Whether you’re cycling or hiking, the Congo Nile Trail offers unmatched beauty and local encounters. Just remember to plan with care and stay informed:
1. Mama Nelly’s Relocation
Mama Nelly’s cooking can now only be enjoyed if you make prior arrangements. See our previous post for the details to learn about her relocation.
2. Trail Infrastructure Update
If planning to explore the northern section of Congo Nile Trail, especially by bike or with support vehicles, please be aware that between Rubavu/Gisenyi and Bumba, multiple bridges are currently damaged, impacting accessibility by support vehicles.
Affected points are:
– Busoro (Mu Rusisiro): land collapse about 2 km from the Bralirwa brewery (see featured photo)
– Nkora: damaged bridge near the hydropower station
– Kivumu Centre: road collapse approximately 45 biking minutes from Nkora
– Gisiza: road collapse about 50 biking minutes before Musasa
– Giseke: tricky Koko River crossing just before the serious climb to Bumba — your bicycle will have to be carried as you cross barefoot
In the southern section:
– Karongi/Kibuye to Gisovu: the signposted road is in extremely poor condition and should be avoided by car
The situation means that support vehicles cannot always follow along the Trail. Cyclists should expect demanding detours especially when departing from Gisenyi. For hikers, the trail remains totally passable but you will have to remove your boots a couple of times.
3. When to Expect Repairs
Instead of repairing the existing infrastructure, the government is prioritising the construction of a major new road. This tarmac route begins near Kinunu and will pass through Nkora and Cyimbili, eventually connecting to Nyamyumba just outside Gisenyi town. Once completed, this new road will serve as a long-term solution for the area’s accessibility challenges.
4. Additional Caution: Wooden Bridge Crossings
Several parts of the Trail involve wooden bridges or water crossings made of poles. While these are generally safe for hikers, cyclists need to take extra caution, as tires can easily slip or get stuck between the poles. Proceed slowly and carefully in these areas.
🖋️ text by:
Enock Musabyimana is a tour guide from Gisenyi who started his career leading hikers on the Congo Nile Trail. Over the years, Enock has expanded his networks and knowledge of East Africa, becoming comfortable in any environment. A passionate preacher and a proud father of three boys, he lives in Kigali, Rwanda. [bio updated: 2026-03]
📸 photography by:
César Niyonkuru is one of the most experienced hiking guides on the Congo Nile Trail and the Gorilla Highlands Experts go-to guy for many years. A dynamic father of two, César resides in Gisenyi, Rwanda. Click for his background story. [bio updated: 2026-05]
🎨 illustration by:
ML Rwebandira — formerly known as Miha Logar — is an adventure and cultural tourism expert, writer and multimedia producer who co-founded Gorilla Highlands Experts. His most recent publication is the Pocket Treasure. A national of both Uganda and Slovenia, ML resides with his son Lan in Musanze, Rwanda. Click for his personality-infused quarterly newsletters. [bio updated: 2026-05]