An exceptional guided journey by electric bike from the capital Kigali, through tea and banana plantations and along a chain of lush volcanoes, to the shores of one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
- Duration
- 7 nights
- Type
- Electric biking
- Price
- £3,995 per person
- Group size
- Maximum 12
- Good To Know
Rwanda is nicknamed the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ and much of the cycling is done on classic African red dirt roads. So 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.
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 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
We will be cycling on and off-road, up and down plenty of hills, so we provide electric mountain bikes as standard. The cycling is not generally difficult although there are short sections that will require more concentration and balance. Cars are very few and far between, though you will get used to the familiar ‘ring’ of a bicycle taxi. This is the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ so it is important that you have good general fitness and are comfortable riding a bicycle on dirt roads, up and down hills. Whether you are a novice or experienced cyclist, our guides are skilled at spotting your ability and level of confidence and reacting accordingly. Although some days are longer than on other Slow Cyclist journeys, you’ll have time to take in the sights and sounds and there will always be someone travelling at your pace.
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 track 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 charge $1,500 per person for a trekking permit. In additon, we charge a small amount extra for transport and a handling fee, the full amount dependant on the exchange rate at the time of booking. 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 - Saturday 16 November - Arrival
Transfer 30 minutes
For those arriving in the morning, we will pick you up from the airport and take you straight to Heaven, your first night's accommodation in the leafy former Belgium quarter. There we will have breakfast and you will be able to freshen up. We will then take you on a tour of Kigali. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a harrowing experience but a must for any first-time visitor and then a visit to the Kinamba Community Project. In the evening, we’ll have dinner and brief you on the adventure ahead.
Day 2 - Sunday 17 November - Kigali to Rugezi Marsh
Cycling 44 or 53 kms
Our cycling adventure begins in Cyinzuzi, with breathtaking views of Rwandan valleys at every turn. We'll enjoy lunch at Sorwathe tea estate while enjoying a magnificent panorama and perhaps glimpsing Mount Muhabura. After exploring the tea factory and having lunch, we'll continue our cycle through picturesque landscapes towards Rugezi Marsh, a hidden biodiversity treasure. We'll spend the night immersed in nature at a basic tented camp with spectacular views.
Day 3 - Monday 18 November - Rugezi Marsh to Lake Ruhondo
Cycling 57 kms
After breakfast, we'll set off on a scenic bike ride taking in the beauty of the Rwandan landscape. We'll stop for a relaxing lunch at a local bar before continuing our journey towards the Twin Lakes, Ruhondo and Burera. Here, we'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the lakes and surrounding hills. Finally, we'll make our way down to the lakeshore where a boat will be waiting to take us to our mini-paradise hideaway on the shores of Lake Ruhondo.
Day 4 - Tuesday 19 November - Lake Ruhondo to Musanze
Walking 2.5 hours - Cycling 32 kms
After a short boat journey to the north shore of Lake Ruhondo, we’ll walk up to its twin, Burera, before climbing up to Virunga Lodge for lunch. Along the way we’ll pass through villages and visit a vibrant community project. In the afternoon, the landscape changes on a fantastic ride as we head towards Kinigi, and finally the frontier town of Musanze. We will spend two nights at boutique hotel La Locanda.
Day 5 - Wednesday 20 November - Musanze
Today, should you choose to do so, you will be trekking into the jungle to spend time with some of the last remaining mountain gorillas on the planet. See more about the experience in the On the Move section of this brochure, not least because there are alternatives. Tonight is our second night spent in Musanze, with dinner at La Locanda.
Day 6 - Thursday 21 November - Kinigi to Rubavu
Cycling 79 kms
Our destination is Lake Kivu, one of the deepest lakes in the world and a Great Lake of Africa. To get there you will enjoy a magnificent ride along a chain of volcanoes, through bamboo forests, remote villages and banana plantations before stopping for lunch at the beautiful home of the late humanitarian and author Rosamond Carr. From there it’s a thrilling descent and one last climb to reach Lake Kivu, where we will spend the night at Kivu Paradise.
Day 7 - Friday 22 November - Rubavu to Kinunu
Cycling 12 kms
Our journey begins with a scenic boat transfer to the local market town of Nkora, on the shores of Lake Kivu. After a delightful picnic lunch, we embark on the most exhilarating leg of our cycling adventure along the Congo-Nile Trail. For those seeking a more leisurely option, a direct boat trip to Kinunu and a short walk is available. Our final night awaits at Umutuzo Lodge, boasting breathtaking views of the majestic lake.
Day 8 - Saturday 23 November - Kinunu to Kigali
After spending the morning by Lake Kivu, we'll depart for Kigali, stopping at Kiaka for shopping and Musanze for lunch. In Kigali, we'll visit a women's centre before enjoying a farewell dinner and your airport transfer.
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 Information Pack 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 four 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
£3,995 per person
Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking permit | £1,350 per person |
| Golden monkey permit | £175 per person |
| Single occupancy supplement | £520 |
| Early hotel check-in on Day 1 - subject to availability | £75 per person |
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% 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% 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.
All of our experiences are covered by Trust My Travel who protect our travellers their payments
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 provide transfers for all members of the party on days 1 & 8. If you intend to arrive / depart early or late and would like us to help with your transfer to or from Kigali International Airport we will be happy to do so, but will not be able to provide a free service.
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.
Exceptional Quality
Our passion for creating exceptional shared experiences in places we love is reflected in the journeys we design. We don't rest on our laurels, seeking continued improvement and innovation so that you, our guests, are enriched around every bend in the road.
Community Driven
The Slow Cyclist was born as an antidote to mass tourism. All stakeholders, from our guests and team in the UK to our local guides, from food producers we work with to the communities whose lives we touch, must feel our influence and impact is positive.
Future Focused
We travel with a light footprint but that’s not enough. We can always do more. We are part of a generation that must act responsibly in business and in tourism; one that begins to restore our planet's biodiversity and delicate ecosystems.