gravelling in rwanda: volcanoes, lakes, jungle and 1000 hills

gravelling in rwanda: volcanoes, lakes, jungle and 1000 hills

picture by @fatpigeon.cc

Ride through vast tea plantations and experience coffee from crop to cup

Ride through vast tea plantations and experience coffee from crop to cup

picture by Eric Mukalazi

Meet the wonderful Rwandan community

Meet the wonderful Rwandan community

picture by @fatpigeon.cc

experience the infectious rwandan cycling culture, firsthand

experience the infectious rwandan cycling culture, firsthand

picture by @fatpigeon.cc

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distance: 356km

7,600m climbing

85% off-road

6 days of riding

10 DAY GRAVEL BIKE ADVENTURE IN RWANDA

Rwanda, known for the annual Tour du Rwanda, invites you to explore its breathtaking landscapes by gravel bike and to cycle on some of the roads that hosted the UCI Road World Championships 2025. This 10-day gravel tour showcases the very best Rwanda has to offer. You will cycle along the legendary Congo Nile Trail. Along the way, vast tea, banana, and coffee plantations alternate with breathtaking panoramic views. Highlights include the twin lakes, Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera, as well as the slopes of the impressive Virunga Mountains, one of the last natural habitats of the mountain gorilla. You will also ride along the shores of Lake Kivu, where dramatic volcanic peaks rise in the background. Pass through local villages and follow quiet gravel roads where few tourists go. Rwanda – often called the “Switzerland of Africa” or the “Land of a Thousand Hills” – has very few flat roads. Instead, it offers endless climbs and thrilling descents, making it a true paradise for cyclists!


Tour highlights

• Cycle through the land of 1000 hills
• Get in touch with the cycling-crazy community of Rwanda
• Explore the famous and beautiful Congo Nile Trail
• Drink local coffee coming directly from the plantations
• Add in optional exciting activities such as gorilla trekking
• Soak up the many breathtaking panoramic views
• Ride through and sleep in one of the vast fields at Sorwathe tea plantation
• Experience the life of a Rwandan pro-cyclist at Africa Rising Cycling
• Be humbled by the Rwanda Genocide Memorial Museum in Kigali

Detailed itinerary
Day 01: Welcome to Rwanda

Welcome to Rwanda! Our experienced drivers will be waiting for you at the airport to safely transfer you, your bike, and your luggage to your accommodation for the night. If you arrive early, you can explore Rwanda’s beautiful capital city. Visit the local market, art galleries, and learn about Rwanda’s dark chapter in history at the Genocide Memorial.

 

Day 02: From the capital to the tea plantations

Today will be one of the toughest days of the tour. Lots of climbing meters starting with a 650 metres climb of Mount Jali on the edge of Kigali. The ride will be a combination of nice dirt roads, ultimately leading to the Sorwathe tea plantations, where we will stay the night. You are welcome to learn about the tea-growing process and visit the factory. Construction of the factory began in 1975, with tea production commencing in 1978. Today, Sorwathe produces approximately 12% of Rwanda’s tea.

 

Toughness Distance 63km
Technicality Altimeters +1605 / -1162 m

 

Day 03: Hilly route to the twin lakes

Today’s ride covers just over 70 km through an area rarely visited by tourists. Don’t be surprised if local children try to catch your attention, run alongside you, or even help push you up the hills! The route takes you through a beautiful tea plantation, before a short-paved section leads into a scenic dirt road. After a few challenging climbs, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the landscape. Our destination today is the Twin Lakes, which you’ll occasionally glimpse along the way. The two lakes, Ruhondo and Burera, are called the “twin lakes” because they lie next to each other and are physically connected. They sit at different altitudes; a hydroelectric power station has been built here to supply energy to the whole region. Once we reach the shores of Lake Ruhondo, a boat ride will take us across the water to our lodge, where we’ll spend the night

 

Toughness Distance 70km
Technicality Elevation +1019 / -1240 m

 

Day 04: Towards the mountain gorilla capital of the world

Another day of rewarding climbs – up and down – with breathtaking views waiting around nearly every corner. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramas over Lake Ruhondo, framed by the dramatic backdrop of volcanic peaks. The day starts with a tough climb to get your legs warmed up, followed by a route through small villages and farmland where maize, beans, bananas, and cassava are cultivated. After a short singletrack leads us back to the main road. A series of climbs and a long descent eventually bring us to a rare flat stretch of road. Covered in volcanic rock, it resembles the cobbled roads of Paris-Roubaix. Don’t worry, after conquering this section, we’ll take a well-earned break to refuel. The day’s final ascent is a long one that grows progressively steeper before leveling out into a 10 km plateau.

