal for: Backpackers, students, solo travelers, and budget-conscious explorers
Price range: $80–$150 per night (full board)

Budget lodges and camps offer clean, functional, and friendly accommodations that keep you close to nature without stretching your wallet. Expect basic amenities such as ensuite or shared bathrooms, mosquito nets, and simple bedding. Most budget lodges have on-site restaurants serving local cuisine, and some offer campfire experiences in the evenings. While the décor may be modest, the views of the surrounding forests and community hospitality create an authentic and memorable stay.

2. Mid-Range Accommodation: Balancing Comfort and Cost

Ideal for: Couples, families, and small groups seeking more amenities without luxury pricing
Price range: $160–$350 per night (full board)

Mid-range lodges provide spacious rooms with ensuite bathrooms, often featuring hot showers, quality linens, and stunning views. These lodges typically offer buffet or a la carte dining, well-stocked bars, and attentive staff. Located in serene natural settings, many have terraces or balconies where guests can relax with panoramic forest or savannah views. Mid-range options provide a great balance between comfort and affordability, making them a popular choice for most of our guests.

3. Luxury Accommodation: Elevated Experiences in the Wild

Ideal for: Honeymooners, senior travelers, and those looking for a pampered stay
Price range: $400–$800 per night (full board)

Luxury lodges blend wilderness charm with upscale comfort. Expect tastefully decorated rooms or cottages, often built with natural materials that reflect the surrounding environment. Rooms come with king-sized beds, modern bathrooms, private verandas, and even fireplaces or bathtubs overlooking the forest. Dining is gourmet with multi-course meals and fine wines. Many lodges also offer spa treatments, butler service, and private guided experiences. These lodges are often situated in secluded areas for enhanced privacy and exceptional views.

4. High-End Exclusive Lodges: Ultra-Luxury in the Heart of Africa

Ideal for: VIPs, celebrities, exclusive groups, or travelers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Price range: $900–$1500+ per night (all-inclusive)

High-end exclusive lodges are the epitome of personalized, world-class safari living. Often located in private concessions or premium park sectors, these ultra-luxury properties offer total privacy, top-tier service, and breathtaking design. Each suite or villa comes with a private plunge pool, dedicated staff, fine linens, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows for wildlife viewing from your bed. Helicopter transfers, curated experiences, gourmet bush dinners, and tailored spa treatments are the norm. These lodges offer a truly immersive and indulgent experience, perfect for discerning travelers.

Choosing the Right Option

When booking with Adventure in the Wild Safaris, our team will help you choose the accommodation option that aligns with your budget, travel style, and itinerary. Whether you want the simplicity of a community-run lodge or the opulence of a five-star rainforest retreat, we ensure your stay enhances your gorilla trekking or wildlife safari experience.

Transportation

We use 4X4 Safari Landcruisers for all our trips Note: Car model may vary based on travel style (budget, Mid-range, Luxury, Highend)

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