PRICE 4,180 per person - 1,900 trip costs - 780 return flights - 1,500 minimum fundraising target to Hope and Homes for Children OPTIONAL EXTRAS Single Supplement, 250 RIDE RWANDA You are invited to join us for an extraordinary cycling adventure in the Land of a Thousand Hills and the chance to see for yourself how your support is transforming lives. 8-16 September 2018 (maximum group size 12) The most incredible challenge. I would recommend Ride Rwanda to anyone without hesitation. Teresa Coupland, Ride Rwanda 2017 WHAT S INCLUDED? Flights Airport transfers (for recommended flights) Support vehicle Slow Cyclist host English-speaking local guides 7 nights accommodation Most meals (see itinerary for details) Snacks & soft drinks All activities & entrance fees Bicycle & helmet hire 24 hour emergency helicopter rescue WHAT S EXCLUDED? Gorilla/golden monkey trek Visas (required for UK citizens) Alcoholic drinks Travel insurance Personal costs HOW TO BOOK Visit www.theslowcyclist.co.uk/journeys/ride-rwanda and follow booking instructions. At the time of booking we ask for a deposit of 350 and then the remaining balance no less than 10 weeks before arrival. FIND US Online at theslowcyclist.co.uk By phone on +44 207 060 4487 By email at info@theslowcyclist.co.uk On Instagram @slow_cyclist
INTRODUCTION RWANDA THE CHALLENGE You are invited to join Hope & Homes for Children on a thrilling mountain bike challenge through some of Africa s most beguiling landscapes. After 36 hours acclimatisation at 1,500 metres above sea level in Rwanda s fascinating capital Kigali, we will ride towards the mountainous north of the country through tea plantations, lush green hills and along the Virunga Mountains - a chain of volcanoes that are home to some of the world s last remaining mountain gorillas. Nicknamed the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda doesn t offer much flat terrain, so on this challenge you will not only have incredible views around every corner, but endure a serious test of fitness with daily climbs in excess of 1,000 metres. HIGHLIGHTS The star of the show is undoubtedly the scenery you will encounter on your way across the country by bike. However, there is plenty more to enjoy in a country brimming with charm: Visit some of the vital and transformational work being done by Hope & Homes for Children, and made possible by your support. During four days in the saddle, travel almost exclusively on dirt roads and tracks through some of Africa s most incredible mountain scenery and experience a remote, rural Rwanda few visitors are lucky enough to see. Be guided by fun and knowledgeable locals, including at least one former or current member of the Rwandan national cycling team. Trek into Volcanoes National Park for a wild jungle encounter with Rwanda s most famous inhabitants, its mountain gorillas (optional extra) Visit the moving Genocide Memorial Museum in Kigali. Sleep in charming accommodation, from a working tea plantation to a private home and a guest house with views of five volcanoes across a volcanic lake. Dine at one of Africa s most celebrated game lodges, complete with extraordinary views of the surrounding plains and volcanoes. ABOUT RWANDA Rwanda is a land of sprawling lakes, cultivated green hills and smoking volcanoes made famous by Gorillas in the Mist. Of course, it s gorillas that most visitors come here to see - and they do provide a magical experience - but there is so much more to this tiny, lush, land-locked gem. For much of the post-colonial era the country faced relentless social and political upheaval, culminating in the 1994 genocide. But over the past two decades Africa s most densely populated country has embarked on a remarkable journey, winning global acclaim for tackling ethnic divisions and dragging millions off the poverty line. The population is young and a stable government has helped develop roads, create accessible and affordable broadband, and fed a budding private sector economy that is seeing increasing foreign investment. Crime and corruption levels are some of the lowest on the continent. In various independent surveys in recent years Rwanda has been named the safest country in Africa, and Kigali the cleanest and most liveable city on the continent. You re likely to notice such traits during your time in Rwanda but in the end we re confident it ll be the people, and the extraordinary land they call home, that will live long in the memory.
