Gravel Rwanda

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Gravel Rwanda

Rwanda is misschien wel één van de beste gravelbestemmingen ter wereld. Het land biedt een unieke combinatie van eindeloze rode gravelwegen, weinig verkeer, constante heuvels en spectaculaire uitzichten. Dankzij de veilige infrastructuur, de uitstekende koffie en de warme gastvrijheid is fietsen hier niet alleen een sportieve uitdaging, maar ook een bijzondere reiservaring. Vanuit de levendige hoofdstad Kigali ontvouwt zich een landschap dat voortdurend verrast, met afwisselende routes door natuurgebieden, dorpen en uitgestrekte hooglanden.

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About the journey

Deze route is speciaal ontworpen voor fietsers die graag dagelijks tussen de 70 en 100 kilometer afleggen, zonder in te leveren op comfort. Met ondersteuning van een volgwagen ligt de nadruk op zowel avontuur als zorgeloos genieten. De route start en eindigt in Kigali en voert langs een indrukwekkende mix van gravelwegen, uitgestrekte theeplantages, vulkanische landschappen, de oevers van Lake Kivu, dicht regenwoud en authentieke lokale gemeenschappen. Het resultaat is een meerdaagse fietsreis die het beste van Rwanda samenbrengt in één onvergetelijke ervaring.

For all our trips we indicate which level of cyclist the trip is suitable for.
The journey can be given 1, 2, 3 or 4 mountains to indicate how difficult the journey is. 

What does the journey look like?

– All transportation in Rwanda
– Airport transfers
– Transport from Rubavu-Kigali
– Transportation in Kigali
– Accommodation + overnight stays
– 2 person room
– Breakfast, lunch and dinner with soft drinks and water
– Visit to Kigali
– CYCLOsportive cycling jersey (worth €75) exclusively developed for this trip
– Luggage transport and cycling guide
– Trailer
– Pre-departure briefing (online)
– Route book (digital) + gpx files
- Technical Support

– Alcoholic beverages, snacks
– Bicycle rental (can be booked)
– Gorilla package $ 1,500,- (can be booked)
– Safari $ 390,- (can be booked)
– Golde Monkey Package $ 350 (can be booked)
– Return flight Amsterdam/Brussels-Kigali
– Tips and donations
– Souvenirs

In the program we have listed the accommodations where we will stay.

* Accommodations are subject to change.

Dag 1 – Aankomst in Kigali
Day of arrival in Rwanda. Depending on the time of arrival we will explore Kigali on foot.
Overnight stay: Tugende Bike Cafe

Dag 2 – Fietstocht Kigali
We fietsen het WK parcours 2025. Een mooie rit door de stad om te wennen aan de nieuwe omgeving, de hoogte en de warmte. De route kent onder andere een pittige klim van 6km richting Nyamirambo en we zullen de Muur van Kigali beklimmen. De beroemde klim over kasseien uit de Ronde van Rwanda.
Overnight stay: Tugende Bike Cafe

Dag 3 – Gravel vijfdaagse dag 1
We start in Kigali and cycle to Kabarondo. A ride of about 85 km with 65% gravel and 1300 meters of elevation
Overnight stay: Saint Joseph hotel

Dag 4 – Gravel vijfdaagse dag 2
From Kabarondo we cycle to Lake Muhazi. A ride of about 80 km with 84% gravel and 1256 meters of elevation.
Overnight stay: Muhazi Flower Beach

Dag 5 – Gravel vijfdaagse dag 3
From Muhazi we cycle to Byumba. A ride of about 72 km with 75% gravel and 1750 meters of elevation
Overnight stay: Nice Garden

Dag 6 – Gravel vijfdaagse dag 4
From Byumba we cycle to Sorwathe. A ride of about 50 km with 99% gravel and 1050 meters of elevation
Overnight stay: Sorwathe Tea Factory Guest House

Dag 7 – Gravel vijfdaagse dag 5
From Sorwathe we cycle to Lake Ruhondo. A ride of about 65 km with 96% gravel and 1250 meters of elevation. Including a visit to the Future 4 Kids project in Rwaza.
Overnight stay: Isange Paradise Resort

Dag 8 – Rustdag/Safari/Berggorilla’s
If you have booked the safari or a visit to the mountain gorillas, there will be no cycling on day 8. If you have not booked this, a local round can be cycled under the guidance of a guide. If you want to enjoy a whole day of rest at the lake, that is also possible of course.
Overnight stay: Isange Paradise Resort

Dag 9+10 – Kigali
Na al dat fietsen is het tijd om te relaxen in Kiagli. In een accommodatie met zwembad genieten we met elkaar na van een prachtige reis door Rwanda. Tijd genoeg voor een bezoek aan de Kimironko Markt en/of het indrukwekkende Genocide Memorial Center.
Overnight stay: Tugende Bike Cafe

Dag 11 – Terugvlucht

* Accommodations and routes are subject to change

Voor mensen die iets unieks willen beleven.

01. What is the average distance per day?
The average distance varies between 40 and 80 km per day, depending on the trip. This is suitable for cyclists with a reasonable to good condition.

02. Do I have to bring my own bicycle?
Yes, generally. On some trips you can also rent a bike. On trips that involve flying, a bike can generally be rented. This is stated during the booking process.

03. Is there a follow-up vehicle available?
Yes, usually there is a follow-up vehicle for luggage and for support in emergencies. Or to refill the water bottle on the way.

