I exited Gisenyi via Nyamyumba Beach. This route is quite scenic. As I twisted the throttle of my motorcycle, I was awestruck by the shimmering expanse of Lake Kivu and its picturesque islands.
While crossing Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve, I felt like a jet skier gliding through a vast sea of flora and fauna. The road, snaking through the lush forest, is a biker's paradise. Its smooth curves and gentle inclines offer the perfect balance of thrill and tranquility.
The Kivu Belt Road is one of my favorite highways in Rwanda. Apart from the aforementioned national park, it slashes through sprawling tea plantations and a majestic tapestry of hills that overlook the shimmering waters of the lake.
As mentioned above, this highway is one of my favorite routes. However, my original plan was to spin my spokes through the Congo Nile Trail. My itinerary was changed a few minutes before departure when I was informed that one of the bridges along the trail was broken.
I branched off the tarmac at a village known as Nkomero. From there, I proceeded to the lake via settlements, forests, and coffee plantations. The beauty of this area is breathtaking. As a result, I had several stopovers along the way and spent some time soaking up the views.
My destination was Kinunu Villa, nestled on the shore of the lake. The waterfront property is an embodiment of tranquility. That's exactly what I was looking for when I escaped to the area. My next post in this section will be a detailed account of my experiences in Kinunu.