Active holiday in Rwanda

The Rwandan landscape demands action

Rwanda is not a destination for sitting still. The ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ invites you to get moving. The landscape undulates constantly; there are hardly any flat sections. This means you will feel your legs during your holiday, but that is exactly what gives satisfaction.

Whether you cycle or walk, every hill you conquer gives you a new view. You look out over endless green valleys, terraced gardens clinging to the slopes, and misty mountain peaks in the distance. The air is clean and fresh, especially in the higher areas. Being active outdoors ensures you experience the landscape much more intensely than from a car. You smell the flowers, feel the sun, and hear the sounds of nature.

Best time to travel for your active holiday in Rwanda

Rwanda is located close to the equator and enjoys a stable climate with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius. For an active holiday, where you do a lot of cycling and walking on unpaved roads, rainfall is the most important factor.

• Long dry season (June – August): This is the ideal period for an active holiday. The trails are dry and hard, which makes cycling and walking easier. You have good grip and less chance of mud.

• Short dry season (December – February): This is also an excellent time. The landscape is fresh and green, and the days are predominantly dry. The temperature is perfect for physical exertion.

• Rainy seasons (March – May & October – November): More rain falls in these months. Nature is beautifully green, but the walking and cycling trails can become muddy and slippery. This makes the activities physically more demanding and technical. For the sporty adventurer, this can be a challenge, but for those who want to be active comfortably, we recommend the dry months.

Using your own two feet: Walking in nature

An active holiday in Rwanda is about more than just cycling. The country has fantastic walking opportunities that we seamlessly incorporate into the programme. In the north, you will find the Virunga volcanoes. Here you can do the ultimate walk: the gorilla trek. This is a tough hike through dense rainforest and steep slopes, but coming face to face with mountain gorillas is worth every step.

In the south, in Nyungwe Forest, you can also enjoy wonderful walks. Here you go in search of chimpanzees or walk across the Canopy Walk, a suspension bridge high above the treetops. This alternation between cycling muscles and walking muscles keeps the trip physically interesting and versatile.

The Congo Nile Trail: The active highlight

The backbone of many active trips in Rwanda is the Congo Nile Trail. This route along Lake Kivu is perfect for the active traveller. The route follows the contours of the lake and goes constantly up and down.

You are truly on the move here. You pass coffee washing stations, small market squares, and fishing villages. The view of the lake and the mountains of Congo on the other side never gets boring. Because the route is demanding, you feel like you have really achieved something at the end of the day. That makes the cold drink at sunset all the more delicious.

Equipment and support: Active yet comfortable travelling

Being active is fun, but it must remain fun. That is why we provide good facilities. You cycle on high-quality Specialized mountain bikes. Are you dreading the hills? Then you can opt for an e-mountain bike. This keeps you moving nicely, but gives you just that little push in the back on steep sections.

In addition, there is always a support vehicle nearby. It transports your luggage, provides water and fruit, and offers a safety net. If you are feeling less fit one day, you simply hop in. You are accompanied by a local guide who knows the route and ensures your safety. This allows you to focus on being active.

Rest and recovery during your active holiday

An active holiday also requires moments of rest. Your body needs to recover to be fit again the next day. In Rwanda, the accommodation is perfectly equipped for this. We opt for atmospheric lodges and guesthouses in beautiful locations.

Imagine this: after a day of cycling, you arrive at a lodge on the shores of Lake Kivu. You take a hot shower, enjoy a good meal made with fresh local produce, and relax with a view over the water. This balance between physical exertion during the day and relaxation in the evening makes the trip sustainable and ensures you return rested and fulfilled.