17 Days, Rwanda Ultimate Mountain Biking Adventure
The adventure officially begins with a scenic ride through Rwanda’s famous “Land of a Thousand Hills.” You will cycle along peaceful countryside roads surrounded by banana plantations, eucalyptus forests, and traditional villages where smiling locals greet cyclists along the way. The route features gradual climbs and rewarding descents, offering an excellent full day in the saddle.
Today’s ride takes you deeper into Rwanda’s spectacular northern countryside. The route winds through rolling hills, coffee farms, and scenic rural communities while offering incredible panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes in the distance. you will enjoy both challenging climbs and thrilling downhill sections as they approach the twin lakes region. The day concludes at the stunning Lake Ruhondo, where guests will stay at My Hill Eco Lodge, a tranquil lakeside lodge offering breathtaking sunset views over the water and surrounding volcanoes.
The morning begins with fresh mountain air and incredible scenery around Lake Ruhondo before cycling toward Musanze. The route passes through vibrant farming communities, terraced hillsides, and scenic backroads near Volcanoes National Park. You will experience Rwanda’s rich agricultural life while enjoying smooth rolling terrain and spectacular volcanic landscapes. Upon arrival in Musanze, check in at Isange Paradise Resort for a comfortable evening surrounded by beautiful mountain views.
Embark on a gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, you will spend one hour with these majestic primates, observing them closely as they play, feed and interact in their natural habitat.
This is one of the most scenic and rewarding cycling days of the expedition. You will depart from Musanze and head west toward Rubavu, cycling through breathtaking mountain landscapes and rich rural countryside. Along the route, there is a visit to the historic Rosamond Carr area near the former Imbabazi Orphanage, known for its inspiring humanitarian history and stunning flower gardens. The route features exhilarating descents with magnificent views of Lake Kivu and the surrounding volcanoes. After approximately 80 kilometers, arrive at the lakeside Inzu Lodge, a peaceful retreat overlooking Lake Kivu.
Today’s ride follows part of the famous Congo Nile Trail along the shores of beautiful Lake Kivu. Pedal through fishing villages, coffee plantations, and lush green hills with constant lake views throughout the journey. The route combines technical sections, rolling climbs, and rewarding descents, making it one of the most enjoyable cycling experiences in Rwanda. Riders finish the day at Kinunu Wonders, a charming lodge located near coffee farms and the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu.
The adventure continues along the scenic Congo Nile Trail as riders cycle from Kinunu toward Koko River through remote villages and stunning lakeside landscapes. Along the route, experience authentic rural life, interact with local communities, and enjoy uninterrupted views of Lake Kivu. Upon reaching Koko River, bicycles are loaded onto a boat for a relaxing transfer across the lake to Kibuye. The boat journey offers incredible scenery of islands, hills, and fishing communities before arriving at Cormoran lodge for overnight stay.
Explore Lake Kivu on a scenic boat tour. Enjoy a peaceful adventure that lets you glide through emerald waters, paddle past terraced hillsides, and explore quiet, isolated islands.
Leaving Lake Kivu behind, cyclists begin climbing into Rwanda’s highlands toward Gisovu. This route offers some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes, featuring steep terraced hills, tea plantations, waterfalls, and dense forests. Riders pass through quiet rural communities where children enthusiastically cheer cyclists along the road. The day ends at African Parks Lodge in Gisovu, surrounded by cool mountain air and beautiful natural scenery.
Today’s ride heads south toward the edge of Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. The route passes through vast tea plantations, winding mountain roads, and breathtaking forest viewpoints. Cyclists will enjoy a mixture of long climbs and exciting descents while surrounded by rich biodiversity and spectacular scenery. Upon arrival in Nyungwe, check in to Munazi Eco Lodge.
Begin your day with an early morning pick up for a chimpanzee trekking experience in the heart of Nyungwe National Park. trek into the forest with a specialist guide, following the calls and movements of these fast moving, intelligent primates to observe their behavior and social interactions. Canopy Walk offers a unique way to experience Nyungwe Forest by walking along a suspended bridge high above the ground. Zipline in Nyungwe National Park offers an exhilarating experience as you glide over the lush rainforest.
The journey continues through southern Rwanda as you cycle from Kitabi toward Kibeho. The route passes through rolling green hills, local villages, and scenic farmland with opportunities to interact with local communities along the way. Kibeho is well known as a place of pilgrimage and spiritual significance in Rwanda. After approximately 50 kilometers, guests arrive at their hotel for a restful evening.
Today’s ride leads cyclists toward the historical town of Nyanza, once the royal capital of Rwanda. The route offers beautiful countryside scenery, traditional villages, and gradual rolling terrain. Upon arrival, guests can visit cultural and historical attractions including the King’s Palace Museum to learn more about Rwanda’s royal heritage. Overnight stay will be at Quiet Haven Hotel, providing comfort and relaxation after the day’s ride. Enjoy cultural night at the King's palace museum featuring vibrant traditional storytelling, folk music, dancing by the light of a crackling bonfire and a barbecue experience.
