Rwanda’s landscapes are captivating from every angle—whether you’re gazing out over Lake Kivu, trekking through the dense Nyungwe Forest National Park, or bouncing along the red-dirt back roads that crisscross the hills. But to truly understand Rwanda, you need to slow down. Step off your safari car or rented one, lace up your hiking boots, and walk. Especially between villages.
Community trails in Rwanda are more than just paths; they are veins of connection. They carry farmers to their fields, children to school, and friends to each other’s homes. And for the traveler willing to explore them, they offer something only experience can earn you: authenticity.
Why Walk the Community Trails?
It’s easy to visit Rwanda and focus on its iconic highlights—Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes National Park, or the big game safaris in Akagera National Park. These are unforgettable places to unwind in. But in between those high-impact adventures lies the quiet, daily rhythm of rural life.
By walking to community places, you can:
- See the landscapes change gradually, from eucalyptus forests to banana groves
- Chat with locals along the way (a few words of Kinyarwanda go a long way)
- Support community tourism directly
- Stay in homestays or small guesthouses, like those featured on our Itineraries
You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker. Many of these trails are short, rolling footpaths used daily by locals. You’ll pass fields of sorghum and cassava, hear the sound of cowbells or church songs drifting through the air, and maybe be invited to share a cup of banana beer under a shady tree.
Popular Community Trail Regions
1. The Congo Nile Trail (Beyond the Main Route)
While the Lake Kivu Shores trail system is gaining fame, some of its best segments are the ones that connect small villages like Kinunu, Musasa, and Rubengera. Instead of biking or driving, walk this trail slowly. Stay overnight in a local home, help out in a coffee washing station, and join evening drumming circles.
2. Northern Rwanda’s Footpaths
Near Volcanoes National Park, there is a web of narrow trails used by locals commuting between Kinigi, Nyange, and surrounding hamlets. These are prime for short walks with stunning views of the Virunga Mountains. Ideal for those combining trekking with a Cultural Tour.
3. Southern Highlands (Nyaruguru and Nyamagabe)
Here, south of Nyungwe Forest National Park, trails weave through tea plantations and sacred sites. Visit monasteries, walk forest margins, and spend nights in faith-based homestays. These paths are used by pilgrims and farmers alike.
What to Expect on the Trail
- Terrain: Mostly packed earth, sometimes rocky or muddy after rains
- Weather: Cool mornings, strong midday sun; bring layers
- Navigation: Local companies like Rwanda HillSome Trails offer a big range of Services
- Cost: Community based tourism products are generally cheaper than any other experience, especially if you chose to stay in atypical places like homestays or other similar experiences.
- Season: Dry seasons (June–September, December–February) are best choices while Rwanda can be visited anytime all the year around.
Bring a refillable water bottle, a few energy snacks, a sunhat, and curiosity. Photography is welcome, but always ask first.
Stories from the Trail
One traveler shared how she ended up cooking cassava bread with a local grandmother after asking about her garden. Another joined a schoolyard football game that turned into an afternoon of laughter, singing, and a shared meal of beans and rice.
These aren’t the kinds of memories that come while using only a safari jeep. The best experience is when you mix both to get the best out of your Rwanda trip experience. You’re present while you are walking and you drive to reach a further place when you need to.
Getting Started
Want to try it? Check out our 3 Days Cultural and Heritage Tour or build your own custom route by sending us an inquiry. Each step is a chance to discover a new face, a new flavor, a new part of Rwanda you can’t see from a car window.
Our community walking tours are about more than seeing Rwanda—it’s about experiencing it, at the pace of real life. Some people come for the gorillas, others for the game drives. Add a deeper touch to your travel stories, add a Rwandan community walking tour to your experience! .
