Summary
If you are planning a trip to Rwanda and have an affinity for adventure and outdoor pursuits, you will find yourself presented with a plethora of exhilarating options. Despite its modest size, the country offers an impressive diversity of adrenaline-fueled activities.
Experiencing Rwanda’s stunning natural beauty in an eco-friendly manner is best accomplished on foot or while cycling. In addition, there are rivers and lakes available for paddling, along with caves ripe for exploration. After an active day, unwind at one of the enchanting stretches of pristine sand.
Exploring Adventure Activities in Rwanda
The Congo Nile Trail (CNT) offers an exhilarating and safe biking experience. This route, far from the usual tourist paths, serves as both a cycling and hiking trail that extends along the shores of Lake Kivu, a prominent African lake, in western Rwanda. Established in 2009, the trail consists of an array of interconnected rural paths, unpaved roads, and drivable tracks through the scenic Kivu Region. Spanning approximately 140 miles (227 km) from Gisenyi to Kamembe, the journey can typically be completed in five days.
Prepare for an extraordinary journey through rolling hills, extensive coffee plantations, and enchanting tropical forests, complemented by breathtaking views of the lake. While cycling remains a primary activity, this route also facilitates engagement with local communities and participation in traditional practices, such as craft making, honey harvesting, visiting tea or coffee estates, or joining local fishermen for night fishing of sambaza (small fish).
A noteworthy aspect of the trek includes the hidden beaches that are scattered along the route, where one can enjoy a refreshing swim. The lake is free from dangerous wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles, making it entirely safe and indeed encouraged to cool off post cycling.
While it is feasible to navigate the Congo Nile Trail independently, enlisting a guide can prove invaluable. Consider reaching out to the specialized operator Rwandan Adventures. Their bicycles, including e-bikes, are well maintained, and their team is properly trained. It is not necessary to be in peak physical condition to complete this itinerary; however, being reasonably fit will enhance your experience.
Diverse accommodation options are available throughout the trail. Guides can arrange camping, but for those who prefer not to sleep in tents, homestays, guesthouses, and small lodges provide suitable alternatives. Culinary experiences also await, featuring fresh, delectable dishes prepared by local chefs. Numerous villages along the route also have shops for purchasing snacks, fruits, and beverages.
Volcanoes and Caves
For many travelers, Musanze (Ruhengeri) and the adjacent Kinigi serve as prime bases for delving into the remarkable Volcanoes National Park, celebrated as one of the premier locations in East Africa for gorilla trekking. These towns are conveniently positioned near several captivating natural attractions, encompassing various stunning caves located just over a mile (2 km) from the town center on the route to Gisenyi. These caves formed as a result of converging lava flows that shaped the Albertine Rift Valley.
The caves are notable for their bat colonies and dramatic roof collapses that create striking shafts of colored light, making them highly photogenic. Exploration of these caves is possible with the assistance of a required guide.
If you still have the energy, consider visiting Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera, situated on the outskirts of Musanze. Both expansive lakes are dotted with small villages and linked by an extensive network of dirt roads.
The breathtaking scenery around these lakes boasts heavily terraced and cultivated shores, complemented by the imposing Virunga volcanoes in the backdrop. Although Ruhondo and Burera lack substantial tourist infrastructure, a self-directed adventure is readily achievable here, especially if you have personal transport or are willing to walk and make arrangements for a local fishing trip.
Walking on a Canopy
Looking for a unique experience? Consider reliving a scene from “Avatar.” Suspended above a ravine in the lush montane rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park, you can gain a fresh perspective of the jungle from a monkey’s-eye view. This canopy walkway, extending 500 feet (160 m) long and reaching heights of 230 feet (70 m) at certain points, is among the most breathtaking canopy walkways globally and a major attraction for visitors seeking novelty.
The canopy walk offers unforgettable views of the surrounding forest, accessible after a brief 30-minute ascent. During your trek, look forward to encountering butterflies, orchids, and vibrant bird species.
Kayaking on Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest body of water, provides an excellent setting for outdoor enthusiasts. When the bustling beach scene at the resort town of Gisenyi becomes overwhelming, consider embarking on a kayaking adventure to explore the clear and azure waters lapping at the scenic shores of the lake.
Numerous sandy inlets allow for leisurely stops to unwind while observing various bird species that flit among the nearby foliage. Additionally, kayaking here is exceptionally safe, given the absence of hippos or crocodiles. You will find a peaceful ambiance on the calm waters, allowing for a refreshing breeze, all set against a stunning volcanic backdrop.
This is also an excellent opportunity to interact with local fishermen aboard their traditional wooden vessels. The rhythmic singing accompanying their synchronized paddling will become a memorable highlight of your experience. Day trips may include explorations of small islands, and overnight excursions let you camp on an uninhabited island for an authentic Robinson Crusoe adventure, with a Rwandan twist.
Kingfisher Journeys operates well-regarded guided kayak trips, accommodating participants of all skill levels and experience.
Climbing the Volcanoes in the Virungas
To the west of Rwanda, the iconic peaks of the Volcanoes National Park are essential destinations. This region is renowned for gorilla trekking; however, it also features a range of rewarding climbing and trekking options. Some suggested routes include Karisimbi (14,000 ft; 4507m; two-day trek), Bisoke Crater Lake (seven-hour return), Ngezi (three-hour return), Dian Fossey’s Grave (five-hour return), Gahinga (11,000 ft; 3474m; eight-hour return), and Muhabura (13,500 ft; 4127m, nine-hour return).
During your ascent, expect to encounter remarkable changes in vegetation, transitioning from dense bamboo and giant lobelia forests to alpine meadows. Furthermore, if conditions permit, spectacular vistas across the mountain range await you.
Various options exist for summiting one or more volcanoes in the park, with treks ranging from several hours to two days in duration. It is mandatory to have a guide, whose fee is included in your trekking cost; however, additional porters may be hired at a rate of US$20 per day.
One of the outstanding features of climbing and trekking in this volcanic region is the ample opportunity for wildlife observation (excluding gorillas and golden monkeys). Common herbivores include bushbucks and black-fronted duikers; buffaloes, bush pigs, and giant forest hogs may also be found, albeit rarely. Be sure to inspect the hollows of trees for sightings of hyraxes, genets, dormice, squirrels, and forest pouched rats. The hagenia forests offer the richest birdwatching experiences, where visitors can look forward to encountering turaco, francolins, sunbirds, waxbills, crimson-wings, and various hawks and buzzards.