 

Toughness Distance 72km
Technicality Elevation +1654 / -1408 m

 

Day 05: Resting day

Today is all about relaxing… but if you’re not quite ready to take it easy, there’s plenty to keep you busy. You could visit Rwanda’s official cycling team at their training camp, a rare chance to see firsthand how professional African cyclists live, eat, train, and push their limits. Feeling adventurous? You might even join them for a short training session! Looking for something completely different? Other optional activities are also available, like trekking to see the giant mountain gorillas or enjoying a peaceful canoe ride on the river.

 

Day 06: Cycling on the edge of Virunga National Park

Wake up to the roar of gorillas in the distance, or the sound of bicycle bells! Musanze is Rwanda’s cycling capital, where locals ride big single-speed bikes up steep hills, often carrying heavy loads. Today, the route has more downhill than uphill, making for a fun and scenic ride through beautiful villages and nature. You’ll cycle on a volcano-stoned road along the edges of Volcanoes National Park and pass by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Ellen DeGeneres Campus, a research and conservation center dedicated to protecting gorillas and their habitat. The last 35 kilometers are on an asphalt road.

 

Toughness Distance 78km
Technicality Elevation +1288 / -1711 m

 

Day 07: The gravel variant of the Congo Nile Trail

Today, we will cycle parallel to the first stage of the official Congo Nile Trail. This route is named after the mountain range, not the country or the river. The 227 km trail along Lake Kivu is popular with both hikers and cyclists, and it clearly shows why Rwanda is known as the “land of a thousand hills.” Because some sections are very technical or poorly maintained, we’ll use a parallel paved road for part of the ride. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Lake Kivu shoreline, lush green tea fields, and coffee plantations, giving a real insight into daily Rwandan life. We’ll spend the night in a lakeside paradise, complete with its own sandy beach.

 

Toughness Distance 45km
Technicality Elevation +982 / -982 m

 

Day 08: Beautiful ride to Kibuye

Our last day of cycling on the Congo Nile Trail undulates inland and then back to the lake. There are a few long climbs with a gradual gradient, but we are constantly ascending and descending, with great views of the Rift Escarpment along the way. The last 5 kilometres to the tarmac are quite tough but offer beautiful scenery before we load the bikes on the roof racks for a transfer to our hotel along Lake Kivu. The 28 kilometers may seem short, but don’t be fooled, this is a challenging day! If you still have the energy, you can extend the ride with an extra 36 km on tarmac to reach the hotel. After this final stretch, look forward to a well-deserved, refreshing swim in the lake.

Toughness Distance 28km
Technicality Elevation +1113 m / -627 m

 

 

Day 09: To the capital

This morning we say goodbye to Lake Kivu and drive approximately 3 to 4 hours to Rwanda’s vibrant capital, Kigali. After lunch, we will visit the genocide memorial and museum, which provides deep insight into Rwanda’s dark history. In the evening, we’ll come together for a farewell dinner to celebrate all the cycling and adventures you’ve accomplished together!

 

Day 10: Departure

Depending on your departure time, today you have almost a full day to explore Rwanda’s capital, Kigali

What is included

This gravel adventure includes:

Transport to/from airport

Support vehicle

9x Nights of accommodation

Boat ride on Lake Ruhondo

9x Breakfast, 8x lunch and 8x dinner during the trip as indicated in the itinerary

Bicycle cleaning and basic maintenance

English speaking guide and driver

AMREF emergency evacuation insurance

Snacks and water during the trip

This gravel adventure doesn’t include:

Tips for staff

Personal health/liability/travel insurance

Drinks during and after meals

Costs for optional activities

Early check-in (before 10am) on day 1

Rental of bike, helmet and/or GPS device

Flight tickets

Visa costs

Upgraded accommodation (single or self-contained)

Accommodation

The accommodations we choose for the gravel bike adventure in Rwanda are not just simple basic or mid-range hotels to spend the night. Red Dirt believes they are exactly what cyclists are looking for: the right level of comfort, wonderful service, great food and cold beers and private bathrooms with warm showers. But on top of that, they add a little bit of extra to the journey. Whether it is the unique and fantastic natural location, extraordinary services tailored to cyclists, an eco-friendliness approach, a deep rooted connection with the local community or they simply have the best lunch package in the country. We handpicked and tested them multiple times and know you will have an excellent time staying there. During group tours cyclists sleep in twin rooms that have two seperate single beds. Breakfast and dinner is usually served at the hotel, while lunches are had on the road either as a packed lunch or in a local restaurant. We are happy to advise you in case you have special requests, such as upgraded accommodation, single room supplement or a special diets.

