An exceptional guided journey by electric bike from Rwanda's thriving capital Kigali, through tea and banana plantations and along a chain of lush, forested volcanoes - home to mountain gorillas - to the shores of one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
- Duration
- 7 nights
- How We Travel
- Electric biking
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Activity Level
Graded between 1 (easiest) and 5 (most challenging). Click for more details
- Bike Type
- Front suspension electric mountain bikes
- Price
- £4,295 per person
- Group Size
- Maximum 12 guests
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.
- Enjoy a drink overlooking the picturesque Idjwi Island on Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
- Share the red dirt roads with local people travelling by any means, who will cheer you on up every hill and around every bend.
- Visit Sunzu Library - a community project that serves as a safe space for children to study and socialise.
- Extend your stay with extensions for gorilla trekking, game viewing, kayaking, hiking or bird watching.
Good to Know
- Rwanda is nicknamed the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ and much of our cycling is on red dirt roads. Even though an electric bike helps, to undertake this journey you should have good general fitness and be comfortable riding an electric bike on dirt roads, up and down hills.
- We have guided guests ranging in age from 18-75 on this journey through Rwanda, but please be aware that there are sections on rougher terrain that require good balance and confidence on a bike.
Welcome to The Slow Cyclist
It was in Kigali - where I spent the early part of the last decade running an unlikely project to build a home for cricket in Rwanda - that the seeds of The Slow Cyclist were planted. At weekends I would head off into the back country on my bike to explore its cultivated green hills, sprawling lakes and smoking volcanoes. It is an astonishingly beautiful country; an area roughly the size of Wales that is full of countless friendly faces and endless smooth red dirt roads just waiting to be explored by slow cyclists. Of course, it is mountain gorillas that most visitors travel here to see, but as you are about to find out, there is so much more to this tiny, lush, land-locked gem. It's very special to me and I hope you enjoy your adventures there, just as I have over the years.
Oli BroomFounder, The Slow Cyclist
The Journey
Rwanda is a lush land of volcanoes, lakes and patchwork fields of tea and banana plantations. Accompanied by our passionate and thoughtful local team, you will travel through the Land of a Thousand Hills all the way from its capital, Kigali, to Lake Kivu in the north-west of the country. Along the way you will learn about Rwanda's tragic recent past, explore much of its landmass by cycling along red dirt roads through villages perched on hillsides, visit inspiring community projects and get to know parts of this magnificent country that very few visitors ever see. Above all, this is an opportunity to switch off from normal life and move at your own pace through a land of staggering natural beauty and cultural fascination.
Is It For Me?
Our journeys are built around friendship, exceptional hospitality and the great outdoors. Slow Cyclists are curious travellers with a bit of juice in their legs, approaching our time on a bike - or on foot - as an opportunity to explore rather than test our fitness. That’s not to say we don’t pedal hard sometimes, just that we are often distracted by the food, history and people that make a place special. When we see something interesting, we tend to stop and take it in rather than race by. If this sounds like you, we're pretty sure you'll love your time exploring Rwanda with us.
When to Go?
Although Rwanda is located only two degrees south of the equator, its high elevation makes the climate temperate. The average daily temperature near Lake Kivu, at an altitude of 1,450 metres, is 23°C and this is relatively typical of temperatures across the country all year round. It's best to avoid March and April due to the heavy rains. The light rains in late September, October and November can in fact a lovely time to visit because sunshine is common and the verdant landscape is beautiful. In December, January and February there is less rain but a mix of sunshine and showers is likely to characterise at least a few days each week.
The Cycling
This journey is taken almost exclusively by electric bike, although there is some walking. For cycling we use front suspension electric mountain bikes because of the variety of terrain. Cycles are generally between 25 - 40 kms. Most of the time will be spent on red dirt roads, which can be rough, rocky and bumpy and require concentration. Adverse weather, either before or during a trip, can make them less straightforward, requiring good balance. Rwanda is hilly and the distances we cover are not insignificant. A moderate level of cycling fitness is therefore recommended and you should be confident riding up and downhill on dirt tracks.
