DISCOVER RWANDA
Cycling Tours in Rwanda
Rwanda is a top African destination for adventurous cycling tours. Cycling in Rwanda takes 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.
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. 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 the months are not ideal for Cycling Tours in Rwanda owing to severe rains, which make it wet, chilly, muddy, and slippery. However, if you prefer to go cycling during the wet months, be prepared to bring additional clothing because evenings tend to be cooler, and the rains are characterized by heavy downpours.
Best Cycling Trails in Rwanda
Cycling Tours in Rwanda offer an opportunity to cyclist tourists to explore the country’s lovely mountainous landscape: the country offers a wide range of cycling tours designated 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 Cycling Trail is the most popular and longest in Rwanda. Popular for both Rwanda cycling and Rwanda hiking tours, the trail is arguably the best trail to explore: the trail spans 227 kilometers in length along the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. Though it is called the Congo-Nile trail, the trail has nothing with Congo: the trail is named after a watershed that separates the Nile and Congo Rivers. The Congo-Nile Cycling Trails extends from Lake Kivu’s northern shores of Gisenyi to the southern coasts of Rusizi District. The trail travels through breathtaking scenery, including Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s stunning rolling hills, and vistas of comprehensive DR Congo. Aside from the breathtaking landscape, cyclists may also encounter natives going on about their everyday lives on their farmlands and plantations.
Other fascinating cycling highlights via the Congo-Nile Cycling Trail include small towns, local markets, attractive valleys, and local markets, and fishing villages where you will be greeted warmly by the locals. Among other things, you may pay a visit to the Mugonero Orphanage and interact with the traditional Rwandan community. Nonetheless, the highlight of it all is climbing to the highest top of the Congo Nile. The Congo-Nile cycling trail is a 5-day cycling round tour that begins in the trendy town of Gisenyi in the north and ends in Kamambe in the south. The first part of the trail takes you through the most spectacular section from Gisenyi to Kibuye. The trial’s 4-6 hour stretch between Kinunu and Kibuye, though the most arduous section, is also its most picturesque.
However, to complete the trail, cyclists can choose to walk, board a car, or bike still and each of these approaches has its own set of benefits. There is also an option of taking a 3-hour boat from Kibuye to Gisenyi at a cost of around 2,000 RWF including the transportation of bikes as well.
The Twin Lakes Rwanda Cycling Trail
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. Cycling Tours in Rwanda along the Twin Lakes Rwanda are often offered as two-day cycling trails to give cyclists the ultimate sense of adventure they may not have experienced on prior longer bike rides. Nonetheless, the trail can be explored in just a day.
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. If you are a bird enthusiast, you will be delighted to spot colorful species including Kingfishers, Fish Eagles, Cormorants, and Hornbills, among others. Cycling tours along the Twin Lakes Rwanda Cycling Trail can take anywhere between 4 to 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 Rwanda. 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. But unlike several African cities, Kigali’s routes and roads are well-designed for cycling, allowing travelers to navigate around this mountainous city more efficiently.
Lake Muhazi Cycling Trail
This Rwanda cycling trail starts from Kigali and travels through the eastern portion of Rwanda to Lake Muhazi. Eastern Rwanda is majorly characterized by plains unlike the rest of the country 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 for your Cycling Tour to Rwanda!
- 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 to capture photos and sights in the wild.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- A bottle of drinking water.
