How can I assess my level?
Level
You can take a look here.
And if you want even more information, don't hesitate to contact us directly by email at bonjour@gravelup.earth so that we can help you choose the type of expedition that will suit you best.
Rwanda
Set off on an exceptional gravel adventure in Rwanda, in the heart of the “land of a thousand hills.”
390 Google reviews- Duration:
- 10 days / 9 nights
- Daily distance:
- 48km - 78km
- Difficulty:
- 4 / 5
What to expect on this trip
Join a true gravel adventure in northern Rwanda, with two departures to choose from: November 1 to 10, 2026, or January 31 to February 9, 2027.
With its diverse terrain, Rwanda is the ideal destination if you’re looking for a winter escape that feels truly off the beaten path.
Over 10 days, ride some of the most beautiful gravel routes in East Africa: red dirt roads, panoramic trails, coffee and tea plantations, remote villages, and spectacular views over Lake Kivu and the Virunga Mountains. Here, traffic is minimal, tourism is still low, and an endless network of small roads winds through rolling hills, terraced farmland, and volcanic lakes.
This trip includes:
Passionate local guides to show you the most beautiful routes and hidden gems of Rwanda
Carefully selected accommodations between Kigali, Lake Kivu, and the volcanic regions
Delicious local meals, immersed in Rwandan culture
Additional activities: cultural discovery, lakeside relaxation, and immersive experiences
Full logistical support to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the journey
Transfers to and from Kigali airport
✨ Team’s favorite: the stunning panoramas along the trails around the twin lakes Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera.
A Glimpse of Adventure
Immersive experience in the heart of African wildlife during a cycling trip
Meetings with Rwandan children: authentic moments during a trip through Rwanda, between villages and rolling hills.
Immersion in coffee plantations during a cycling tour in East Africa
Tea plantations in Rwanda: iconic lush green landscapes crossed during a gravel cycling trip between rolling hills, Lake Kivu, and the Congo Nile Trail.
Cycling route along the Congo Nile Trail with landscapes between lake and mountains
Aerial view of the winding roads of Rwanda, perfect for an off-the-beaten-path cycling trip
Join our community
Hear from those who’ve lived the experience – and come ride with us!
390 Google reviews
I came to ride, and discovered so much more: breathtaking landscapes, a unique energy, and a true sense of freedom with every pedal stroke. Between the trails, the lakes, and the encounters, everything feels intense and genuine.
I felt supported from start to finish, with complete peace of mind thanks to flawless organization.
A radiant, deeply human adventure that leaves you wanting to go back.
Claire
I thought I knew cycling trips… until I discovered Rwanda. Every day is a surprise: incredibly diverse landscapes, magical light, and villages where you’re always welcomed with a smile.
What moved me the most were the encounters. A genuine warmth, rare and precious. Flawless organization, complete peace of mind from start to finish.
Much more than a cycling trip, it’s a human adventure that stays with you.
Angèle – February 2026
I’ve been riding in remote, awe-inspiring places for years, but nothing before Rwanda has ever moved me quite like this.
There’s something about this country: a unique light, trails that खुल up onto unreal panoramas, and encounters that stay with you. A child running alongside you, laughing. A cup of tea offered by a stranger at the top of a climb. Moments like these.
Everything is ready. Everything is safe. All that’s left is to come and ride with your eyes wide open.
JB – Co-founder, GravelUp - february 2026
Your adventure, day by day.
Stages, landscapes, highlights: discover the program that awaits you. This itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather or logistics, to ensure the best possible experience.
PROGRAMME OF THE TRIP:
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali: Immersion in the heart of the Rwandan capital
Day 2: From the capital to the tea plantations: first major challenges: 63 km / 1605 m D+
Day 3: Rolling route to the twin lakes: 70 km / 1019 m D+
Day 4: Towards the mountain gorilla capital of the world: 72 km / 1654 m D+
Day 5: Rest day (gorilla trekking or Team Africa Rising): 78 km / 1288 m D+
Day 6: Cycling along Volcanoes National Park (Virunga): 45 km / 982 m D+
Day 7: Gravel variant of the Congo Nile Trail: 28 km / 1113 m D+
Day 8: Beautiful stage to Kibuye: discovery of the shores of Lake Kivu
Day 9: Exploration of Kigali: urban and cultural immersion
Day 10: Departure: end of the trip in Rwanda
Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali, immersion in the heart of Rwanda
Welcome to Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, you are met and transferred to your accommodation. This first day allows you to gently discover the Rwandan capital, known for its cleanliness, dynamism, and safety.
Depending on your arrival time, you can stroll through lively neighborhoods, explore local markets, or visit the Genocide Memorial, an essential site to understand the country’s history. This stage marks the beginning of your gravel cycling adventure in East Africa.
Day 2 – From Kigali to the tea plantations: first big challenges
Your journey truly begins with a demanding yet spectacular stage. You leave Kigali and head toward the green northern hills, riding a mix of dirt roads, farm tracks, and rolling gravel sections.
