Mountain Biking And Bicycle Tourism In Rwanda

The Rwandans know about cycling! “Cycling in Rwanda” is not only about transport and taxi-vélos, but also a fully recognized and appreciated sport. Team Rwanda’s success on the international cycling circuit is unprecedented for an African country this side of the Sahara, and within Rwanda itself, there are many competitive cycling teams. However, what is new in Rwanda, is mountain-biking. Along with an ever-increasing quantity of foreign tourist mountain-bikers, there is a new generation of Rwandans who have access to mountain bikes and are spending their weekends and free time exploring their country.

Bicycle tourism is developing in Rwanda. There are locally-based tour operators providing guiding and logistical services to the local and international tourism markets. These tour operators offer tailor-made itineraries that range from half a day to over a month. Through an operator, tourists have the possibility of using a support vehicle to transport luggage that would otherwise be carried on the bike. A tour operator will also be able to propose excursions to sometimes otherwise overlooked places and activities. Probably Rwanda’s most famous mountain bike tour is the Congo-Nile Trail, which runs for 230kms on Lake Kivu’s shores between Cyangugu and Gisenyi. The trail follows the shoreline offering fantastic views of the lake, the Congolese mountains across the lake, the active volcano Nyiragongo, tea and coffee plantations, and the Rwandan countryside. By bicycle, this spectacular tour takes between 4 and 10 days.

An excursion to the relatively flat area of Gashora is ideal for those who would like to try out mountain biking for the first time, or for those who simply want to escape Kigali for a day or two. In the hills surrounding Gisenyi and Ruhengeri, there are also innumerable possibilities for mountain-biking, with or without the support of a tour operator. For those who prefer to go it alone, you will need to plan your route so that you arrive before nightfall, possibly noting the names of the villages that you will pass so that you can ask for directions if necessary. There is always someone to ask for directions or a fellow cyclist to follow to the next village.

So, even without a GPS or igh-precision maps, we can navigate our way through the maze of tracks and roads without too much fear of getting lost. However, it is always worth finding out in advance about the state of the track or road that you intend to take. A road that was good last year, may not be in the same state the year after, which can drastically change the amount of time needed to get to the final destination. Before you set off on your first bicycle adventure into the Rwandan countryside, there are certain considerations that need to be taken. Obviously, you need to own, hire or borrow a suitable bicycle. The bike must be in a good state of repair with fully functioning gears, brakes, and an oiled chain. A place to attach a water bottle or two is also highly recommended, if not essential. For those who plan to tour for many days, it is a good idea to carry a small repair kit and some essential spare parts. Remember that, in general, the rural bicycle mechanic does not have experience repairing geared bikes, nor does he have access to specialized parts. However, he can always repair a
puncture, if need be!

So, whether you plan to tour the whole of Rwanda by bicycle slowly with your panniers full, or test your limits with 1000 meter hill-climbs, or are searching for the exhilaration of downhill speeds of 60km/h, or just want some stress free exercise with a group of friends after a hard week’s work in busy Kigali, Rwanda has a mountain-bike itinerary for you!

Tom Tofield, 11/2011
Bicycle guide and director of Rwandan Adventures
http://www.rwandan-adventures.com