If you opt to see mountain gorillas, you can choose whether to do an "easy, medium or difficult" trek that lasts anything from 1-6 hours and can involve a steep climb. There are some hilly sections on our other walks so you’ll need moderate fitness and to be comfortable walking up and downhill on uneven ground.
Find out more about our activity levels here.
Gorilla Trekking
For many visitors to Rwanda, a close encounter with a family of mountain gorillas is the wildlife experience of their lives. With that in mind, we have allowed for a day out of the saddle to trek into Volcanoes National Park and track some of nature’s most majestic creatures. These are not tame animals by any means. They are completely wild and only tolerate human presence for an hour a day at most. You will be accompanied by guides as you trek to the gorillas through dense vegetation, along steep trails and at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres. It can be tough going but you are guaranteed to see the gorillas, whether it takes 30 mins or 3 hours to reach them. The Rwandan government charges $1,500 per person for a trekking permit. Tipping your porters is a standard part of the gorilla trekking experience. To keep things effortless for you, we have already included the tip in your permit cost. Your Slow Cyclist host will provide you with a pre-filled envelope to hand directly to your porter at the end of the trek. As a cheaper alternative to the gorillas, a trek to see golden monkeys is fantastic. Again, you can spend an hour with them at a total cost of £175 per person.
Food & Drink
Local food is simple and fresh and the very definition of organic. Rwanda is abundant in its vegetable growing, meaning vegetarians and vegans are easily catered for. Beer is brewed locally, though with the exception of ‘banana wine’, we provide South African wines. Sometimes we’ll eat out in the open and, at other times, in local restaurants. During the day we provide local fruit and snacks. Allergies and other preferences are noted at the time of booking.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Tuesday 30 November - Arrival
Transfer 30 minutes
For those arriving this morning, we will pick you up from the airport and take you straight to Heaven, your first night's accommodation in Kigali’s leafy former Belgian quarter. There we will have breakfast and you will be able to freshen up before heading out to explore the city. The morning brings us to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a profoundly moving experience and an essential visit for any first-time traveller to Rwanda, offering context for so much of what you will see and hear over the days ahead. From there, we move to something more life-affirming: the striking Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, a pioneering project deeply woven into the story of our founder, Oli, and a symbol of the country's remarkable rebuilding. Here, we'll enjoy a relaxed lunch and soak in the surroundings. Later in the afternoon, we will gather to introduce you to your bicycles. Time will be taken to ensure you are perfectly fitted and entirely comfortable, so you are ready to embrace the red dirt roads that await tomorrow. In the evening, we will have dinner and brief you on the adventure ahead.
Day 2 - Wednesday 1 December - Kigali to Rugezi Marsh
Cycling 25 kms
Our cycling adventure begins in Rulindo District, to the north of Kigali, as we set out across rolling ridges with breathtaking views over Rwanda's endless green valleys. The final stretch this morning takes us through tea valleys and up to Sorwathe Tea Estate, where lunch awaits and, with any luck, a magnificent panorama with the towering Mount Muhabura in the distance. After a tour of the estate and factory, we pedal on towards Rugezi Marsh, a high-altitude wetland sanctuary that is a haven for rare bird species, including the endangered Grauer's Swamp Warbler and the Grey Crowned Crane. It is also the headquarters of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA), our charity partner, who will host us overnight. To end the day we can explore the wetland by pirogue before settling into the RWCA’s permanent tented camp and spending the night fully immersed in nature.
Day 3 - Thursday 2 December - Rugezi Marsh to Lake Ruhondo
Cycling 40 kms
After breakfast, we'll either cycle or drive the short distance to Ibanda, a thriving cooperative where community members join forces to trade produce and crafts, bolstering the local economy. From there it's onwards to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, which sit directly south of the chain of volcanoes separating Rwanda from its northern neighbour, Uganda. At the lakeshore, a boat gathers us up and carries us across to our overnight slice of paradise: a peninsula stretching into the middle of Lake Ruhondo, with views in every direction.