Cyclists leave southern Rwanda and ride east toward the Bugesera region, known for its lakes, wetlands, and peaceful rural landscapes. The route features open countryside, agricultural communities, and scenic roads with less elevation than previous stages, allowing riders to enjoy a smoother day in the saddle. Guests arrive at Eagle View Farm, a relaxing countryside lodge surrounded by nature and birdlife, ideal for the final evening outside Kigali.
The final cycling stage takes riders back toward Kigali through scenic roads and vibrant local communities. As the city skyline gradually appears, cyclists celebrate the completion of an incredible cross country adventure through Rwanda’s mountains, lakes, rainforests, and cultural landscapes. Upon arrival in Kigali, check in at Inside Africa Boutique Hotel for relaxation, farewell celebrations, and reflection on an unforgettable mountain biking journey across the heart of Rwanda.
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 – City Tour, Bike Fitting & Acclimatization.
Day 1 includes Arrival in Kigali – City Tour, Bike Fitting & Acclimatization, Transfer to Hotel des mille collines
Accommodation (mid-range): hotel_des_mille_collines or similar
Cycle from Kigali to Kinihira – 45 km
Day 2 includes Cycle from Kigali to Kinihira – 45 km
Accommodation (basic): sorwathe_tea_factory_guest_house or similar
Cycle from Kinihira to Lake Ruhondo – 47 km
Day 3 includes Cycle from Kinihira to Lake Ruhondo – 47 km
Accommodation (basic): my_hill_ecolodge or similar
Cycle from Lake Ruhondo to Musanze – 40 km
Day 4 includes Cycle from Lake Ruhondo to Musanze – 40 km
Accommodation (basic): isange_paradise_resort or similar
Off Saddle – Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Day 5 includes Gorilla trekking experience.
Accommodation (basic): isange_paradise_resort or similar
Cycle from Musanze to Rubavu via Rosamond Carr – 80 km
Day 6 includes Cycle from Musanze to Rubavu via Rosamond Carr – 80 km
Accommodation (basic): inzu_lodge or similar
Cycle from Rubavu to Kinunu – 42 km
Day 7 includes Cycle from Rubavu to Kinunu – 42 km
Accommodation (basic): kinunu_wonders or similar
Cycle from Kinunu to Koko River – Boat Transfer to Kibuye – 40 km
Day 8 includes Cycle from Kinunu to Koko River – Boat Transfer to Kibuye – 40 km
Accommodation (basic): cormoran_lodge or similar
Off Saddle – Kayaking, Boat Ride.
Day 9 includes Kayaking on Lake Kivu (Karongi), Boat Tour on Lake Kivu
Accommodation (basic): cormoran_lodge or similar
Cycle from Kibuye to Gisovu – 45 kM
Day 10 includes Cycle from Kibuye to Gisovu – 45 km
Accommodation (basic): african_parks_lodge or similar
Cycle from Gisovu to Nyungwe.
Day 11 includes Cycle from Gisovu to Nyungwe.
Accommodation (mid-range): munazi_eco_lodge or similar
Off Saddle – Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Day 12 includes Chimpanzee trekking experience., Zipline adventure, Canopy Walk experience
Accommodation (mid-range): munazi_eco_lodge or similar
Cycle from Nyungwe to Kibeho – 50 km
Day 13 includes Cycle from Kitabi to Kibeho – 50 km
Accommodation (basic): kibeho_hotel or similar
Cycle from Kibeho to Nyanza – 60 km & Culture night Experience.
Day 14 includes Cycle from Kibeho to Nyanza – 60 km, A culture night at King's palace museum
Accommodation (basic): quiet_heaven_hotel or similar
Cycle from Nyanza to Bugesera – 60 km
Day 15 includes Cycle from Nyanza to Bugesera – 60 km
Accommodation (basic): eagle_view_farm or similar
Cycle from Bugesera to Kigali – Final Ride
Day 16 includes Cycle from Bugesera to Kigali – Final Ride
Accommodation (mid-range): hotel_des_mille_collines or similar
Departure.
Day 17 includes Departure
Inclusions
- Meet & Greet assistance on arrival
- Kigali city tour & Bike fitting
- 15 days Fully guided cycling expedition through Rwanda's rolling hills
- Bikes are provided
- Gorilla & Chimpanzee trekking permits
- Canopy & Zipline experience
- Park entrance fees
- 16 nights accommodation
- Meals & soft drinks
- Professional cycling guides
- 3 Sessions of sport massage.
- Emergency evacuation insurance
- Full days support vehicle.
- Culture night experience & Barbecue at King's palace museum.
- Lake Kivu activities
- Airport pick-up pick up & drop-off
- Tour handling fee
- All taxes included
NB: Bringing your own Bike is allowed and reduces price.
Exclusions
- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Luxury alcoholic drinks.
- Visa fees.
- Gifts and souvenirs.
- Tips for local guides and staff.
Pricing
- 2 pax: 11,381 USD pp sharing
- 4 pax: 9,751 USD pp sharing
- 6 pax: 8,186 USD pp sharing