Day 01 & 09: Comfortably settling in

Your first night in Rwanda will be at Chez Lando, a very comfortable resort situated in Kigali’s city centre. With fantastic self contained rooms and excellent service this is an ideal location to unwind and get used to all new impressions.

 

Day 02: Sleep in the middle of a tea plantation

Situated in the middle of Sorwathe Factory Tea Plantation this basic guesthouse offers a unique stay. Wake up and enjoy your cuppa with a breathtaking panoramic view over the plantations. It’s also possible to get a very informatize tour of the factory.

 

Day 03: Staying at the shore of Lake Ruhondo

With the backdrop of the majestic volcanoes and the beach of Lake Ruhondo at your feet, Ruhondo Beach Resort is a true gem. The comfortable rooms with private bathrooms combined with the natural surroundings offer a wonderful stay with an adventurous feel.

 

Day 04 & 05: Comfort in the bicycle capital of Rwanda

La Locanda is an eco-wellness boutique hotel and this perfect place to relax and energize after a few days of cycling. It is also located close to Virunga National Park and a convenient gateway to gorilla trekking activities.

 

Day 06: Relax and overview Lake Kivu

INZU Eco Lodge is situated at the start of the famous Congo Nile Trail. The cabins and excellent glamping tents offer a fantastic view over Lake Kivu.

 

Day 07: Luxury Lodge with splendid lakeview

Rushel Kivu Resort is a lakeside escape for fun and adventure. With comfortable rooms, wonderful food and an attractive white beach it is one of the best places to stay when riding the Congo Nile Trail.

 

Day 08: Authentic and comfortable stay

The last day on the Congo Nile Trail will end at Rwiza Village. This accommodation was ofunded with a deep connection to the local community. The rooms are decorated in African style and have private bathrooms.

Optional activities & Costs
Optional activities:

Activity
Price
When

Kigali city tour

USD 45,-
Day 01 or 10

Tea plantation tour

USD 40,-
Day 02 or 03

Visit Team Africa Rising Cycling Centre

donation
Day 05

Canoeing on the river Mukungwa

USD 95,-
Day 05

Gorilla trekking

USD 1525,-
Day 05

Half-day drive safari in Akagera NP

ask for options
Day 0 or 10
Other optional services

Service
Price

Rental Gravelbike and helmet

USD 280,-

Rental E-MTB and helmet

USD 420,-

Single room supplement

USD 395,-

Early check-in or extra night Kigali twin/double room

USD 124,-

Early check-in or extra night Kigali single room

USD 92,-

Extra dinner or lunch in Kigali

USD 20,-

Visa application (excluding costs for visa)

USD 50,-

Organize bicycle check-in on plane (excluding plane costs)

USD 50,-

Upgrade to luxury or semi-luxury accommodation

ask for options

Bicycle bag/box rental

ask for options

Flight

ask for options

Bicycle mechanic

ask for options

Photographer, videographer or drone pilot

ask for options

customize this tour
Do you like this tour, but you want to personalize it? Not a problem at all. We would be happy to adjust it in such a way it becomes your dreamjourney. Whether it’s adding extra days on a beach in beautiful Zanzibar or changing the room setup. No extra costs charged. Check out below some things we can change for you…and much much more. Your imagination is our limitation.

Things we can customize

Convert a group tour into a private tour

Adding in extra days or make your trip shorter

Add in other activities or reduce them

Changing accommodation or room setup

Adjust type of transport or equipment

Adding or remove staff, such as guides, drivers, photographers, mechanics, etc

And much more...


Reach out to us to discuss the journey of your lifetime

dates & prices

Group Tour dates 2026

01-10 Nov (sport available, almost guaranteed)

Group Tour dates 2027

10-19 Jan (Spots available)

31 Jan - 9 Feb (Guaranteed departure, last spots available)

28 Feb - 9 Mar (Spots available)

19-28 Sep (Spots available)

Group Tour Price PP

USD 3280 (2026)
USD 3525 (2027)

Private Tour Price PP 2026

Groupsize

USD 6530

USD 3800

USD 3280

USD 2730

Private Tour Price PP 2027

Groupsize

USD 6805

USD 4030

USD 3525

USD 2955

Brochure

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Category
Gravel tours, Gravelbike, Multiday Tour, Rwanda, Tours