2018 will be the third year of Ride Rwanda, which has raised in excess of 70,000 since 2016
ITINERARY Note: see map on next page. DAY 1, SATURDAY 8 SEPT. ARRIVAL For those arriving on the recommended flight (see Travel Options section), we will provide a free transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kigali, where you will spend two nights. DAY 2, SUNDAY 9 SEPT. DAY IN KIGALI A day in the capital to acclimatise and all activities are optional. After breakfast we will visit the Genocide Memorial Museum, a harrowing but must-do experience for any visitor to Rwanda. Lunch and an afternoon spent exploring Nyamirambo, the city s vibrant Muslim quarter, is a great way to experience the real Kigali. In the evening we will have drinks and a briefing on the adventure ahead, before dinner at one of Kigali s most popular Sunday night restaurants. DAY 3, MONDAY 10 SEPT. KIGALI TO KINIHIRA Cycling Distance - 50 or 65 kms (6 or 8 hours) Ascent 1,450 metres; Descent 1,330 metres Our adventure really begins today, and you can either start from the hotel in the city or be transferred to the top of Kigali s highest peak, Mount Jali. Up high it s often shrouded in mist in the morning and it makes for a magical start to the challenge with views around every bend. We will have a barbecue lunch in a village en-route before a long descent. Then it s one final climb up to Sorwathe, one of Rwanda s most charming tea estates, and our home for the night. DAY 4, TUESDAY 11 SEPT. KINIHIRA TO LAKE RUHONDO Cycling Distance - 50 or 60 kms (6 or 8 hours) Ascent 1,060 metres; Descent 1,000 metres After breakfast we will have a chance to witness what goes on behind the scenes at Sorwathe tea plantation. Then it s back in the saddle for a fantastic descent into tea fields before a steady ascent to the shores of the Twin Lakes, Burera and Ruhondo. It s a day packed with breath-taking views but we will have to work hard in the saddle to achieve them. Our overnight stay is at a lakeside guest house with great views of the volcanoes across the lake, and if it s a clear evening we ll be able to see the smoking, active Nyiragongo volcano in Congo. DAY 5, WEDNESDAY 12 SEPT. LAKE RUHONDO TO RUHENGERI Cycling Distance - 40 kms (5 to 7 hours) Ascent 1,000 metres; Descent 900 metres After a short boat journey, today s ride will begin on the northern shore of Lake Ruhondo and it s a tough morning as we climb steadily, pausing only to visit a couple of interesting local projects. Lunch is at Virunga Lodge. In the afternoon we will ride towards Kinigi, where we will visit the home of the Rwandan national cycling team. From Kinigi it is downhill to the frontier town of Ruhengeri, where we will spend the night with our friends Elaine and Kavos, an English-Congolese couple who have made northern Rwanda their home. DAY 6, THURSDAY 13 SEPT. GORILLA TREKKING Today is our chance to trek into the jungle to spend time with some of the last remaining mountain gorillas on the planet. Alternatively, you can visit golden monkeys or our guides are available to show you some of their favourite things around Ruhengeri (see Optional Extras page) DAY 7, FRIDAY 14 SEPT. RUHENGERI TO RUBAVU Cycling Distance - 95 kms (8 to 10 hours) Ascent 1,500 metres; Descent 1,900 metres It s our last day on bikes and it s a big one. Our final destination is Lake Kivu, one of the deepest lakes in the world and a socalled Great Lake of Africa. To get there we will cycle along the base of the chain of volcanoes, through bamboo forests, remote villages and banana plantations before pausing for lunch at the beautifully situated home of American former humanitarian and author Rosamund Carr. From there it s a thrilling 35 kilometre descent on dirt roads through bustling villages towards Kivu, where we will spend the night after a celebration dinner overlooking the lake. DAY 8, SATURDAY 15 SEPT. VISITING HOPE & HOMES FOR CHILDREN PROJECTS We will meet some of the children and families Hope & Homes for Children is working with and supporting. There will also be time to celebrate your epic achievement when we visit the Kicukiro Community Hub for a party, Rwanda style. This is an emotional, rewarding day, during which you will be supported by the HHC team in Rwanda. After a truly inspirational day we will drive to Kigali International Airport ready for our flight home.
