Quick answerThe Congo Nile Trail is a 227 km route that follows the eastern shore of Lake Kivu from Rubavu in the north to Rusizi in the south, along the watershed between the Congo and Nile river basins. It can be hiked or cycled in sections or end to end, with nights in guesthouses and campsites.
- Where
- Lake Kivu shore, from Rubavu to Rusizi
- Duration
- 1 day sections to 10 days end-to-end
- Cost
- On request
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Minimum age
- Active travellers
- Best time
- June–September, December–February
Doing the trail
Most travellers ride or walk two to five days of it, for example Rubavu to Karongi. Expect red-dirt tracks, constant climbs and descents, villages where children run alongside you shouting greetings, and views over the lake at every bend. E-bikes are increasingly available and make the climbs far more enjoyable.