The climb of Mount Jali sets the tone: Rwanda does not hide its relief. As the kilometers go by, the landscape gradually transforms into vast tea plantations, offering a unique and soothing scenery.
The day ends in the Sorwathe region, at the heart of one of the country’s largest tea estates.
Day 3 – Hills and hidden tracks toward the twin lakes
This day immerses you in a rural and authentic Rwanda, far from the usual tourist routes. The gravel tracks wind through hills, tea plantations, and isolated villages where locals cheer you on with enthusiasm.
After several steady climbs, the first views of Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera appear. These “twin lakes,” connected and set at different altitudes, offer an exceptional panorama.
The day ends with a boat crossing to your lodge, a highlight of the journey.
Day 4 – Heading toward the Virunga volcanoes, land of the gorillas
You enter one of the most impressive regions of Rwanda: the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes. The route alternates between sustained climbs, volcanic gravel tracks, and fast descents through a mosaic of farmland.
Panoramic views over lakes and mountains are constant throughout the day. You pass through lively villages, banana plantations, and terraced agricultural zones before reaching a longer, more rolling section.
The gradual arrival in the gorilla region marks a symbolic milestone in your gravel cycling adventure in Rwanda.
Day 5 – Rest day or optional activities
This day offers a well-deserved break in the middle of your journey. You are free to recover or extend the experience with immersive activities.
For example, you can visit the Team Rwanda training center to discover the local cycling culture, or choose an unforgettable experience: gorilla trekking to meet mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Other options such as canoeing or exploring the surrounding region are also available.
Day 6 – On the volcanic tracks of Musanze
You set off again on spectacular roads at the foot of the volcanoes. This stage combines volcanic gravel tracks, traditional villages, and scenic roads skirting the Volcanoes National Park.
The atmosphere is unique: here, cycling is part of everyday life, and you regularly pass locals riding large bicycles loaded with goods. The day is mostly downhill, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride through the landscapes.
Day 7 – Gravel variation of the Congo Nile Trail
It’s time for one of the most anticipated highlights: discovering the legendary Congo Nile Trail. You ride a gravel variation along Lake Kivu, combining technical tracks, dirt roads, and quiet secondary routes.
The landscapes are intensely beautiful: lush green hills, coffee and tea plantations, fishing villages, and constant views over the lake. This day perfectly captures the spirit of bikepacking in Rwanda: wild, authentic, and spectacular.
Day 8 – Scenic route to Kibuye
Your final full day along the shores of Lake Kivu features a panoramic route alternating between gradual climbs and continuous descents, with stunning views over the surrounding hills and the lake’s shimmering waters.
The final section is more demanding, but the beauty of the landscapes makes the effort feel secondary. Once in Kibuye, you enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation, with the opportunity to swim in the lake and admire the sunset.
Day 9 – Return to Kigali and cultural immersion You leave the shores of Lake Kivu and head back to Kigali. After a scenic transfer through the rolling hills, you arrive once again in the Rwandan capital.
The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the Genocide Memorial, an essential site to understand the country’s recent history and its remarkable reconstruction. In the evening, a farewell dinner celebrates this unique gravel cycling adventure in Africa.
Day 10 – End of the journey and departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you enjoy some free time in Kigali. It’s an opportunity to do some shopping, explore the city, or simply rest before your return.
Your gravel cycling trip in Rwanda comes to an end, leaving you with lasting memories of volcanic landscapes, the Congo Nile Trail, and Rwandan hospitality.
Any questions?
What if we don’t have a gravel bike?
High-end muscle and electric gravel bikes are available for rent, with full logistical and mechanical support throughout the trip. 🎁 Special offer: rental is free for the first 4 sign-ups — a promo code will be sent by email to the fastest!
What hire bikes do you have?
Equipment
When booking your trip, you can rent our premium gravel and e-gravel bikes through our partner Origine.
Multiple-time winners of “Gravel bike of the year”, you can choose between:
The GRAXX GTO mechanical model (carbon frame and carbon wheels, weight: 8.1 kg)
The HELP electric-assist model (aluminium frame and wheels, weight: 12 kg)
These bikes combine performance, versatility and lightweight design to enhance your riding experience throughout your trip. Learn more about our Origine our gravel bikes
What can I expect on this trip?
Booking
GravelUp trips combine sporting adventure, local immersion and seamless logistics. Group departures usually bring together 8 to 12 participants maximum. Self-guided departures are available from a minimum of two people.
Each day, you will ride between 40 and 80 km, with elevation gain adapted to your level, averaging between 500 and 1,500 meters of climbing, on carefully selected gravel routes blending smooth tracks, forest trails and quiet backroads.
For group departures, experienced guides lead the way, with mechanical support and refreshments provided along the routes. Accommodation is always comfortable and thoughtfully selected, featuring local cuisine, wellness sessions such as yoga and stretching, and convivial moments that complete the experience.
Should I subscribe a cancellation insurance?