WHAT TO EXPECT TRAVEL OPTIONS A FLEXIBLE APPROACH There are very few people who know the hills, villages and people in Rwanda better than our local guides. This brings many benefits, but something we are particularly proud of is our ability to take each day as it comes and react to the different abilities, tastes and personalities in the group. We believe that travel is at its best when flexible and so we ask that you treat this itinerary as a guide to how you will spend your time with us, rather than as a rigid framework. You are bound to have experiences, see places and meet people that we haven t listed here. Equally, there may be occasions when we cannot, for good reason, fulfil every detail in this itinerary. Finally, please treat distances as estimates because we will sometimes make route changes in the hope of giving you the best experience possible. ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Lodging is based on twin sharing. If you would like to ensure your own room for the duration of your stay, you may do so by paying a single supplement (see cover page for price). Please let us know when you fill in the online booking form. It is important to note that accommodation has been chosen for its charm and location. You will be travelling through a country that is, outside of the capital at least, lacking in tourism infrastructure. It s one of the reasons we love Rwanda, but it does mean that accommodation tends to be basic so please do not expect 5* service. FOOD & DRINK Every meal will be prepared freshly for you. Sometimes you ll eat out in the open, at other times in small, independent restaurants and guest houses. Allergies and other preferences are all taken care of at the time of booking. Vegetarians and vegans can also be catered for. CLIMATE & WEATHER Although Rwanda is located only two degrees south of the equator, its high elevation makes the climate temperate. The average daily temperature near Lake Kivu, at an altitude of 1,450 metres, is 23 C and this is relatively typical of temperatures across the country all year round. During the two rainy seasons (March to May and September to December), heavy downpours occur almost daily, alternating with sunny weather. During these months, sunshine is common and the landscape is at its most beautiful. Apart from April, when the country comes together to remember the 1994 atrocities in a month of mourning, there really is no bad time to visit Rwanda. July and August are hotter than other months. BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS We have reserved the below seats for all participants: When you book and pay the registration fee for the trip you will be contacted by Hope & Homes for Children and told how to pay for your seats. Saturday 8 September 2018 ------------------------------ Turkish Airlines flight Dep. London Heathrow @ 11.30 Arr. Istanbul @ 17.20 Dep. Istanbul @ 18.35 Arr. Kigali @ 00.05 (9 September) Sunday 16 September 2018 ------------------------------ Turkish Airlines flight Dep. Kigali @ 00.45 Arr. Istanbul @ 10.00 Dep. Istanbul @ 12.45 Arr. London Heathrow @ 14.40 RECOMMENDED READING If you are going to read one book about Rwanda before, during or after your time with us, we recommend Land of Second Chances by Guardian journalist Tim Lewis. It tells the story of the rise of the Rwandan cycling team and while many of the books about Rwanda focus largely on the events surrounding the 1994 genocide, Lewis first book is essentially a tale of hope and redemption. Also well worth a read are We Wish to Inform you that Tomorrow we will be Killed with our Families by Philip Gourevitch and When the Hills Ask for Your Blood by former BBC Newsnight producer David Belton.
Preparing for another day in the saddle on the northern shore of Lake Ruhondo
SUPPORT, GUIDES & FITNESS SUPPORT VEHICLE The challenge is fully-supported, meaning not only that your bags will be driven to your next overnight stay each day, but also that a vehicle will often be nearby to give you a lift if you really need one. GUIDES & HOST We know that guides can make or break a trip like this, which is why we are so pleased to work with Michael Newhouse, our regular tour host in Rwanda. Michael is an engineer and bicycle mechanic from the UK. He has made East Africa his home since 2012, currently living in Kigali, and has recently supported Team Rwanda as a mechanic. He will be supported by a fantastic team of local cyclists, guides and drivers - including at least one member of Team Rwanda, the national cycling set-up - with a broad range of skills from cultural knowledge of Rwanda to technical support and a sense of fun and adventure. TERRAIN & BIKES The terrain on this journey varies from smooth tarmac to narrow dirt trails. However, the vast majority of the ride will be on wide red dirt roads that can get rutted if there has been a lot of rain. The best bike for the job is a mountain bike. We use excellent Scott hardtail mountain bikes that are perfect for the terrain. A mechanic travels with the team and we carry spares and parts at all times. OLI S TOP TIP Before you join us in Rwanda pick up a copy of Tim Lewis Land of Second Chances, which charts the rise of the national cycling team. Like most books about Rwanda, it touches on the events surrouding the 1994 genocide, but this book is essentially a tale of hope and redemption. It ll definitely inspire you to dig deep up those hills! ABILITY & FITNESS This challenge does not require advanced technical mountain biking ability, although experience riding on rough surfaces up and downhill will be helpful. Don t worry if you re used to riding a road bike. Although the technique is a bit different you will be able to manage (most HHC riders in 2016 & 2017 had some experience of road biking). However, far more important is your fitness. You will definitely need to train for this challenge as not only are there plenty of hills but you ll also be at altitudes ranging from 900-2,500 metres above sea level. By the time you join us in Rwanda you should be happy spending long hours in the saddle for three or four days in a row.