Day 4 - Friday 3 December - Lake Ruhondo to Musanze
Walking 6 kms - Cycling 27 kms
Today begins with another boat, this time crossing to the northern shore of Lake Ruhondo. From there we continue on foot, hiking through local villages to Lake Burera and onwards to a vibrant community library. Our final destination this morning is Virunga Lodge, Rwanda's original gorilla trekking lodge and home to some of the finest views across Volcanoes National Park. We will have lunch there before getting on the bikes for a fantastic ride on a mix of surfaces to the frontier town of Musanze. We will spend two nights at La Locanda, a comfortable guest house on the edge of town in its own private gardens.
Day 5 - Saturday 4 December - Musanze
Today is arguably the highlight of our week. Should you choose to do so, you will trek into the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park to spend time in the presence of some of the last remaining mountain gorillas on Earth. It is an encounter that is likely to live with you long after you've left Rwanda. You can read more about the experience in the ‘On the Move’ section of this brochure. Tonight, after your trek, is our second night in Musanze, with dinner at the inspiring women-owned Kinigi Table, an elegant restaurant and craft gin distillery nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
Day 6 - Sunday 5 December - Kinigi to Rubavu
Cycling 32 kms
Our journey today leads all the way to Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes and among the deepest in the world. After a slow morning, we transfer to the former home of Rosamond Carr, an American humanitarian and author whose life became entwined with Rwanda's, first as a flower farmer, later as the founder of an orphanage for children left parentless by the 1994 genocide, and a close friend to the primatologist Dian Fossey. We'll tour her home and its gardens on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi before lunch. Afterwards, we take to our bikes and cycle across stunning landscapes of volcanoes, bamboo forests, remote villages and banana plantations. On reaching Lake Kivu, we take to the water once more, this time for a 1.5-hour boat journey to Umutuzo Lodge, our lakeside retreat for the next two nights.
Day 7 - Monday 6 December - Rubavu to Kinunu
Walking 2 kms
Today is yours to spend as you choose: exercise and explore, or unwind at and around Umutuzo. You might walk to a local coffee washing station to see the bean-to-cup process up close, cycle a section of the Congo-Nile Trail, kayak out onto the lake, or simply relax by Umutuzo's swimming pool. Tonight - your last with us - will be spent at the guest house, with stunning views over Lake Kivu providing a fitting end to your Rwandan adventure.
Day 8 - Tuesday 7 December - Kinunu to Kigali
We depart for Kigali, with stops along the way for shopping at the Kiaka Co-operative and lunch in Musanze. For those on a later flight, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner at Heaven before you transfer to the airport.
Practical Information
Guiding & Support
Our attention to detail sets us apart. You will be accompanied by a member of The Slow Cyclist team who will act as your host. In addition, you will be looked after by our local English-speaking guides and drivers throughout. We’re sure you will become firm friends by the time you leave. Finally, your bags will be driven ahead each day and a support vehicle will be on hand (although never too close) in case you need a lift.
Accommodation
Part of the joy of Rwanda is that it enables the traveller to immerse him or herself fully. There is little tourism beyond the gorillas and as such, accommodation is limited across the whole country. That said, we’ve chosen places that are as comfortable as each location offers. Some nights are more basic than others. More often than not the location will be stunning. To help you get a good night's sleep we provide luxury pillows in addition to those provided by the guest houses. Lodging is based on twin or double sharing although a single supplement is available. Rooms are en-suite where possible and WiFi or a good 4 or 5G connection is generally available overnight. Rest assured that you will always be well looked after.
Bikes & Safety
We take your safety seriously. You must wear a helmet when cycling and we cannot accept bookings from anyone unwilling to wear one. The bikes you'll be riding with us are electric mountain bikes. You will be given a brief lesson in how to use them effectively before we start cycling. If you have any technical issues during your time with us, from squeaky brakes to punctures, please let us know and we’ll fix it. And finally, please don’t worry if you feel you are too slow or too fast for others in the group. We have a guide at the front and one at the back precisely for that reason. Please remember, we're not here to race; this is a journey to take time over.
