Rwanda, also known as a country of “a thousand Hills” is located in East Africa neighboring DR Congo, Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi. The country was brought to the world’s attention after the 1994 genocide where over 800,000 people lost their lives majority of who were the Tutsi minority and a few Hutu sympathizers.
This hilly country is famous for being a home to the endangered mountain gorillas which are protected under Volcanoes National park. Many tourists come from all over the world each year to come for gorilla tracking with over 20000 people registered annually.
Besides gorilla safaris in Rwanda, there are other tourists activities in the country such as chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey tracking, Mountaineering, birding,nature walks, wildlife safaris and biking safaris.
There are four national parks in Rwanda which include Volcanoes National park, famous for gorilla tracking and golden monkey tracking, Akagera National park which is famous for game drive safaris and boat trips, Nyungwe Forest National park which is famous for chimpanzee tracking, colobus monkey tracking and Forest Canopy walk, Gishwati Mukura National park which is famous for primate tracking.
Besides the other general tourist attractions in the national parks, the Congo Nile trail is one of the new adventure activities that is enjoyed by many tourists in addition to the other tourist attractions.
The 227sq km Congo Nile trail biking and hiking adventure that runs along the shores of Lake Kivu gives tourists a clear picture why Rwanda is called the land of“a thousand hills”. The trails offers beautiful views of rift valley escarpment, rolling terraced hills, valleys, green coffee and tea plantations that represent the real Rwandan rural life and culture.
The Congo Nile trail safari in Rwanda is a network of dirt roads that runs from the town of Gisenyi on the northern shores of Lake Kivu then continues through Rutsiro via Karongi and Nyamasheke districts and ends at Rusizi on the southern end of lake kivu.
Tourists take 10 days to complete the 227 km journey, but those with less time can as well make a choice of days they can afford to bike and will be guaranteed a unique adventure experience.
When biking, tourists are advised to be vigilant of other road users like motorcycles, cars and pedestrians. There are several shops along the trail where one can buy food and water to stay hydrated.Africa Tours Adventure provides maps to bikers, which show directions, distance and elevation of the landscapes.
Depending on your interest of equipment and logistics,we have all equipment and gears for hire including small and big mountain bikes,spare parts such as tires, pumps and a tool kit which are essential in case need arises to repair or fix mechanical breakages.
Biking tourists will need to pack light items such as sleeping bags, warm clothing, gloves, biking shoes, spare tires and bike pumps. You must also wear head protective helmets, sunglasses; mouth masks to protect dust, neck clothe, packed food and drinks.
Whether you have less than 5 days you will still find pleasure to bike on the Congo Nile trail. There are well-serviced camping sites, guesthouses and coffee stations that offer excellent accommodation with opportunities to sleep under the stars.
Physical fitness is required for the challenging elevations ranging between 1,440 to 2,630meters above sea level.For instance the tiresome Gisenyi to kibuye trail is about 120 km and includes a chance to take boat trips on Lake Kivu.
Biking is the best way to have a wilderness experience than using a motorcycle or vehicle. On the tour you will interact with local people, enjoy physical exercising as you wind up and down the hills and valleys.
Tourists who Camp along the trail can as well do other activities such as bird watching with guaranteed sightings of species such as fowls, white-headed cormorants and many more. Other activities to enjoy include swimming and relaxation on the karongi sandy beaches, canoeing to the Islands and visiting waterfalls.
The biking trips also include side adventures to other tourist attractions like NyungweForest National Park andGishwatiMukura Forest Reserve where you will track chimpanzees and Colobus monkeys and walk on top of trees during aforest canopy walk.