Rwanda’s top hiking trails

For a small, landlocked country, Rwanda packs in a remarkable variety of natural beauty, from mist-shrouded volcanic crater lakes to dense rainforest where you can spot endangered species of gorilla.

Having emerged from a dark period of its history, Rwanda is becoming one of Africa’s most sought-after travel destinations, and on foot is one of the best ways to experience it.

Mingle with locals and explore the mountainous landscape on one of these top five hiking trails.

The Congo Nile Trail

One of the best ways to see Rwanda is traversing the Congo Nile Trail, a tangled network of dirt roads winding through jungle, over terraced hills and along the shores of Lake Kivu. It takes around 10 days to complete the 227km journey on foot but you can always pick up certain sections of the route, or choose to cycle instead. Hikers will get a glimpse of Rwandan rural life passing through fishing villages around Lake Kivu and watching local women draped in bright patterned fabric carry bundles of firewood or bananas into town. The route runs between the Nile and Congo rivers, where you’ll witness some of finest scenery of this small, mountainous African country; views of the Rift Valley escarpment, waterfalls and the glistening, islet-covered Lake Kivu. The trail starts in the town of Gisenyi, where you’ll find INZU Lodge, a gorgeous accommodation on the shore of Lake Kivu.

Mount Kabuye

Standing at approximately 2,700 metres, Mount Kabuye is the tallest mountain in Rwanda (if we’re not counting the volcanoes of the Virunga range). It’s also one of the few summits in the country that doesn’t require a permit to ascend, so it’s totally free to hike and also easily accessible by car or bus. Traversing Rwanda’s hilly farmland, you’ll meet friendly villagers and groups of barefoot children who’ll often join you as you hike further up into woods of Eucalyptus trees, effortlessly running ahead of you and giggling despite the altitude. Stay at La Locanda in Ruhengeri, the closest town to Mount Kabuye and the Volcanoes National Park.

Mount Bisoke

This dormant, perfectly-conical volcano – straddling the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo – stands at 3,711 metres above sea level and offers quite the hike. Reach the summit and you’ll be rewarded with a bottle-green crater lake bordered by mist-shrouded rainforest and panoramic views of Rwandan countryside. The hike can take between five hours and a whole day depending on the speed at which you walk and how often you stop. On your way, you’ll encounter bamboo forests, flowering Lobelia bushes, elephants and rare birds. There’s also the potential to spot endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, which are endemic to the Virunga ranges. Spend the night surrounded by rainforest at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, just 2.5 miles from Mount Bisoke.

Mount Karisimbi

Officially the highest peak in Rwanda, stratovolcano Mount Karisimbi is also the fifth-highest peak in Africa, rising to 4,507 metres above sea level. It provides an opportunity for a challenging but gratifying hike up muddy trails, which can be slippery during the rainy season. As you ascend to the snow-capped summit (the name Karisimbi is is derived from a word meaning ‘white shell’ on account of its white tip) through the dense rainforest, keep an eye out for mountain gorillas. Mount Karisimbi is accessible from Ruhengeri, where you can rest up at the Garden Place Hotel before and after your hike.

Buhanga Sacred Forest walk

Buhanga Sacred Forest is an immensely culturally-significant place for Rwandans; it is where the kingdom was founded (Buhanga means creation) and where all its kings were crowned. You can even visit the cave where these coronation ceremonies were held. Paths have been crafted using lava stones, and run between tall, ancient ficus trees with creepers clinging to their trunks. Visit the forest on a day trip and you’ll have plenty of time to soak up its spiritual, natural beauty and spot rare orchids, butterflies and other exotic species. Check into Davinci Gorilla Lodge for mountain views and proximity to Buhanga Sacred Forest.