Guided Rwanda Eastern Highlands Safari and Road Bike Tour

Touch down at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your boutique accommodation in the charming Kiyovu neighborhood. After settling in, meet your guides for a comprehensive trip briefing covering the week's cycling routes, safari activities, and gorilla trekking preparations. Draw local currency from airport ATMs before departure, as Rwandan Francs are preferred throughout your journey.

Ride the prestigious UCI Elite Loop that hosted Africa's first UCI World Championship in 2025. Experience Kigali's vibrant Car Free Day atmosphere as traffic gives way to cyclists, runners, and street celebrations. Tackle challenging climbs and rewarding descents along this 48-kilometer route, soaking in the energy of a cycling-mad city. After your ride, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and enjoy lunch at Fika Café.

Exit Kigali and head east into Rwanda's rural heartland on quality paved roads. Your 71-kilometer ride reveals authentic countryside life as locals transport goods by bicycle along the roadsides. Arrive at the Imigongo Art Center in Kayonza, where traditional geometric cow dung art meets contemporary hospitality. This community-focused guesthouse supports local artisans through cultural workshops and sustainable tourism.

Cycle 42 kilometers toward Akagera National Park through gradually changing terrain. Your community lodge sits at the park's edge, blending traditional architecture with modern comfort. As evening falls, embark on a thrilling night safari to discover nocturnal wildlife including leopards, hyenas, and lions hunting under cover of darkness. This unique game drive reveals the hidden side of African savannah life.

Trade your bicycle for a safari vehicle on a full-day game drive through Akagera's diverse ecosystems. Traverse low-lying plains, wetlands, and lakeshores searching for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the Big Five. Take a motorboat cruise on Lake Ihema to observe hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife including African fish eagles. Depart northward to the luxury Mantis Epic Hotel near Akagera's northern entrance, where family-friendly amenities await.

Pedal south through Rwanda's Eastern Province on a 73-kilometer gravel and road ride toward Lake Muhazi. Pass through savannah hills dotted with Ankole cattle, agricultural fields, and eucalyptus plantations. The landscape transitions from open rangeland to greener lake basin terrain as you approach your destination. Muhazi Flower Beach offers tranquil lakeside relaxation with modern boat excursions and stunning evening reflections on the water.

Follow Lake Muhazi's scenic shoreline on a 48-kilometer gravel ride through fishing villages and cultivated hillsides. This moderate route winds past small communities and open viewpoints where the lake's shimmering inlets stretch into the distance. Abundant birdlife accompanies your journey along quiet rural tracks. Kingfish Beach Hotel provides panoramic lake views and a perfect setting to rest after another rewarding day on two wheels.

Transfer to Rukumo before cycling 54 kilometers to the Africa Rising Cycling Center, home of Team Rwanda's professional cyclists. Tour this inspiring facility where young Rwandan athletes train for international competitions while receiving education support. Continue to Musanze near Volcanoes National Park, with an optional visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Your charming resort offers garden terraces overlooking the volcanic landscape.

Choose your ultimate wildlife encounter in Volcanoes National Park. Trek through bamboo forests to spend one magical hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family, observing playful youngsters and watchful silverbacks in their natural habitat. Alternatively, track endangered golden monkeys leaping through the trees with remarkable agility. Both experiences contribute directly to conservation efforts protecting these incredible primates. Celebrate with a farewell dinner reflecting on your extraordinary journey.

Depart Musanze for the scenic three-hour drive back to Kigali. Your guide ensures timely arrival at the airport for your departure flight, carrying memories of Rwanda's cycling routes, spectacular wildlife, and the profound experience of walking among mountain gorillas. Safe travels home from the Land of a Thousand Hills.