04. Can I determine the route myself?
With group travel the route is predetermined, but sometimes there are options for extra routes or breaks. We are always happy to think along about alternative routes.

05. Is the trip suitable for beginners?
Group trips are often suitable for different levels. Check the level of the trip in advance. The level is indicated with a number of stars for each trip.

06. What happens if I can no longer cycle?
There is often a follow-up vehicle or support team to pick you up if you can't go any further.

07. What is included in the price?
Usually accommodation, breakfast and dinner, sports drinks, technical support, 1x sports massage, starting certificates and guidance are included. Costs for flight tickets, bike rental or personal expenses (lunch and drinks) are often additional costs.

08. Are the routes difficult?
The difficulty level varies. For the trips with a Granfondo we offer routes that ensure that you are fit at the start on the day of the Granfondo. You cycle less than on a tour where longer and heavier rides are offered. For the tours, the participants have a choice almost every day between a longer/heavier or shorter/easier route.

09. Do I need to take out insurance?
Yes, travel and cancellation insurance is always recommended, as well as insurance for damage to the bike or medical emergencies.

10. What type of accommodation is used?
After a day of cycling you want to be able to relax. That is why we at CYCLOsportive generally stay in 4-star hotels. Occasionally we stay in a 3-star hotel, but then we think it deserves 4 stars! We know how important it is to be able to rest in a good bed and to be able to eat well in the evening and enjoy a good breakfast in the morning!

11. Can I keep up a little? Or are they all semi-pros who are coming along?
Yes, you can come along. No, there will be no half-pros. There will always be a difference in level. At CYCLOsportive we always go out with relatively small groups and can split the group during cycling so that everyone can enjoy themselves at their own level.

12. Can I also participate as a woman?
Yes! Fortunately, we see more and more women on bikes and also on our trips. It creates a nice dynamic in the group. So come along!

13. Do we have to do everything together or can I sometimes do my own thing?
A group trip has a program and we offer that every day. In the evening we brief you about the program of the next day. If you want to make your own plan, that is perfectly fine. Going out alone is not something we advise. We are happy to think with you about alternative routes if the group program does not suit you completely.

14. How do I get my bike to its destination?
On most trips you have to arrange your own transportation. Only at GF Strade Bianche we transport your bike and luggage. And we book the flight for you. We plan a drop-off and pick-up day. You fly to the destination with only hand luggage and arrange transfers from the airport to the hotel.

15. How can I best prepare for the trip in terms of training?
Keep in mind that you will be cycling for four or five days in a row. If you are not used to this, practice this at home. In addition, it is advisable to use a training schedule (at least 3 months) to be well trained.

16. Are there also introductory rides?
We plan at least 1x an online meeting in which we give the participants the opportunity to get to know each other a little better and where questions about the trip can be asked. A few times a year we organize social rides for which participants can register.

17. A trip has an odd number of participants. Will there be a charge for a single room?
If you choose a single room, we will charge for that. If it is not the choice of a participant, but it happens to be that way, we will not charge any costs.

18. Is a medical certificate required on this trip?
To be allowed to participate in this trip, participants do not need to be in possession of a medical certificate. It is wise to check well before the trip (6 months) by means of an effort test whether you are in good health. Such an effort test also provides insight into the training work that must be delivered in order to start the trip in good condition.

Participants have the option to be guided for 3 months through an exercise test and training schedule. The training guidance is optional. Inquire about the possibilities: gv@cyclosportive.nl.

19. Is Rwanda safe?
Rwanda is often cited as one of the safest countries in Africa. According to a 2022 study by Usebounce, a luggage storage app, Rwanda was ranked the 6th safest country in the world and the safest country in Africa for travelers. Unfortunately, there is currently unrest in the North East on the border with Congo. We are closely monitoring the situation.

20. How will you be informed about the trip?
We will organize an information session about the program and will inform the participants about the trip by means of a number of participant mailings (4).

21. Which charity am I supporting with the trip?
With the trip you support Future 4 Kids. This organization is run entirely by volunteers. 100% of the donations actually goes to the projects that the organization has set up. Future 4 Kids focuses mainly on children (especially girls). Through education, the children get a better chance to escape poverty in Rwanda. Do you want to know more about the projects of Future 4 Kids? Then click on the following link: Projects Future 4 Kids

22. Do you need a visa for Rwanda?
Yes, you need a visa. You can apply for one in the Netherlands. You can also purchase a visa upon arrival in Rwanda.

23. Do you need vaccinations for Rwanda?
Yes, it is recommended to get vaccinated against DTP and Yellow Fever before your trip. It is also recommended to take malaria tablets. Various types of mosquitoes are active all day long. Products with Deet (50%) are a must for your packing list.

24. Is it safe to travel because of the Marburg virus?
We are closely monitoring the situation regarding the virus. We regularly check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the RIVM.

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The guests appreciate our trips with a 9,2

Sports medical certificate

It is not mandatory, but it is wise to have a medical certificate signed at a Sports Medical Center. A sports medical examination costs money, but it is oh so important to know whether you can participate in this grueling journey in a healthy way. You will be fully or partially reimbursed for such an examination through the supplementary insurance of many insurance companies. To make it easy for you, To create this, CYCLOsportive has entered into partnerships with various Sports Medical Centers in the Netherlands. Click on the button to see which parties we work with and where you can have the medical certificate signed.