Logistic
To protect yourself against last minute cancellation, we advise you to subscribe to our cancellation insurance through our partner Chapka insurance. More information here.
Are all expeditions guaranteed for departure?
Logistic
We commit ourselves to confirm a trip at the latest 30 days before the departure date. In the event that the trip cannot take place because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you will be reimbursed for any sums paid but will not be entitled to any compensation.
Please note that our trips are confirmed with a minimum of 4 participants! Feel free to spread the word — one of your friends or loved ones might be interested too! 🙂 👉🏻 Find all our dates HERE.
What exactly is included in the trip?
Self-guided
Each trip includes a tested and validated gravel route, nights in characterful accommodations, breakfasts, a digital route book, remote assistance, and full logistical organization. Depending on the destination, optional extras may be added, such as luggage transport, gravel bike rental, or local experiences.
How to get there?
Practicalities
How to get there?
There are two ways to reach your trip:
• Arrive by your own means and go directly to the meeting point indicated. • Arrive by train or plane. In this case, we organise a shuttle between the arrival train station or airport and your accommodation.
Detailed information (locations, timings, transfer organisation) can be found in the Adventure Book – Day 1 section of your trip.
How do you choose your guides and are they qualified?
Safety
Our guides are carefully chosen based on their experience and local knowledge of each region to guarantee you an unforgettable adventure. All our guides have French State validated bike qualifications. They are also French levels 1 and 2 first aid trained as you would expect.
Do I really need a gravel bike?
Equipment
Yes, we ride on routes where neither road bikes nor mountain bikes are perfectly suited — that’s what makes gravel so special! You can bring your own gravel bike or rent one directly when booking your trip.
Across all our destinations, we offer two models from Origine: the lightweight Graxx GTO (8.1 kg) and the Help e-gravel (12 kg). Both combine performance, versatility and comfort - perfect companions for your adventure. Learn more about our rental bikes.
Good to know: Thinking about buying a gravel bike after your trip? Our partner Origine will refund your first day of rental if you decide to purchase a Graxx or Help afterwards - the perfect opportunity to test them out before making your choice.
How is my luggage transported?
Practicalities
For our 5-day point-to-point formats, your luggage will be transferred by our team between each accommodation — so you can ride light and carefree! If you choose to rent a gravel bike for your trip, we’ll also equip it with Restrap bags, perfect for carrying a light jacket, gloves, and a few snacks (and don’t worry, there’s no risk of hypothermia with GravelUp!).
I really want to join a trip but I'm not sure I have the level or experience ...
Level
With us, there’s no stopwatch. We start together and we finish together. To help every rider find the adventure that suits them best, we offer 5 difficulty levels, from 1/5 to 5/5, detailed below. The level of each trip is shown at the top of its page, on the header photo. If you’re still unsure, just write to us at bonjour@gravelup.earth — we’ll be happy to help you assess the right level for you.
Please note: all our trips are open to e-gravel bikes (available for rental in all our destinations). Our groups include both traditional and electric bikes to ensure a smooth balance of pace.
What type of accommodation will we stay in on the trips?
Practicalities
Recharging your batteries is essential after a day on the bike. Post ride you can relax at our base camps or partner hotels and guest houses 3 stars. We have chosen them carefully for their comfort, tranquility, location and the quality of their food.
What is the cancellation policy?
Booking
You may change the date of your trip free of charge up to 30 days before departure. You may also cancel your booking at any time prior to the start of your trip. The following conditions will then apply:
More than 90 days before departure → 75% refund, or a 100% credit of the amounts paid, valid for the next 12 months
Between 60 and 90 days before departure → 50% refund, or a 75% credit of the amounts paid, valid for the next 12 months
Between 30 and 60 days before departure → 25% refund, or a 50% credit of the amounts paid, valid for the next 12 months
Less than 30 days before departure → No refund, or a 50% credit of the amounts paid, valid for the next 12 months
You may also take out cancellation insurance with our partner Chapka Insurance. This option will be offered at the time of booking. More information about the insurance is available here.
Please note that a Trip Credit cannot be converted to a refund at a later date.
GRAVEL UP, our gravel cycling tours are designed to help you discover Rwanda, between Kigali, Lake Kivu, and the Virunga volcanoes.
Our routes are created for cyclists seeking adventure, from regular gravel riders to passionate bikepacking enthusiasts and long-distance cycling travelers.
Join us to explore the spectacular landscapes of Rwanda by gravel bike: the tracks of the Congo Nile Trail, tea plantations, traditional villages, volcanic roads, and breathtaking views over Lake Kivu. GravelUp takes care of every detail to ensure an exceptional experience: comfortable accommodation, expert guides, logistical support, and delicious meals.
Our guides will introduce you to the most beautiful routes in Rwanda and share authentic encounters with the local culture, from tea producers and Rwandan villages to passionate cyclists. All that remains is to choose your trip option and prepare your gravel bike for a unique adventure in Africa, filled with emotion and unforgettable memories.
Download our catalog HERE to see all our offers.