When you plan your safari around the famous gorillas, it's easy to miss another side of Rwanda. This tour will take you to a serene part of the country, where cycling in Rwanda lets you see how people live in the country and the Virunga volcanoes rise behind farms that are still in use. Rwanda is famous around the world for its cycling culture, riding a bike is the only real way to see the countryside, meet locals, and get a different perspective on places than driving a car.

To many travelers, a traditional safari vehicle is the best way to see East Africa. But Rwanda will give you a different view: you will hear bicycle wheels on red-earth tracks, see farmers working in their fields, greet people along the way, and slowly see the Twin Lakes appear below the volcano skyline. Bicycle paths connect the Burera and Ruhondo areas to Musanze. One well-known day route goes around 40 km in a circle.

The golden monkey experience will be very different from other kinds of fun. These primates are in danger of going extinct. They live in the Virunga ecosystem and are known for having bright colours and moving quickly. After a briefing in the morning, you will follow experienced trackers into the bamboo forest. There, you will listen for calls and carefully watch the plants until the monkeys appear out of nowhere, jump between branches, or stop long enough for a picture. You need a valid permit, and the official Rwanda booking platform says that you have to be at least 12 years old to do the activity.

The trip won't get too expensive, but it will still be comfortable. Your carefully cozy chosen accommodations will be a nice place to relax at the end of each busy day, and the private transfers, professional guides, and planned schedule will make the whole thing go smoothly. Once your reservation is confirmed, specific hotel information will be sent to you based on availability and your travel dates.

The journey can also be changed by the time it takes. Rwanda has distinct wetter and drier seasons. Paths are usually easier to navigate from June to mid-September. During the wetter months, cycling trails and forest paths can get muddy, but they are often greener and have a more ethereal feel.

Difficulty Level

This tour will be a moderate adventure, and it's best for people who don't mind being active for several hours. The golden monkey trek isn't a full-day mountain hike; instead, it's mostly easy walking. However, the forest can be wet, muddy, and uneven, with some steeper parts. You should be able to walk on natural trails and stand for long periods of time without any problems. After finding the monkeys, visitors are usually given an hour to watch them according to the rules for trekking.

The cycling day will require more endurance than a normal ride to see sights. The most common way to get to Twin Lakes from Musanze is about 40 km round trip, with some uphill going before you get to the village tracks and lake viewpoints. The exact distance and route will be changed based on how fit the group is and the weather.

The trip from Kigali to Musanze is about 105–120 km long and takes about two to two-and-a-half hours, but this can change depending on traffic and stops. Tourists should feel comfortable riding bikes on a variety of surfaces and walking on uneven ground. This tour is not for people whose mobility makes cycling, moderate hiking, or long periods of time spent outside uncomfortable.