Cycling safari through Rwanda

The power of silence on the savannah during the cycling safari in Rwanda

The major difference between a game drive in a car and a safari on a bicycle is the noise – or rather, the lack of it. In a car, you hear the engine and smell the diesel. On a bike, you are silent. You hear the grass rustling, the birds singing, and sometimes even the breathing of an animal in the distance.

This silence means that animals react differently to you. They are less easily startled and often remain standing quietly grazing. In Rwanda, where the landscape is so green and hilly, this feels very natural. You are not an intruder in a metal cage, but a visitor adapting to the rhythm of nature. Your senses are heightened: you smell the spicy scent of the savannah and feel the warmth of the sun directly on your skin.

Best time to travel to Rwanda

Rwanda is located close to the equator and enjoys a stable climate with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius. Because the country is hilly and we cycle a lot on unpaved roads, rainfall is the most important factor for your planning.

• Long dry season (June – August): This is the most popular period for a cycling safari. The roads are dry and easily passable, and in parks like Akagera, the grass is shorter, making it easier to spot wildlife.

• Short dry season (December – February): This is also an excellent time. The landscape is beautifully green, but the days are predominantly dry. Ideal for both cycling and birdwatching (many migratory birds are present then).

• Rainy seasons (March – May & October – November): More rain falls in these months. Nature is at its greenest, which makes for stunning photographs. However, the roads can be muddy. For those who are flexible and seeking tranquillity in the parks, this can be a great option, but for the best cycling and safari conditions, we recommend the dry months.

Cycling along the edges of the rainforest

A safari in Rwanda is not just about the savannah; it is also about the jungle. In the south lies Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Here, you don’t cycle right through the dense forest (there are walking trails for that), but along the edges, through beautiful tea plantations that border the forest.

As you cycle, you hear the sounds of the jungle. Nyungwe is full of primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Sometimes you see monkeys in the trees by the side of the road, or hear the screams of a chimpanzee family deep in the valley. Cycling in this green, misty environment is a completely different, yet equally impressive nature experience to the open plains.

Respect for nature conservation during your cycling safari

Rwanda is a pioneer in Africa when it comes to environmental protection (think of the ban on plastic bags). A cycling safari fits perfectly into this philosophy. It is a sustainable way of travelling with a minimal ecological footprint. You leave no exhaust fumes behind and do not disturb the peace.

By visiting the parks, you contribute to their preservation. A portion of the tourism revenue flows directly back into protecting nature and the local communities surrounding the parks. In this way, your cycling trip ensures that the rhinos can remain protected and the forests preserved for the future.