Most Popular Questions

You will be riding well-maintained mountain bikes.

You can choose for a standard mountainbike. This will be a Giant Aspect or similar. No extras to pay.

You can opt for a slightly better bike, a premium model. This will be a Giant Fathom 2 or similar. For this bike you will pay 40 euro extra per day.

Or you go for an electric mountainbike. This will be a Giant Fathom E+ 2 or similar. For this bike you pay 80 euro extra per day. You can typically ride all day on eco-mode. During lunch breaks, you can also recharge (your guide will bring a charger).

There are no gravel bikes available, as the terrain is quite rough and less suitable for gravel bikes.

The Congo Nile Trail is a challenging ride for experienced cyclists. It involves constant ups and downs and can be quite technical at times. The number of kilometers per day might not seem high, but you will be riding for 5 to 6 hours daily. It’s important to have a good level of fitness (unless you choose an electric mountain bike).

Your local Rwandan guide knows the Congo Nile Trail very well and will take you to the most scenic spots. He knows where to stop for water and food. He speaks good English. He usually stays at the same location as the participants (most hotels/guesthouses provide a separate place for guides). As the organizer, Bruno Peelman will be available remotely to solve any potential issues.

Upon arrival at the airport, it’s a good idea to exchange some dollars or euros at the local exchange office (right outside, at the exit). You won’t get the best exchange rate, but it will get you started for the first few days. You won’t have many expenses in the first few days (only lunch and dinner). At most hotels/guesthouses, you can pay with a credit card. You can also opt to buy a local SIM card (available everywhere, on every corner of the street), allowing you to pay small expenses via MoMo (Mobile Money) with your phone. Almost every Rwandan uses MoMo, from the smallest shop to the person helping with your luggage.

Breakfast is always included. You will pay for your lunch (on the road) and dinner yourself. Our guide knows where you can grab a bite for lunch. On some days, he might suggest taking a packed lunch from the hotel (if there are fewer options along the way). In the evenings, you will eat à la carte in the restaurant of your hotel/guesthouse. The hygiene in these hotels is excellent, and they offer a relatively Western-style menu.

Usually, there are two water bottle holders on the bike. It’s best to bring two empty water bottles with you. If you don’t have them, no problem – a 1.5-liter water bottle fits perfectly in the holder.

Some hotels offer laundry service (for an extra fee). You can drop off your clothes when you arrive, and they will be nearly dry by morning. In principle, two cycling outfits are enough.

Most European Garmin bike computers don’t come with maps of Rwanda by default. However, you can download them via BBBike OpenStreetMap. Some recent models do come with global maps, so it’s best to check in advance.

Yes, Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa. It is well-organized and free from corruption. The main roads are in excellent condition and even lit at night. You will only be riding within Rwanda (not in Congo).

It’s best to consult your doctor or a specialized travel clinic. Yellow fever, cholera, and (typhoid) fever are often recommended. Rabies (from dogs) may also be an option. Most travelers also take malaria pills to prevent malaria.

You pay the full amount upon registration. If the trip cannot take place due to a negative travel advisory from the foreign ministry, your bike trip will be fully refunded. It may be an option to take out cancellation insurance that covers other events (family death, illness, accident, etc.). See also our terms and conditions.

Yes, you can. Check with your airline for the conditions for taking your bike on the plane. However, the cost of your registration will remain the same.

You will cover between 1,000 and 1,300 meters of elevation daily (see the route for more details).

We recommend that every participant take out a travel assistance insurance. If you already have one, make sure it includes repatriation from Africa.

You will sleep in good hotels or guesthouses with the necessary comfort. Some nights may be a bit more luxurious than others. You will stay in a standard double room (either a double bed or two single beds, depending on availability). If you get tired of your snoring roommate, you can try to book an additional room on the spot (with a small extra cost, paid by you).

You will leave your luggage at the hotel every morning, and it will be transported to your next destination by car. You can also opt to take all your luggage with you on the bike (travel light). The choice is yours.

You can use a (good) helmet on-site, and this is included in the price. Bringing your own helmet is always recommended, as you can be sure it fits properly.

The bikes come with standard pedals (not clipless pedals). You can, of course, bring your own clipless pedals and shoes, but keep in mind that you will occasionally need to walk next to your bike (on tough sections, etc.).

The cost depends on how many days you want to bike, ranging from 2 to 5 days (see price overview). The starting point is always Gisenyi. Included in the price:

• Transportation from Kigali (airport) to the start location in Gisenyi
• Bike rental
• Helmet rental
• Accommodation with breakfast
• Guide
• Luggage transportation to the next hotel
• Return transportation of bikes to the starting point
• Mechanical support in case of breakdowns

Not included:

• Your flight ticket
• Lunch on the way, dinner at the hotel, and drinks
• Transfer from your final destination to your next destination (we will help you arrange a taxi or bus).

All of the local guides we work with are trained in first aid to administer initial care. If you need to see a doctor, you can visit one of the many local health centers. Rwanda is a modern country with mobile phone coverage everywhere. You’re never far from a well-maintained main road. Rwanda’s health system is considered one of the best in Africa.

Yes. To travel to Rwanda, you must have a valid international passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your return. A visa is free for Belgian nationals and is stamped on arrival at the customs control in Kigali airport (unless you stay for longer than 30 days). Other nationalities should check the requirements before booking.