Gravel Bike Adventure in Rwanda

Rwanda, home of the annual Tour du Rwanda and host of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, is explored on this 10-day gravel tour from Kigali. Known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills", the country has very few flat roads, offering instead endless climbs and thrilling descents on quiet gravel roads through villages that few tourists reach.

The route climbs Mount Jali out of Kigali to sleep among the Sorwathe tea plantations, then heads to the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera and on to Musanze, Rwanda's cycling capital, on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. A rest day allows time for gorilla trekking or a visit to the national team's training camp.

The final riding days follow the edge of Volcanoes National Park and a gravel variant of the Congo Nile Trail along Lake Kivu, before a return to Kigali and a visit to the Genocide Memorial.

Highlights:

• Riding the Congo Nile Trail along the shores of Lake Kivu
• Sleeping amid the Sorwathe tea plantations and drinking coffee straight from the plantations
• Twin lakes Ruhondo and Burera, with a boat crossing to a lakeside lodge
• Cycling the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes and the edge of Volcanoes National Park
• Meeting Rwanda's pro cyclists at the Africa Rising Cycling Centre
• The Kigali Genocide Memorial

Surface and terrain:
Around 85% off-road on dirt and gravel roads, with short single track, volcanic "cobbled" sections and some paved stretches. Relentlessly hilly, with constant climbs and descents averaging over 1,200 m of ascent per riding day.

Suitable for:
Fit, experienced gravel riders comfortable with very steep, sustained climbing every riding day, keen on local cycling culture, scenery and community encounters. E-MTB hire is available for those wanting assistance.