Hiking, a recreational activity that used to be enjoyed mainly by foreign tourists in Rwanda, is growing into a national trend. Visitors ranging from international travellers, East African hiking clubs, and local sports enthusiasts have been increasingly showing up, eager to explore Rwanda’s scenic landscapes on foot. ALSO READ: Hiking in Rwanda, a fun activity worth the pain Over the years, hiking has evolved into a popular leisure pursuit, a way for people to enjoy nature, stay active, and experience the country’s breathtaking trails through forests, hills, and mountains. Whether it’s a weekend escape to Mount Kabuye or Karisimbi or a sunrise climb overlooking Lake Kivu, hikers describe the experience as a rare blend of adventure, mindfulness, and national pride. According to Beyond the Gorillas Experience, a local tourism enterprise, more than 62 per cent of their guests come specifically for hiking, a number that has increased over the past two years. 'I reached the top and something in me shifted' Some participants said they discovered the hikes through friends, social media platforms, or even friendly challenges from relatives and peers, encouraging them to join. For some, the purpose is physical fitness. For others, it’s the opportunity to disconnect from daily routines, and learn about the country’s cultural and environmental diversity. ALSO READ: Hiking: Long live the rescue team But for Clarisse Uwase, a customer service representative at a telecom company in Kigali, hiking became a turning point in her life. Before she discovered the trails, her weekends often revolved around work, errands, or social media scrolls that left her drained rather than rested. I used to think resting meant sleeping in or watching movies all day, but somehow, I always felt tired mentally, not just physically, said 27-year-old Uwase. Everything changed the day a friend invited me for a Mount Kigali hike. What began as curiosity soon became a passion. “That first climb was tough. I was out of breath, questioning my life choices halfway through. But when I reached the top and saw the view, the hills, the silence, something in me shifted.” Today, she rarely goes a month without hiking. For her, hiking is not just about reaching the summit, but it’s about finding peace, strength, and clarity. “Each trail teaches me something new. You forget the noise of the city, breathe cleaner air, and come back stronger, both in mind and body. Sometimes, the best conversations happen on a trail, with yourself or with strangers who become friends by the time you reach the peak. It’s healing in ways I can’t explain.” James Namani, a member of a hiking club called A Team, said for the group, it’s not just exercise, it’s about connection to nature, to people, and to individuals. Every hike feels like a small escape that refreshes the mind and builds community, Namani said. It all began as one of the few social gatherings people could have. Some of us were already hiking or taking part in other outdoor activities. So, it became a way to spend time outside, travel, and see different parts of the country together.” He said his group is open to anyone interested in hiking. They meet on Saturdays, around 6:00 a.m., and after warming up for about 45 minutes, they start the hike. We usually finish before 7:30 am when the sun becomes too hot, he said. The longest route we do is about 25 kilometres, and the shortest is between 8 to 10 kilometres. Every last Saturday of the month, instead of the regular hike, the group dedicates the day to the national community work, Umuganda. We collect trash, especially plastic bottles, along our trail. It’s our way of showing people that caring for the environment is part of the hiking culture, he said. 'You just don’t hike alone or unprepared' According to Theodore Nzabonimpa, the Managing Director of Beyond the Gorillas Experience, proper hiking should be organised and hikers informed about the trails. At his company, which organises hikes in the volcanoes, Gakenke District and Western Province, before setting out, guides often conduct detailed briefings with hikers, assessing their physical fitness and any health conditions. Trails are categorised as easy, moderate, or difficult, and hikers are matched to routes that suit their abilities. Safety is a top priority, he told The New Times. Every hike has a guide, sometimes accompanied by a porter or an assistant, along with a first-aid kit. Routes are mapped carefully with shortcuts, health posts, and vehicle access points identified in case of emergencies, said Nzabonimpa. You just don’t hike alone or unprepared. We make sure every hiker knows where they are going and what to expect. Even for self-guided trails, there’s always monitoring from a distance after a proper briefing. Preparation goes beyond fitness; it includes the right gear and mindset. The preparation for any hike starts in your mind, argues Nzabonimpa. You first ask yourself why you’re hiking. Is it for fitness, to enjoy nature, or for tourism? Once you understand your goal. You can then check your physical fitness, choose the right trail, and prepare the right gear,” he said. He advised hikers to have proper hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, a raincoat, water, and snacks. Safety always comes first, he said. That’s why we carry a first-aid kit and plan routes carefully, knowing where shortcuts and nearby health posts are, just in case of an emergency. According to Nzabonimpa, hiking strengthens the heart, clears the mind, and the community experience fosters social connection as groups conquer hills and ridges together. It creates jobs too Hiking combines fitness, education, and a deep connection with nature, all of which people crave. But the benefits don't stop with the hikers. Beyond personal wellness, said Nzabonimpa, it’s also shaping Rwanda’s tourism economy, creating a ripple effect of benefits for guides, porters, chefs, drivers, and local businesses. At Beyond the Gorilla Experience, for instance, a team of four hikers climbing Mount Karisimbi might engage up to eight porters, a chef, and a driver, all earning directly from the trip to Rwanda's highest peak. Even small hikes contribute to local livelihoods, said Nzabonimpa. One concern is that hiking and guided tours may be expensive for some. In reality, Nzabonimpa argues, local companies have made it accessible for all. A hike up Mount Kabuye in Gakenke District, in the Northern Province, costs Rwf10,000, including a full briefing, trail maps, and access to rest stops. On the other hand, premium experiences like Mount Karisimbi, a two-day expedition through Volcanoes National Park, can cost up to Rwf400,000, covering food, water, porters, entrance fees, and national park guides. Mid-range options such as the Congo Nile Trail cost around Rwf100,000, which includes hiking, meals, and accommodation. We want Rwandans to see hiking not as a luxury but as a lifestyle, he said. Even with Rwf10,000, you can experience Rwanda’s beauty. And the more Rwandans hike, the more they inspire foreigners to explore our country.
