The Slow Cyclist in Rwanda
"Breathtakingly beautiful. An experience I will never forget."
When to go
All Year
Price from
£3,995
Duration
7 nights
Activity level
Activity Level: 3.5 out of 5
This journey is taken almost exclusively by electric bike, although there is some hiking.
For cycling we use hard-tail (front suspension) electric mountain bikes because of the variety of terrain. Full days in the saddle are generally between 40 – 80 kms.
Surfaces vary. Most of the time will be spent on red dirt roads which are generally very well maintained although there are rougher sections that require concentration. Adverse weather, either before or during a trip, can make them less straightforward, requiring good balance. Rwanda is hilly and the distances we cover are not insignificant. A good level of cycling fitness is therefore recommended and you should be confident riding up and downhill on dirt tracks.
If you opt to see mountain gorillas, the hike lasts between 2-3 hours and involves a steep climb. To complete and enjoy the hike, a good level of fitness and an ability to walk up and downhill on uneven ground is required.
There is some route flexibility on our Rwanda journeys, and we can alter routes slightly for private groups.
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Volcanoes, Lakes & Gorillas | Classic JOURNEY
A land of sprawling lakes, verdant hillsides and smoking volcanoes, Rwanda is astonishingly beautiful. Most visitors understandably come to see the famed mountain gorillas, but there is so much more to this tiny country in the heart of Africa, and an electric bike is the best way to explore.
Journey Highlights
- Trek to see Rwanda’s most famous inhabitants, its mountain gorillas
- Cycle through the breathtaking landscapes and villages of Rwanda that very few outsiders get to truly experience
- Visit Kigali’s extraordinarily moving Genocide Memorial Museum in the company of a survivor of the 1994 atrocities
- Enjoy a drink overlooking Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, and beyond it, bubbling, active Mt. Nyiragongo in Congo
- Share the tracks with local people travelling by any means, who will cheer you on up every hill and around every bend
- Extend your stay at one of the country’s growing collection of luxury safari or gorilla trekking lodges.
Sustanability headline
Co2 emissions for this trip per person, per day: 123 (without flights) 123 (with flights)
How we work this out
Itinerary
Transfer 30 minutes
For those arriving in the morning, we will pick you up from the airport and take you straight to Heaven, your first night’s accommodation in the leafy former Belgium quarter. There we will have breakfast and you will be able to freshen up. We will then take you on a tour of Kigali. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a harrowing experience but a must for any first-time visitor and then a visit to the Kinamba Community Project. In the evening, we’ll have dinner and brief you on the adventure ahead.
Cycling 44 or 53 kms
Our cycling adventure begins in Cyinzuzi, with breathtaking views of Rwandan valleys at every turn. We’ll enjoy lunch at Sorwathe tea estate while enjoying a magnificent panorama and perhaps glimpsing Mount Muhabura. After exploring the tea factory and having lunch, we’ll continue our cycle through picturesque landscapes towards Rugezi Marsh, a hidden biodiversity treasure. We’ll spend the night immersed in nature at a basic tented camp with spectacular views.
Cycling 57 kms
After breakfast, we’ll set off on a scenic bike ride taking in the beauty of the Rwandan landscape. We’ll stop for a relaxing lunch at a local bar before continuing our journey towards the Twin Lakes, Ruhondo and Burera. Here, we’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the lakes and surrounding hills. Finally, we’ll make our way down to the lakeshore where a boat will be waiting to take us to our mini-paradise hideaway on the shores of Lake Ruhondo.
Walking 2.5 hours – Cycling 32 kms
After a short boat journey to the north shore of Lake Ruhondo, we’ll walk up to its twin, Burera, before climbing up to Virunga Lodge for lunch. Along the way we’ll pass through villages and visit a vibrant community project. In the afternoon, the landscape changes on a fantastic ride as we head towards Kinigi, and finally the frontier town of Musanze. We will spend two nights at boutique hotel La Locanda.
Cycling 12 kms
Our journey begins with a scenic boat transfer to the local market town of Nkora, on the shores of Lake Kivu. After a delightful picnic lunch, we embark on the most exhilarating leg of our cycling adventure along the Congo-Nile Trail. For those seeking a more leisurely option, a direct boat trip to Kinunu and a short walk is available. Our final night awaits at Umutuzo Lodge, boasting breathtaking views of the majestic lake.
After spending the morning by Lake Kivu, we’ll depart for Kigali, stopping at Kiaka for shopping and Musanze for lunch. In Kigali, we’ll visit a women’s centre before enjoying a farewell dinner and your airport transfer.
Dates & Availability
If you would prefer to travel to Rwanda in a private group, enquire now for availability.
What's Included?
It’s rare in small group travel, but at The Slow Cyclist we include almost everything from the moment you land. A gorilla trekking permit can be arranged at an extra cost; this is a fixed fee set by the Rwandan government. Most guests opt for this once in a lifetime experience, but we also offer alternative experiences.
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Electric Bikes
A premium electric mountain bike, best suited to Rwanda's red dirt roads.
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Guides & Hosts
Two dedicated Slow Cyclist hosts who will take care of you throughout the journey, as well as two local bike guides and a support driver guide, all with an in-depth knowledge of Rwanda's history and culture.
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Transfers
Airport transfers on arrival and departure, and you never need to carry any bags as your luggage is transported ahead each day.
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Accommodation, Food & Drinks
Charming camps and guest houses in some beautiful locations; delicious, locally sourced and home-cooked food and all drinks and snacks.
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Activities
Cultural visits and activities, from the Genocide Memorial Museum to various inspiring community projects. And as ever with The Slow Cyclist, plenty of surprises too.
Walking and Cycling in Rwanda
Rwanda is a cyclist’s dream, although occasionally we hop off the bikes to explore by foot. Cycling consists mostly of wide red dirt roads; this is the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ so it is important that you are comfortable riding a bicycle on dirt roads, up and down hills. Of course, an electric bike helps.
Gorilla Trekking
We can arrange a visit to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable encounter with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. You will be joined by local guides on a steep trek through dense vegetation with a guaranteed sighting of gorillas, whether that takes half an hour or three hours. Gorilla trekking isn’t for everyone, so we can arrange alternative activities, too. Our other favourite option is an hour with lively golden monkeys.
Accommodation
We avoid big, soulless hotels, preferring intimate and charming Rwandan camps and guest houses. Accommodation in this part of the world can be basic, but you will always be comfortable and well looked after. To help you get a good night’s sleep we provide luxury pillows in addition to those provided by the guest houses.
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HOW TO BOOK
There are two ways to travel with us. You can either travel on a set-date Scheduled Journey or put together your own private party.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS
Scheduled Journeys
A wonderful opportunity to explore a fascinating part of the world, to meet like-minded travellers and make new friends in a small group of Slow Cyclists assembled by us.
TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS
Private Journeys
If you love the look of Rwanda and would like to experience it in a small group of family or friends, get in touch and we will explain how we can make it happen.
