Unlike any other Rwanda tour, Cycling Tours in Rwanda are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the country’s richly diverse landscape. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Africa just below the Equator. Ever since the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, Rwanda has worked hard to emerge as one of the top African safari destinations for incredible gorilla safaris in the Volcanoes National Park and African luxury safaris, boasting world-class accommodations and a variety of other tourist attractions. As a result, Rwanda is a top African destination for adventurous cycling tours. The cycling Tours in Rwanda take you across the country’s lovely countryside: the land of a thousand hills encompasses some of Africa’s most captivating scenery, including stunning volcanoes, dense rainforests, sweeping savannah grassland, and some of the continent’s largest lakes.
Cycling through this magnificent scenery is a genuine and wonderful way to not only get up close and personal with Rwanda’s natural heritage, but also its friendly local people. Cycling Tours in Rwanda will meet your requirements and objectives, whether you are a mountain biker or a roadie. Rwanda provides off-the-beaten-path riding adventures with continuous cycling paths and roads that traverse not only through the country’s sweeping savannah plains, bustling cities, Rocky Mountains, wide highways, valleys, rocky mountains, and beautiful lake shores;
When is the Best Time for Cycling Tours in Rwanda?
Cycling Tours in Rwanda are available all year, but cycling conditions are optimal in the dry season from June to September and December to February when vegetation is low, and cycling routes are drier, less muddy, and less slippery. On the other hand, the months of March through May and October through November are not ideal for Cycling Tours in Rwanda owing to severe rains, which make it wet, chilly, muddy, and slippery.
Best Cycling Trails in Rwanda
Cycling Tours in Rwanda offer an opportunity for cycling tourists to explore the country’s lovely mountainous landscape. The country offers a wide range of cycling tours designed to take cyclists through the various parts while exploring its rich natural wonders. Here are some of the best cycling trails in Rwanda;
The Congo-Nile Cycling Trail
The Congo-Nile Trail is Rwanda’s most popular and longest cycling route, stretching 227 kilometers along the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. The trail runs from Gisenyi on the northern shore all the way south to the Rusizi District, passing through Nyungwe Forest National Park, rolling hills, and stunning views of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Along the way, you pass through small towns, local markets, and fishing villages where locals greet you warmly. You can also visit the Mugonero Orphanage and interact with traditional Rwandan communities. The most rewarding moment comes when you climb to the highest point of the entire trail.
This five-day cycling tour starts in Gisenyi and ends in Kamembe. The stretch between Kinunu and Kibuye takes four to six hours and is both the most challenging and most scenic section of the route.
Cyclists can complete the trail by bike, on foot, or by car. Alternatively, take a three-hour boat from Kibuye to Gisenyi for around 2,000 RWF, with bike transportation included.
The Twin Lakes Rwanda Cycling Trail
Cycling Tours in Rwanda. This is also another popular trail for Cycling Tours in Rwanda. Located at the base of the Virungas in the Volcanoes National Park near Musanze town, the twin Lakes Rwanda are two attractive crater lakes, Ruhondo and Bulera. The lakes were formed after a volcanic eruption blocked a major river, forming two lakes that are separated by a 1km wide span of land. The Musanze Twin Lakes, known as among Rwanda’s most magnificent sights, offer visitors ecstatic cycling experiences, alongside gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park.
In addition to taking in the breathtaking beauty that will unfold before you en route, you will enjoy the brief and heart-warming interactions with the locals in the communities you will ride through. Cycling tours along this trail start at 08:00 am, from Musanze, under the supervision of a knowledgeable guide. The whole round trip covers approximately 45 kilometers; it is an adventurous trail to explore as you ride through amazing scenery. While at the lakes, enjoy a canoe crossing to Lake Ruhondo. Cycling tours along the Twin Lakes Rwanda Cycling Trail can take anywhere between 4 and 6 hours, and they usually start at 11 am. Twin Lakes Rwanda Cycle tours cost up to USD 90, inclusive of meals. Self-cycling tours are also available along this trail.
Kigali Cycling Tour
Cycling Tours in Rwanda in Kigali city take travelers through the bustling and clean city of Kigali. Kigali City is picturesque and well-developed, with undulating hills, ridges, lush valleys, and towering buildings, and bike trips across the city are still as thrilling as ever! Cycling Tours in Rwanda in Kigali are done through the numerous designated trails; however, the most popular cycling trail is the 5-hour cycling expedition that allows you to explore Kigali and its plethora of historical sites. Top highlights of the Kigali Cycling tour include the genocide monuments, local marketplaces, museums, and art galleries, among others.
Kigali is a famous destination for Cycling Tours in Rwanda; however, the city features massive traffic on its roads. As a result, inexperienced cyclists ought to keep to the outskirts of town, where traffic is lighter and more predictable, to avoid accidents.
Lake Muhazi Cycling Trail
Cycling Tours in Rwanda. This Rwanda cycling trail starts from Kigali and travels through the eastern portion of Rwanda to Lake Muhazi. Eastern Rwanda is characterized by plains, unlike the rest of the country,y which is mountainous.
Lake Muhazi is a pleasant lake town located 40 kilometers east of Kigali. Though this location is not ideal for cyclists who ought to spend hours or days on the trail, it caters to individuals who like to explore at a moderate pace. Trails along this lake are dirty; perfect for mountain cycling enthusiasts since they treat travelers to adventurous thrills. Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that mountain hikers also stroll these trails. You will be happy to be cycling through numerous villages while you connect with the locals.
What to Pack?
- A good quality bike and the necessary gear.
- A pair of light clothing, including shorts, leggings, and track pants.
- A rain jacket in case it rains.
- A pair of good, comfortable cycling boots.
- A helmet for protection in cases of accidents. These are often provided by your biking company or the safari lodge at which you are staying.
- A good camera and a pair of binoculars are needed to capture photos and sights in the wild.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- A bottle of drinking water.
Other tourist activities you can combine with cycling in Rwanda
Apart from cycling, there are other activities that you can combine with your cycling safari, and these include the following:
Game drives in Akagera
Akagera National Park is the largest park in Rwanda, offering a variety of activities, which include game drives, bird watching, and nature walks, among others. Cycling safaris can be joined with a trip to the Akagera, where you can see the different wildlife like lions, Rhinos, and antelopes.
Visiting Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is the most visited park in Rwanda because it is home to over 400 Mountain gorillas. There are several activities that you can join with cycling on your safari to the Volcanoes, and these are gorilla trekking, a visit to the Twin Lakes, primate walks, a visit to the Dian Fossey grave, participating in the Kwita Izina ceremony, and a cultural trip to the villages.
A visit to the genocide memorial Centres
Rwanda has a tragic past of the 1994 genocide, where millions of people were killed, and several memorial centers were set up to remember those who lost their lives and to showcase the negative impact that genocides can have on a country and the world. A visit to one of the genocide memorial centers will show what happened years ago, and you also get to meet survivors and families who converge at the centers to visit their loved ones.
Chimp trekking in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a top tourist attraction in Rwanda and is best for chimpanzee trekking. During your cycling safari, you can visit Nyungwe, where several activities besides chimpanzee trekking and habituation take place, and these are exploring the canopy walk, primate walks, and birding, among others.
For More Information, contact us about Cycling Tours in Rwanda
