Rwanda
The Slow Cyclist in Rwanda
"Breathtakingly beautiful. An experience I will never forget."
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.
It was while living in Kigali that our Founder Oli first dreamed up The Slow Cyclist, simply because he loved exploring Rwanda on his bike and thought others would too. The ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ is home to some of the continent’s most beguiling landscapes, from tea plantations to volcanic lakes and rainforests, fertile plains and bird-rich wetlands to the chain of volcanoes that rise on its border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is a side of Rwanda that very few visitors ever see.
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.
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today, should you choose to do so, you will be trekking into the jungle to spend time with some of the last remaining mountain gorillas on the planet. See more about the experience in the On the Move section of this brochure, not least because there are alternatives. Tonight is our second night spent in Musanze, with dinner at La Locanda.
Our destination is Lake Kivu, one of the deepest lakes in the world and a Great Lake of Africa. To get there you will enjoy a magnificent ride along a chain of volcanoes, through bamboo forests, remote villages and banana plantations before stopping for lunch at the beautiful home of the late humanitarian and author Rosamond Carr. From there it’s a thrilling descent and one last climb to reach Lake Kivu, where we will spend the night at Kivu Paradise.
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
What's Included?
It’s rare in small group travel, but at The Slow Cyclist we include everything from the moment you land in Rwanda. We are often told by our guests how great it is to forget about their wallet and focus on the experience.
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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.
How to book
