The Congo Nile Trail is a peculiar hiking/biking experience that doesn’t neatly fit into our previously published “What to Pack for Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC.” That’s why we’re devoting this article to what in particular you should have in your bag on the banks of Lake Kivu.
First of all, unless you’ve decided to camp on the Congo Nile Trail — which means carrying your own tent — you definitely don’t need a sleeping bag, towel or mosquito net. There are hotels and guesthouses available every night, and they come with all the essentials.
Think of the sunshine above all, and everything that can protect you from it: sunscreen, a hat, shirts that don’t expose too much skin. The flip side of the same climate coin is rain: pack a jacket to keep you dry when showers catch you on the way, or bring enough clothes to change after getting wet.
Next, consider your walking comfort. You’re unlikely to stray far from roads and paths, so heavy-duty hiking boots will be overkill. If you’re used to walking with a stick, do bring one!
At night a source of light may come in handy, as power cuts do happen. That’s also the only time you should worry about mosquitoes; repellent is a must. Apply it especially to your ankles/feet, since that’s where you can’t easily see what’s happening. (You won’t encounter large numbers of mozzies, but keep in mind they may be lurking in the dark, and some might be malaria-positive.)
If your luggage is being moved between overnight stops, plan for a day pack that can carry water bottles and snacks. You don’t need to lug around too much, though, as small village shops pop up roughly every hour or so.
To buy anything in these local establishments, Rwandan Francs are essential. You can bring them as cash or use Mobile Money — Rwanda is very digital, even in rural areas, and phone payments work almost everywhere.
But what if you don’t have a support vehicle and don’t fancy carrying a big bag on your back? No problem! It’s easy to arrange a motorcycle (up to USD 15 from one guesthouse to another) or even a boat to deliver your stuff to the next destination!
📸 photography 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]
🖋️ text and 📸 photography 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]