With the World Cup in Rwanda approaching, you might be wondering what it is like to cycle in Rwanda yourself. We did it - two years ago now - with great pleasure and are happy to take you on this adventure. We covered part of The Congo Nile Trail; a challenging bike ride along truly breathtaking landscapes. The entire trail is 260 kilometres, which is often completed over about five days. Since we did not have the time for that, we did the first two stages. These took us from Gisenyi to Kibuye.
Day 1: a dip into local communities
As mentioned, the trip began in Gisenyi, with an experienced guide from Rwandan Adventures accompanying us. This city borders Congolese Goma, which is currently very unsettled. So read up well in advance, whether this area is safe enough to travel to. In any case, we did not notice anything.
The first day led us through several small villages, where curious children eagerly chased us. On the way, we stopped for lunch and ate some kind of fried fish, which we later saw drying on the ground. Perhaps a little dubious, but it tasted good and it was a nice introduction to local cuisine!
’In the evening, we spent the night at a coffee farm, where we not only slept but also got a guided tour. We learned all about the production process of the - according to them - perfect coffee. And admittedly; the coffee tasted great. We were also chartered to be part of their latest marketing campaign.
Day 2: back to Gisenyi via Lake Kivu
On the second day, we continued our journey. After a few hours of cycling, we returned by boat from Kibuy to Gisenyi. This trip (across Lake Kivu) offered stunning views of the immense lake and was a welcome change after the intensive cycling. Snoozing for a while.
In total, we cycled 40 kilometres on the first day and 25 kilometres on day two. These do not seem like huge distances. However, the trek was challenging, with rough paths and steep climbs. There were even times when we had to walk with the bike on our necks because of the heavy rain, which had completely washed away some of the trails. In total, our Wahoo indicated some 1,500 altimeters in just 65 kilometres of cycling. So there was hardly a metre of flatness.
The Congo Nile Trail: unforgettable
Despite the challenges, the Congo Nile Trail was an unforgettable experience. The scenery was breathtaking, and the locals were exceptionally friendly and enthusiastic. Everywhere we went, happy children ran with us. That made the trip even more special.
The Congo Nile Trail thus offers not only a sporting challenge, but also a deep immersion in the local culture and nature. For adventurers looking for a unique experience in Rwanda, this cycle route is definitely recommended!
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