The Slow Cyclist is delighted to launch its 8-day Kigali to Congo trip for 2017. The itinerary has been specially designed to offer riders a unique way of experiencing the rural parts of Rwanda and meeting its most famous primate, the mountain gorilla.

“Cycling in Rwanda is by far the most exciting and rewarding way to experience this magical country and its wonderful people. Nicknamed the 'Land of a Thousand Hills,' it's hilly and so not for the faint-hearted, but the extraordinary views around every bend are worth the effort. And of course, not many people on the planet can say they have cycled to the gorillas!" says Oli Broom, Founder, Slow Cyclist

What to expect?

Starting in Rwanda's capital, Kigali there will be time to acclimatise and explore this fascinating city which will include visits to the intensively moving Kigali Memorial Centre (which includes the Genocide Museum) and one of the Kigali townships. It is then on to bikes and away on mostly dirt roads and tracks and into the countryside through tea plantations, lush green hills and along the Virunga Mountains – a chain of volcanoes which is home to some of the world's last remaining mountain gorilla.

Highlights

• Experiencing a remote part of Rwanda few visitors get to see
• Trek into Volcanoes National Park for a jungle encounter with Rwanda's famous mountain gorilla
• Take a dip in Lake Kigali overlooking the Democratic Republic of Congo
• Sleep at a working tea plantation and at the home of Rwanda's most successful elite athletes and meet some of the national cycling team, stars of the inspiring film Rising from the Ashes
• Dine at one of Africa's most celebrated game lodges, Virunga Lodge and enjoy drinks at the Goat & Gorilla, the pub at the British High Commission in Kigali

Trip profile

This 8-day Kigali to Congo adventure will cover 212 km. A good level of physical fitness is recommended. The longest day is 80km with an ascent of 1,390 metres. This trip does not require advanced technical mountain biking ability although some experience riding on rough surfaces up and downhill will be helpful. 

2017 Dates

18-25 March

14-21 October 

Costs

The trip costs £2,195 per person with an additional £700 for the Gorilla Trek and £125 for Golden Monkey Trek.  Airport transfers, support vehicles, all accommodation, all meals – unless otherwise stated – including snacks and drinking water, dedicated UK and local guides, mountain bike and helmet hire and 24-hour emergency helicopter support.

About The Slow Cyclist

The Slow Cyclist is a specialist holiday operator based in the UK offering incredible bicycle journeys in Transylvania and Rwanda. The company was founded in 2014 by travel writer Oli Broom who, after his epic cycle ride from the UK to Australia, wanted others to experience what he had, from the seat of a bicycle and slowly! So The Slow Cyclist was founded with the golden rule of not rushing, of taking time to enjoy the ride, time to get to know the area, time to enjoy the local food, time to learn its history and customs and of course, time to meet its people.