Packing & Reading
Well in advance of your travels we will send you an online travel guide including various details you need to know in advance. This will include a suggested packing list. You may also wish to start reading about Rwanda. Although the most celebrated literary work covers the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the range and quality of literature is quite staggering. Here are some of our absolute favourites. Should you wish to buy any, we recommend doing so from our favourite bookshop, Mayfair's Heywood Hill.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Pricing & Booking
Price
£4,295 per person
Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Single occupancy supplement | £795 |
| Gorilla Trekking Permit | £1,350 pp |
| Golden Monkey Permit | £175 pp |
| Early check-in - Subject to availability | £85 |
We are often told how nice it is that almost everything is paid for up front. So, while you are with us you can forget about your wallet, relax and enjoy yourselves. Included are:
- Group airport transfers (1 x arrival, 1 x departure)
- Support vehicles and luggage transfers
- TSC host & 3 x English-speaking local guides
- All accommodation, meals and snacks
- Beer and wine selected and provided by TSC at meal times
- All activities
- Electric bike and helmet hire
- 100% financial security
- Donation to a local cause that is aligned with our values.
- Flights
- Trekking permits
- Cocktails and spirits
- Personal costs
- Travel insurance
- Visas (if required)
For private groups a 30% non-refundable deposit is required from the group leader and, thereafter, from each member of the party. A minimum of 50% of the party are required to book and pay their deposit within one month of the group leader. The balance is due 10 weeks before the departure date.
If you are travelling on one of our Scheduled Journeys, we require a 30% non-refundable deposit on the core trip price (i.e. not on any extras) at the time of booking. The balance is due 10 weeks before the departure date.
Please make sure you are familiar with our Standard Terms & Conditions before booking.
You will receive two emails shortly after booking. First, a payment receipt, then a second email explaining next steps. Within two working days you will then be contacted by a member of our Guest Services team who will look after and advise you in the lead up to your travels.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Flight Arrangements
You are responsible for booking and paying for your own flights to and from Rwanda. If you would like help researching and booking your flights we recommend contacting Liz Rees, who helps many of our guests with their supplementary transport requirements. Please let her know your departure dates and preferred airport. Her contact details are liz.rees@travelcounsellors.com or +44 7816 936876.
Flight Recommendations
Many airlines service Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, from the UK and around the world. Most of our guests fly with Brussels Airlines or KLM because the itinerary tends to work best when arriving on the evening of day 1 and departing on the evening of day 8. However, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways provide a range of service options.
Transfers
We will provide one transfer for the group on arrival and another on departure. If you require alternative transport options because you are arriving or leaving earlier or later please contact our team on +44 1865 587 994 and we can arrange this for you at an additional cost. If you're interested in planning an onward journey, we recommend contacting Liz Rees who can help with flight and train arrangements.
Rwanda is a land of sprawling lakes, cultivated green hills and smoking volcanoes made famous by Gorillas in the Mist. Of course, it’s gorillas that most visitors come here to see - and they do provide a magical experience - but there is so much more to this tiny, lush, land-locked gem. The country remained ‘undiscovered’ until late in the 19th century, made up of a complex society of family clans. During German and then Belgian colonisation cash crops, such as coffee and sugar, were introduced and schools and roads built. However, alongside came relentless social and political upheaval that continued into the post-colonial era and ultimately culminated in the 1994 genocide. Over the past two decades Africa’s most densely populated country has embarked on a remarkable journey, winning global acclaim for tackling social divisions and dragging millions over the poverty line. The population is young and a stable government has helped develop roads, create accessible broadband, and encourage a budding private sector economy that is seeing increasing foreign investment. Crime and corruption levels are some of the lowest on the continent and, in recent years, Rwanda has been named the safest country in Africa, with Kigali the cleanest and most liveable city.
Unique Experiences
Travel is so often commoditised and unimaginative. We are the antidote, taking time to create beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind experiences to places that excite us.
Community & Connection
We cherish personal relationships and friendships and seek to strengthen cross-cultural bonds, respecting and supporting those who enter our orbit. All must feel our impact is positive.
Dedication to Excellence
We design experiences with passion, flair and innovation. We seek continual improvement, to offer the best experience possible.
Care for the Planet
We travel with a light footprint and we seek ways to protect and celebrate Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
Charitable Giving
Each year, we donate 1% of our revenue to a variety of causes across our destinations and in the UK, each aligning with our values.
Where It All Began...
It all began with a 28,000km cycle to Australia. Founder Oli Broom fell in love with watching the world roll by under his wheels and wanted to share that joy with others. Read more.