5-Day Congo Nile Trail Cycling Tour through Lake Kivu Villages

• This village ride follows the Twin Lakes, with views of five peaks of the volcanoes among the eight volcanoes that form the Virunga massif, home of the mountain gorillas.
• As you cycle through the area with local people, you will gain a unique understanding of their daily life and cultural experiences.
• The tour starts in Musanze town.
• We shall take the car to Gisenyi.

Overnight stay at Inzu Lodge.

Difficulty: Moderate

• Welcome to the Congo Nile Trail.
• The Congo Nile Trail runs along Lake Kivu, extending from Rubavu through Rutsiro via the Karongi and Nyamasheke districts, and ending in Rusizi District.
• This is the divide between both the Congo and Nile basins.
• These four days, covering 204 km in total, pass through beautiful landscapes of rolling hills and incredible views of Lake Kivu.
• According to an old map, the entire trek can be completed in 5 days; however, some parts have now been turned into tarmac, so we avoid the tarmac and make it four days through the villages.
• After breakfast, settle onto your bikes for a day ride along Lake Kivu and through various villages with different plantations, passing the Cyimbiri waterfall, rural settlements, the small fishing village of Nkora, and the Rwinyoni coffee washing station.

Cycling distance: 43 km

Surfaces: Dirt road

Lunch stop at Nkora fishing village.

Overnight: Kinunu Wonders Guest House.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• This is the most challenging day, but also the most beautiful.
• Get to understand why it is named the Congo Nile, as we will cross the KOKO River, one of the rivers that forms the Congo River.
• Ride along the lake for a long stretch and pass through plenty of banana plantations used to make banana beer.
• The first 30 km is through villages.
• Then we will take a boat to Kibuye, relax, and visit the islands.

Lunch stop in Mushubati.

Cycling distance: 56 km

Surfaces: Dirt road and tarmac road

Overnight: Home Saint Jean or Bethany B.

Difficulty: Challenging

• Another day to enjoy the beauty of Rwanda's biodiversity after breakfast.
• You will drive for about 25 minutes to the starting point at Gisovu tea plantation.
• Via the Source of the Nile in Nyungwe, you will have a nice view of Nyungwe National Park.
• You will ride for about 30 minutes in the park towards Kibogora missionary place.

Cycling distance: 50 km

Surfaces: Dirt road and tarmac road

Overnight: Kibogora Guest House

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• The last day of your ride will start from your accommodation.
• You will go to Kamembe, ascending and descending through many places.
• Ride through different plantations, including rice and cassava plantations along the lake, as well as fishing villages.

Cycling distance: 55 km

Surfaces: Dirt road

Overnight: Peace Guest House/Hotel.

Difficulty: Challenging