Cycling holiday in Rwanda – the "Land of a Thousand Hills"
Rwanda’s nickname is not a marketing trick; it is the reality. Wherever you look, you see green hills reaching to the horizon. For cyclists that means flat roads are rare. You are constantly climbing and descending. That makes Rwanda an excellent destination for the active rider who is not afraid of a little sweat.
The landscape is exceptionally green and tidy. Rwanda is known as one of the cleanest and safest countries in Africa. The roads range from smooth tarmac to the characteristic red gravel roads that wind through tea plantations and terraced fields. The view changes after every bend, and at the top you are rewarded with panoramas over valleys, lakes and volcanoes. It takes physical effort, but the beauty of the surroundings gives you the energy to keep going.
Ride the well-known Congo Nile Trail on cycling trips in Rwanda
A ride many keen cyclists have on their list is the well-known Congo Nile Trail. This route, which is central to several of our cycling trips in Rwanda, winds high above the shores of the vast Lake Kivu. You ride on demanding, unpaved roads with a constant, unmatched view of the glittering water and the imposing mountains of neighbouring Congo on the other side. This multi-day ride forms the watershed between the catchment areas of the mighty Nile and the Congo river. Along the way you pass fragrant coffee plantations, traditional fishing villages and colourful local markets. It is the very best way to combine Rwanda’s remarkable scenery seamlessly with a deep, cultural immersion in lively African country life.
Cycling holiday with the wildlife of Rwanda: from chimpanzees to gorillas
Although Rwanda is physically smaller than neighbouring Uganda, the natural surroundings are at least as impressive. The country is world-famous for its population of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The misty volcanoes of the Virunga range form the backdrop for an encounter that can change your life. A cycling holiday in Rwanda combines very well with a gorilla trek. You leave the bike for a day and go into the rainforest on foot for this distinctive experience.
In the south you will find Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Here you can look for chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, or walk above the treetops on a high suspension bridge (Canopy Walk). Cycling along the edges of these ancient forests has something magical about it; you hear the sounds of the jungle as you ride along the road.
Combining comfort and adventure with e-bike cycling holidays in Rwanda
Because the many metres of climbing and demanding slopes in this country make for a considerable challenge, many travellers choose our e-bike cycling holidays in Rwanda. Thanks to the powerful pedal assistance of a high-quality electric mountain bike, you take on the so-called “walls of Rwanda” with surprising ease and enjoyment. The electric motor takes the hardest climbing off your hands, so that you keep enough breath and energy to take in the striking surroundings fully. Ride quietly past extensive tea plantations, deep valleys and lush terraced fields without becoming completely exhausted. At CvA travel we make sure the e-bikes are in top condition, so that you can explore and take in Rwanda’s remarkable mountain landscape safely, confidently and very comfortably at your own pace.
Guidance and support for safe cycling trips in Rwanda
Because cycling in this hilly country can be physically demanding, we pay a great deal of extra attention to professional support during our cycling trips in Rwanda. Safety and comfort always come first at CvA travel. A reliable support vehicle travels with us throughout, carrying not only the luggage and plenty of fresh drinking water but also offering technical support. If a climb becomes too much for a while, you can simply get into the vehicle to catch your breath. Our experienced, locally trained guides also ride with you throughout. They speak the language, know every hidden sand track and know exactly where the best stops are for a well-earned fresh Rwandan coffee or a substantial lunch.
