E-Bike Grand Circuit – Musanze, Lake Kivu & Nyungwe
Ride across Rwanda on pedal-assist e-bikes, from the volcano foothills of Musanze down the shore of Lake Kivu to the rainforest of Nyungwe. Hike, ride, rest in comfortable hotels, finish with the canopy walkway and zipline, then head back to Kigali with the bikes packed.
Duration 9 Days / 8 Nights
Highlights
- Hiking in Musanze before the ride begins, with Mpenge Waterfall Trail, Buhanga Eco-Park and the Musanze Caves
- Pedal-assist e-bikes that make Rwanda’s hills easier
- Lake Kivu by bike, from Gisenyi along the Congo Nile Trail
- Overnight stays in hotels and lodges along the route
- Nyungwe rainforest: canopy walkway, zipline and guided forest walks
- Gorilla or Golden Monkey trekking can be added in Musanze with a permit
A circuit that links volcanoes, a great African lake and an ancient rainforest, at the slow pace of a bike and with a comfortable bed every night.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1Depart Kigali with the e-bikes → Transfer to Musanze → Hotel check-in, bike fitting and a short test ride
- Day 2Hiking day around Musanze: Mpenge Waterfall Trail, Buhanga Eco-Park or the Musanze Caves → Rest at the hotel
- Day 3E-bike from Musanze to Gisenyi (Rubavu) → Check in on the shore of Lake Kivu
- Day 4Rest-and-explore day in Gisenyi: Nengo Hiking Trail or Amashyuza Hot Springs → Optional boat ride to Kabakobwa Island
- Day 5E-bike along the Congo Nile Trail from Gisenyi towards Rutsiro → Lakeside stay and tea plantation views
- Day 6E-bike on to Karongi → Boat trip to Napoleon & Amahoro Islands
- Day 7Continue south to Nyungwe by e-bike and road → Check in at a lodge near the forest
- Day 8Nyungwe adventure day: canopy walkway and zipline → Guided walk to a waterfall or the colobus monkeys
- Day 9Pack the e-bikes → Scenic drive back to Kigali
Good to know
Pedal-assist e-bikes
The motor helps on the climbs, so you can enjoy Rwanda’s hills without being an athlete. Basic cycling experience is needed.
Hotels along the way
Every night is spent in a hotel or lodge, so you rest well between rides.
Best seasons
The dry months, June to September and December to February, are usually the easiest for riding and for the zipline.
Book ahead
Book in advance so we can arrange the bikes, the hotels and any park permits.
What to bring
- Layers and a light rain jacket
- Sturdy closed shoes
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle and a small daypack
- Camera, and cycling gloves if you like them
Packages
Wildlife Safari Adventure – Akagera National Park
Experience Rwanda’s wild side with our thrilling Wildlife Safari Adventure.
Eco-Tourism & Nature – Nyungwe & Gishwati-Mukura National Parks
Reconnect with nature and explore Rwanda’s pristine rainforests through this eco-tourism adventure.
Community-Based Tourism – Nyanza & Huye
Step into Rwanda’s living history with this immersive community-based tourism package.
Rwanda Tea Trails – Rutsiro, Karongi & Rubavu
Unwind in Rwanda’s scenic highlands and discover the art of tea from leaf to cup.
Volcanoes & Caves – Musanze Region
Embark on an awe-inspiring adventure in Rwanda’s highlands.
Congo Nile Trail – Rubavu to Karongi
Discover Rwanda on foot or by bike along one of Africa’s most scenic trails.
Lake Kivu Escape – Rubavu
Unplug and unwind along the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu.
Twin Lakes Getaway – Burera & Ruhondo
Slow down and soak in the peaceful beauty of Rwanda’s Twin Lakes—Burera and Ruhondo.