Rwanda is a hub for outdoor adventures

If you’re planning a trip to Rwanda and crave adventure, you’ll find an abundance of thrilling activities. Despite its small size, the country offers an impressive range of adrenaline-pumping options.

The best eco-friendly way to soak in Rwanda’s stunning landscapes is by hiking or biking. You can also paddle through rivers and lakes or explore intriguing caves. After an active day, unwind on one of the pristine sandy beaches.

Biking the Congo Nile Trail

For a thrilling yet secure biking adventure, the Congo Nile Trail (CNT) is unmatched.

This off-the-beaten-path route offers both cycling and hiking opportunities along the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa's major lakes, in western Rwanda. Established in 2009, it features a network of rural paths, dirt roads, and tracks through the lush Kivu Region. Stretching approximately 140 miles (227 km) from Gisenyi to Kamembe, this ride can be completed in about five days.

Prepare for an extraordinary journey through rolling hills, expansive coffee plantations, and captivating tropical forests, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the lake. Cycling here is more than just a ride; it's also a wonderful chance to engage with locals and participate in traditional activities like craft making, honey harvesting, visiting tea or coffee farms, or joining fishermen for a night of sambaza fishing (small fish).

The cherry on top: you'll discover many hidden beaches along the route where you can take a swim. With no dangerous wildlife in the lake (no hippos or crocodiles), it's completely safe—and highly recommended—to cool off on a beach after a day of biking the trail.

You can navigate the Congo Nile Trail independently, but having a guide is incredibly beneficial. Reach out to the specialized operator Rwandan Adventures. Their bikes, including e-bikes, are in excellent condition, and the guides are highly skilled. You don’t need to be an athlete to tackle the itinerary, but it's advisable to be reasonably fit before setting off.

A variety of accommodations are available along the trail. Guides can organize camping, but if you prefer not to sleep in tents, you can choose from homestays, guesthouses, and small lodges. And when it comes to meals, you’ll savor fresh, delicious dishes prepared by locals. Many villages also have shops where you can buy snacks, fruits, and water.

Mountains and Caves

For most visitors, Musanze (Ruhengeri) and the nearby Kinigi serve as prime starting points for exploring the stunning Volcanoes National Park, renowned as one of East Africa's premier locations for tracking mountain gorillas. These towns are conveniently located near several fascinating natural attractions, including impressive caves just over a mile (2km) from the town center along the road to Gisenyi, formed by merging lava flows that created the Albertine Rift Valley.

Bat roosts are a key characteristic of these caves, alongside dramatic roof collapses that create stunning shafts of colored light—perfect for photography! While you don't need superhuman abilities to explore these caves, a guide is necessary.

Still have energy to spare? Visit Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera, also located on the outskirts of Musanze. These two expansive lakes are surrounded by small villages and can be reached via a network of dirt roads.

The views here are stunning, with the shores of the lakes beautifully terraced and cultivated, while the imposing Virunga volcanoes rise in the background. Although Ruhondo and Burera lack established tourist facilities, you can easily create your own adventure, especially if you have your own transport or enjoy walking, and can arrange a lake trip with a local fisherman.

Strolling on a Canopy

Want to try something unique? How about recreating a scene from Avatar?

Suspended high above a ravine in the vibrant montane rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park, you'll experience the jungle from an extraordinary monkey's-eye view. This 500-foot-long (160m) and occasionally 230-foot-high (70m) walkway is regarded as one of the most breathtaking canopy experiences globally, attracting visitors seeking something out of the ordinary.

The canopy walk offers unforgettable vistas of the surrounding forest and requires a 30-minute ascent to reach. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous butterflies, orchids, and vividly colored birds.

Kayaking on Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is the largest lake in Rwanda and a fantastic playground for outdoor enthusiasts. If lounging on the beach in the popular resort town of Gisenyi no longer excites you, consider taking a kayaking adventure to explore the crystal-clear waters that gently caress the lake's picturesque shores.

There are numerous sandy coves where you can pause and unwind while observing various bird species flitting in and out of the nearby foliage. Rest assured, paddling is completely safe as there are no hippos or crocodiles present. You'll find peace and serenity on the calm waters, feeling the gentle breeze with the stunning volcanic mountains as your backdrop.

This is also a wonderful chance to interact with fishermen in their beautiful traditional wooden boats. You might hear them singing harmoniously as they row in unison—an unforgettable experience. On a day trip, you can explore small islands and enjoy a picnic. Alternatively, opt for an overnight stay and camp on an uninhabited island for a true Robinson Crusoe adventure, Rwandan style.

Kingfisher Journeys is a well-regarded company that offers guided kayaking tours. No prior experience or skills are necessary.

Ascending the Virunga Volcanoes

In the west of Rwanda, the remarkable summits of Volcanoes National Park are a sight not to be missed. While this region is renowned for its gorilla trekking, there are also many fulfilling climbing and trekking opportunities within the park. Some options include Karisimbi (14,000 ft; 4507 m; two days); Bisoke Crater Lake (seven hours round trip); Ngezi (three hours round trip); Dian Fossey’s Grave (five hours round trip); Gahinga (11,000 ft; 3474 m; eight hours round trip); and Muhabura (13,500 ft; 4127 m; nine hours round trip).

As you ascend, you’ll encounter incredible variations in vegetation, from dense forests of bamboo and giant lobelia or hagenia to alpine meadows. If the weather permits, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountain range.

There are numerous options for reaching the peaks of one or more volcanoes in the park, with treks lasting from a few hours to two days. A guide is mandatory and is included in your trekking fee; additional porters can be hired for US$20 per day.

One of the highlights of climbing and trekking the volcanoes is the numerous chances to observe wildlife (excluding gorillas and golden monkeys, of course). The park's most prevalent herbivores include bushbucks and black-fronted duikers, while buffaloes, bush pigs, and giant forest hogs are rarely seen. Keep an eye out in tree hollows for hyraxes, genets, dormice, squirrels, and forest pouched rats. The hagenia forests are the prime birdwatching areas, where you can spot turacos, francolins, sunbirds, waxbills, crimson-wings, and a variety of hawks and buzzards.