Spectacular views from Virunga Lodge across Lakes Burera & Ruhondo
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES GORILLA & GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING For many visitors to Rwanda, a close encounter with a family of mountain gorillas is the wildlife experience of their lives. With that in mind, we have allowed for a day out of the saddle to trek into the Volcanoes National Park and track one of nature s most majestic creatures. The cost, including 4WD transport, guides and porters, is 1,350 per person. Before deciding whether you would like to do it, it is important that you understand what is involved. We hope this information helps you make an informed decision: The gorillas you will track in Volcanoes National Park belong to one of ten habituated family groups. Permits to visit the gorillas are in short supply, with a maximum of eight per day issued for each group. For many years, the gorilla groups have undergone an extremely delicate process that has gradually got them used to the presence of humans and allowed a few privileged visitors to interact with them in the wild. These are not tame animals by any means. They are completely wild, and even now only tolerate human presence for an hour a day at most. Experienced guides, many of whom have been involved in the habituation process themselves, will give you an early-morning briefing on gorilla etiquette before driving you to the start of the trek. They will then accompany you as you track the gorillas through dense vegetation, along steep trails and at an altitude of 1,800 metres and more. It can be tough going. The gorillas cover large distances each day and they are never constantly in one area. The guides use their knowledge of the gorillas habits and information from the previous day to locate each group s whereabouts. Because of this, the time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as an hour to as much as eight hours before returning to camp. Once the group has been located you will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. After this, you will return to the park headquarters. As a cheaper alternative to the gorillas, a trek to see golden monkeys is another highlight of a visit to Volcanoes National Park. Each trek varies in length depending on the location of the families, but once you ve found them you are allowed to spend an hour in their company. The cost, including guides and transport to the edge of the forest, is 125 per person. For those who do not wish to trek to see either golden monkeys or gorillas, there are various activities that can be arranged during your time in Rwanda, from trekking up a volcano to kayaking. Of course, you may wish to relax after three long days in the saddle. Note: at the time of booking you will be asked whether you are interested in trekking to see either gorillas or golden monkeys. You will then be contacted to discuss your options.
Traditional dancers beneath Mt. Muhabura, bordering Uganda
THE SLOW CYCLIST IN RWANDA SOME BACKGROUND, BY OUR FOUNDER The Slow Cyclist story began in October 2009 when, dissatisfied with a career in London I quit my job, jumped on a bike and cycled to Australia to watch the Ashes cricket series. It took me 412 days which means that, by any definition, I am a bona fide slow cyclist. A book followed. Cycling to the Ashes: A Cricketing Odyssey from London to Brisbane was published by Random House in July 2013. A few people read it, including Ian Botham, who told me he thought it was pathetic I didn t turn around and cycle home again. I didn t rise to the bait. Instead, I took a job building an unlikely but much-needed home for cricket in Rwanda s capital, Kigali. I lived there for two years, at weekends exploring all corners of the country by bike. I returned home in 2013 intent on taking others to experience Rwanda, and other beautiful parts of the world, by bicycle. The Slow Cyclist was born, founded on the basis that travel is worth taking time over; that a great trip means getting under the skin of a place by delving into its cuisine, history, customs and getting to know its people. A bicycle journey is a wonderful way to do this and whether you like pottering along dusty back-roads, charging up soaring mountains or winding your way through wildflower meadows, we believe that with us you will get the most out of your time on, and off the bike. OUR APPROACH IN RWANDA, FOR HOPE & HOMES FOR CHILDREN We first worked with Hope & Homes for Children on the inaugural Ride Rwanda in 2016 and after another successful ride in 2017, we are delighted to be continuining our partnership into 2018. There is no doubt that for most participants the ride is tough. But it s also hugely rewarding, and lined with villages whose inhabitants will cheer you on every pedal stroke of the way. My two years living in and exploring Rwanda gave me a great sense of what it is that makes for the best Rwandan adventures. And this ride is, in my opinion, the best there is, winding its way through parts of the country that very few visitors ever make it to, with extraordinary places and views along the way. Happy pedalling! Oli Broom, Founder & Managing Director The Slow Cyclist HAPPY SLOW CYCLISTS Ride Rwanda was the most incredible challenge. There were so many surprises and things to experience! The most rewarding part of the adventure was seeing the work that Hope and Homes have been doing, and spending time with families and visiting the community centre. I would recommend Ride Rwanda to anyone without hesitation. Teresa Coupland, Ride Rwanda, September 2017 Ride Rwanda was an extraordinary adventure. I just didn t know what to expect around each corner. Although a capable road cyclist, this challenge on mountain bikes was harder than I expected, but was so much fun. It was also made even more special completing it alongside my son and I would definitely encourage you to take part in this rewarding trip with friends and family. Ian Jamieson, Ride Rwanda, September 2016 Ride Rwanda was not just a good fun adventure, it was a journey of discovery in Africa that no tourist could usually have. We ll be talking about this for years. Maurice Gale, Ride Rwanda, September July 2016 Simply fantastic. I honestly can t put it into words. The Slow Cyclist team were superb and all the extra surprises really did make the trip so special. Kerry Jackson, Ride Rwanda, September 2016 Ride Rwanda was impeccably organised. The trip of a lifetime. Mark Grinonneau, Ride Rwanda, September 2016
Mt.Muhabura at sunset, as seen from Sorwathe Guest House (Day 3)