10 Days, Rwanda Ultimate Cycling & Volcano Expedition.
Your cycling journey begins with a legendary exit from the capital, quickly transitioning into a challenging 5 km climb that tests your lungs and reveals the sprawling beauty of the central highlands. The route winds through vibrant villages and endless terraced hillsides, leading you into the cool, misty air of the Kinihira tea region. As you pedal through the emerald green tea estates, you will witness the meticulous work of local pickers before arriving at the historic Sorwathe Tea Factory. The day ends with a private tea tasting session on a deck overlooking the vast, fog filled valleys
Today’s ride is a thrilling mix of technical descents and rolling terrain as we move from the tea estates toward the volcanic north. You will navigate red dirt trails that pass through banana groves and bustling rural markets, offering an unfiltered look at Rwandan village life. As the silhouettes of the Virunga Volcanoes begin to dominate the horizon, you will reach the edge of Lake Ruhondo. From here, we swap our bikes for a private motorboat for a scenic 30 minute crossing to your eco lodge, which sits perched on a peninsula with panoramic views of the water and the peaks beyond.
A Scenic walk around Lake Burera offers breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes, with trails that wind through lush, terraced hills and authentic, rural Rwandan villages and the best panoramic views.
Mount Bisoke offers a scenic hike to the signature crater lake found on the summit. enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and beautiful surroundings while taking in the refreshing breeze.
The second half of your adventure begins on the world renowned Congo Nile Trail, starting from the palm fringed beaches of Gisenyi. This stage is a beautiful introduction to the trail, characterized by undulating paths that weave between the lake's edge and the high ridges above. You will pedal through "The Valley of a Thousand Smokes" and pass several coffee washing stations where the aroma of roasting beans fills the air.We end the day in the peaceful village of Kinunu, where the coffee plantations meet the shoreline for a true "Crop to Cup" immersion.
This is arguably the most demanding and rewarding section of the Congo Nile Trail, featuring punchy climbs and steep descents through the heart of the Albertine Rift. The trail takes you deep into the remote countryside, biking through small fishing hamlets and over wooden bridges where the pace of life remains unchanged for decades. The local interactions today are frequent and genuine, offering a window into the resilience and warmth of the Rwandan people. Your destination is Bumba Base Camp, an exclusive glamping site situated high on a ridge with a 360 degree view of Lake Kivu and the Congo mountains in the distance.
This is arguably the most demanding and rewarding section of the Congo Nile Trail, featuring punchy climbs and steep descents through the heart of the Albertine Rift. The trail takes you deep into the remote countryside, biking through small fishing hamlets and over wooden bridges where the pace of life remains unchanged for decades. The local interactions today are frequent and genuine, offering a window into the resilience and warmth of the Rwandan people. Your destination is Bumba Base Camp, an exclusive glamping site situated high on a ridge with a 360 degree view of Lake Kivu and the Congo mountains in the distance.
Today is dedicated to exploring the hidden gems of Lake Kivu by private boat. We head out to the famous Napoleon Island, where a short, steep hike leads you to a colony of thousands of fruit bats and a stunning viewpoint of the archipelago. We then move to Amahoro (Peace) Island for a swim in the clear, bilharzia free waters and a relaxed lunch. This day provides the perfect "active recovery" after the intensity of the cycling, allowing you to soak in the tranquil beauty of the lake before returning to the mainland for your final evening in the west.
You will be transfered to the Kigali international airport for your departure and this marks the end of your tour with us.
Arrival in Kigali & Urban Immersion
Day 1 includes Meet and greet assistance on arrival
Accommodation (budget): hotel_chez_lando or similar
The High-Altitude Ascent: Kigali to Sorwathe (61 km)
Day 2 includes The High-Altitude Ascent: Kigali to Sorwathe (61 km)
Accommodation (budget): sorwathe_tea_factory_guest_house or similar
Valley Descents & The Twin Lakes (52 km)
Day 3 includes Valley Descents & The Twin Lakes (52 km)
Accommodation (mid-range): my_hill_ecolodge or similar
The lake Burera shoreline Loop
Day 4 includes Scenic walk around the Twin Lakes
Accommodation (mid-range): my_hill_ecolodge or similar
The Bisoke Volcano summit & Transfer to Lake Kivu.
Day 5 includes Bisoke Hike in Volcanoes National Park., Road Transfer
Accommodation (budget): kinunu_guest_house or similar
The congo nile Trail: stage 1 to Kinunu (40km)
Day 6 includes Congo Nile Trail: stage 1 to Kinunu
Accommodation (budget): kinunu_guest_house or similar
The Heart of the Rift: Kinunu to Bumba (29 km)
Day 7 includes The Heart of the Rift: Kinunu to Bumba (29 km)
Accommodation (budget): bumba_guest_house or similar
The Victory Lap: Bumba to Kibuye (29km)
Day 8 includes The Victory Lap: Bumba to Kibuye (29km)
Accommodation (budget): rwiza_village or similar
Lake Kivu Island Hopping & Active Recovery.
Day 9 includes Lake Kivu Island Hopping & Active Recovery
Accommodation (budget): rwiza_village or similar
Scenic Return & Farewell to Kigali.
Day 10 includes Departure
Inclusions
- Meet & Greet on arrival
- Ground transportation.
- Accommodation on full board basis.
- Audio guide device at the genocide memorial.
- Park entrance fees.
- All activities included.
- Professional English/French speaking driver-guide.
- Airport pick up and drop off.
- Emergency evacuation insurance.
Exclusions
- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Luxury alcoholic drinks.
- Visa fees.
- Gifts and souvenirs.
- Tips for local guides and staff.
