Cycling tour in Rwanda

Rwanda is rapidly becoming one of the top destinations for tourist cycling, attracting cyclists from around the world who are eager to explore its beautiful landscapes and rich culture on two wheels. The country’s scenic routes, challenging terrain, and well-maintained roads make it an ideal location for cycling enthusiasts. Here’s a closer look at cycling as a tourist activity in Rwanda.

Why Cycle in Rwanda?

Stunning Landscapes: Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda offers cyclists an extraordinary mix of lush green hills, volcanic mountains, beautiful lakes, and dense forests. Some of the most notable sights are the Volcano mountains, Lake Kivu, and the Nyungwe Forest.

Challenging Terrain: Rwanda’s terrain is primarily mountainous, making it perfect for cyclists looking for a challenge. The climbs can be steep, but the breathtaking views at the top are well worth the effort.

Eco-Tourism Focus: Rwanda is known for its sustainable tourism practices. Cycling aligns perfectly with the country’s efforts to promote eco-tourism, allowing visitors to experience nature in a way that’s both immersive and eco-friendly.

Cultural Immersion: Cycling through Rwanda allows you to experience local life up close. As you ride through villages and towns, you can interact with locals, learn about their traditions, and witness daily life from a unique perspective.

Safety and Infrastructure: The roads in Rwanda are generally well-maintained, and the country has a growing infrastructure for cyclists. There’s also a focus on making cycling a safe and enjoyable experience for tourists.

Top Cycling Routes for Tourists in Rwanda

The Volcanoes National Park

A ride through the Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, offers spectacular views of the volcanoes and the surrounding forests. Cyclists can enjoy both the challenge of the hills and the beauty of the landscape. Varied, with options for different skill levels.; You may also have the opportunity to combine cycling with gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking or volcano mountain hiking.

Lake Kivu

Cycling along the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes, offers stunning lake views, rolling hills, and charming lakeside villages. The route is less intense than mountain climbs but still provides a great adventure with beautiful scenery. Approximately 100 km from Kigali to Gisenyi (a popular town on the lake). Rusizi, Karongi and Rubavu are some of the lakeside towns that you can visit during your cycling journey.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

For a more nature-focused cycling experience, the route through Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, offers an extraordinary combination of wildlife and forest. It’s an off-road experience that is perfect for more adventurous cyclists. Varied routes ranging from a few kilometers to more extensive rides. Visitors can enjoy wildlife sightings, including various primates and birds. You may stop over for a chimpanzee and colobus monkey trekking experience before resuming the cycling part of your trip.

Kigali to Rwamagana

This relatively short ride takes you from the capital city, Kigali, to Rwamagana in the Eastern Province. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the scenery. Around 50 km enjoying local culture, farm landscapes, and gentle hills along the way.

Best Time to Go Cycling in Rwanda

The dry season is the best time for cycling in Rwanda, as the weather is more predictable, and the roads are less slippery. It’s also a good time to visit other attractions in the country, like gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park , chimpanzee and canopy walk in Nyungwe or game drive in Akagera National park. Also the short Dry Season (December to February) offers favorable weather for cycling, though it’s slightly warmer than the peak dry season.

Cycling Gear and Equipment

Most tour companies provide high-quality bicycles for tourists. It’s recommended to use mountain bikes or gravel bikes due to the challenging terrain and off-road paths in some areas. Ensure that you have the necessary safety gear, such as a helmet, gloves, and reflective clothing.

Cycling in Rwanda is an unforgettable way to explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. Whether you’re seeking a challenging mountain ride, a scenic lakeside adventure, or a more leisurely tour through Rwanda’s hills, there’s a cycling experience for every level. It’s not just about the ride, it’s about connecting with the heart of Rwanda.

If you’re interested in booking a cycling tour or learning more about the routes, please reach out to our team of experts to help you plan your trip and make it a memorable one.