Group trip in Rwanda

You are stronger together on the hills of Rwanda

Rwanda is known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ and for good reason. During a cycling trip, you will do a lot of climbing and descending. On your own, such a climb can sometimes feel tough, but in a group, it works differently. You pull each other along, have a chat while pedalling, and encourage one another when it gets steep. The shared sense of satisfaction when you reach the top together and enjoy the view creates a unique bond.

After a day of intensive cycling, there is nothing more convivial than sitting down at the table together. You share the stories of the day: that one tough climb, the children who ran alongside you, or the magnificent view over Lake Kivu. Because you take on the same physical challenge together, a close-knit atmosphere quickly develops within the group. You often make friends for life, because you have achieved something special together.

Safety and the safety net of the group trip in Rwanda

Travelling in a group offers security. In Rwanda, we often cycle on unpaved roads in remote areas. It is a comforting thought that you are not alone. A support vehicle always travels with the group. This vehicle transports the luggage but also serves as a broom wagon.

Do you have heavy legs one day, are you not feeling well, or do you want to skip a tough climb? Then you put the bike on the car and hop in. This safety net provides peace of mind. Furthermore, our group trips are accompanied by experienced local guides. They know the way, speak the language, and are trained in bicycle mechanics. In the event of a breakdown, you are helped immediately, so the group can quickly continue on their way.

Experiencing wildlife and nature together in Rwanda

Although cycling takes centre stage, there is also plenty of room for nature in Rwanda. A group trip often includes a visit to Akagera National Park, where we go on safari (sometimes even partly by bike). Spotting an elephant, hippo, or lion together gives an enormous thrill. The excitement that ripples through the group when someone shouts “Look over there!” makes the experience more intense.

We also offer the opportunity to (optionally) do a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park or go in search of chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest. These are impressive and sometimes emotional experiences. It is nice to do this in a group setting, so you can share and process the impressions with each other straight away.

Difference in level? No problem with the e-mountain bike during the group trip

A frequently asked question about group trips is: “Won’t I hold the rest up?” In Rwanda, this is a logical question, given the large amount of elevation. But at CvA Travel, you do not have to worry about this. We ensure that cyclists of different levels can perfectly well travel together.

The solution is the e-mountain bike. We rent out excellent Specialized e-mountain bikes locally. Are you slightly less trained than the rest, or do you simply want to enjoy yourself more and suffer less? Then you opt for an e-bike. With this, you will breeze up the hills and can easily keep up with the sporty cyclists on a regular mountain bike. This keeps the group together and ensures everyone has fun, regardless of their fitness level.

Culture and history of Rwanda

Rwanda has an impressive story. During the group trip, we also reflect on this. We often visit the Genocide Memorial in Kigali. This is a moving experience. It is comforting to do this together with your group and your guide, so you can talk about it.

But above all, we see the resilience of the country. We visit projects, see how clean the streets are, and experience the pride of the Rwandans. By travelling together with a local guide, you get a glimpse into the soul of the country. You learn more than if you were travelling alone, as the guide bridges the gap between the group and the local culture.

Best time to travel for a group trip in Rwanda

Rwanda is located close to the equator and enjoys a pleasant, stable climate with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius. Because we do a lot of climbing and descending on unpaved roads, the weather is indeed an important factor in how demanding the trek will be.

• Long dry season (June – August): This is the most popular time for our group trips. The chance of rain is minimal, making the gravel roads easily passable and fast.

• Short dry season (December – February): This is also an excellent period. The landscape is often still beautifully green after the autumn rains, but the days are predominantly dry.

• Rainy seasons (March – May & October – November): It rains more frequently during these months. This makes the landscape beautifully emerald green and the air crystal clear. The roads can, however, become muddy and slippery, making cycling more demanding and technical. For a group trip where comfort and cycling pleasure are paramount, we usually recommend the dry periods, but adventurers can also have a great time in the shoulder months.