Rwanda, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is an excellent destination for cycling safaris. Its incredible weather, breathtaking landscapes and scenery, remote countryside, great sites along the road, and, most importantly, clean air all contribute to the enjoyment of your cycling tours. Cycling safaris in Rwanda will meet your expectations, whether you are a mountain biker or a roadie. The country provides off-the-beaten-path riding adventures with continuous cycling paths and roads that pass through the countryside, rewarding with limitless vistas and opportunities to interact with the local community as well as Mother Nature’s splendor.
Because of the many landscapes-sweeping savannah plains, vibrant towns, valleys, Rocky Mountains, wide roads, and lush lake shores, the country offers numerous cycling tours to visitors in Rwanda that create outstanding riding experiences.
Popular Cycling Trails in Rwanda
The Congo – Nile Trail
Despite its name, the Congo-Nile trail runs along the shore of Lake Kivu, which borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The trail is designed for both hiking and cycling, and it is relatively demanding for beginning mountain bikers but easy for experienced riders. The surrounding area is fairly mountainous, and the traveler gains and loses 350 meters in height. The trail, however, does not become impassably steep. Although traffic on the trail is uncommon, travelers should remain cautious of passing cars and trucks. Still, the path is a must-see for every Rwanda trip to Lake Kivu or Congo safari.
The entire trail can be cycled in five days, beginning in the hip town of Gisenyi in the north and ending in Kamembe in the south. A one- or two-day journey through the most spectacular section of the path can take you from Gisenyi to Kibuye. The tour’s most arduous section, a 4-6 hour stretch between Kinunu and Kibuye, is also its most picturesque. To avoid riding back along the trail, visitors can charter a boat (3 hours, 2,000 RWF) from Kibuye to Gisenyi for themselves and their bikes.
Unlike many other paths in the area, it is well-marked and interspersed with settlements that offer places to eat, relax, and camp. The trail is never too far from civilization, as the nearest village is seldom more than 10 kilometers away. Convenience stores or ducas in Rwanda, are not frequently identified with large signs or billboards, but they are easy to see with a keen eye. They mainly sell necessities like water, fruit drinks, Kleenex, soap, and bread, and some even have fresh fruits.
The Twin lakes trail
The second fantastic Rwanda Cycling Tour is the one that takes place around the Volcanoes National Park; this trip begins from your accommodation around the volcanoes and leads you to the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. These two lakes are separated by a 1 km wide strip of land. Tourists ride their bikes across the green terrain, interacting with people who exit the park, the villages and enjoy views of the twin lakes.
The Kigali Trail
Tourists to Rwanda may also cycle through Kigali Metropolis, which is recognized as Africa’s cleanest city. Cycling tours in Kigali offer tourists an opportunity to explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, local markets, and Kigali’s hills.
Furthermore, tourists can take a bicycle excursion through Rwanda’s eastern plains, which are devoid of mountains.
Best time for Rwanda Cycling Safaris
While cycling excursions are available all year, the months of March, April, May, October, and November are not ideal for cycling tours in Rwanda due to severe rains, which make it wet, cold, muddy, and slippery. However, if you prefer to go cycling, be prepared to bring extra clothing because evenings tend to be colder, and rains are still common. Cycling conditions are optimal in June, July, August, September, and December, January and February when vegetation is low and cycling trails are drier, less muddy, and less slippery.
