Mountains, rainforests, wetlands, lakes, national parks, and wildlife — Rwanda is an East African country rich in natural beauty. Riding through Rwanda on a Royal Enfield offers an adventure unlike any other. Along the way, you’ll cruise through stunning mountain roads, trails, and scenic paths that cut across breathtaking landscapes. Rwanda motorcycle tours immerse you in a world that’s both preserved and deeply authentic. Explore Akagera National Park, home to an incredible array of wildlife: lions, elephants, rhinos, zebras, hippos… Visit Nyungwe National Park, one of the largest high-altitude forests in Africa. Don’t miss Volcanoes National Park, one of Rwanda’s most iconic destinations, where you’ll find one of the last remaining wild populations of mountain gorillas. After your ride, unwind with a boat cruise on Lake Kivu. The lakeside beaches of Gisenyi and Kibuye offer the perfect place to relax during your trip. In recent years, Rwanda has become one of East Africa’s most vibrant and welcoming countries, known for its hospitality and openness to travelers.
So, are you ready to set out on one of the most unforgettable motorcycle trips of your life?
When’s the best time to go? Located near the equator, Rwanda’s climate is marked by alternating dry and rainy seasons. If you’re planning to explore this mountainous, forested terrain, timing your trip to avoid the rain is key. The best period for Rwanda motorcycle tours is summer — from June through August. There’s also a brief dry season in the winter, with January being the only dry month. Around Lake Kivu, the only dry season runs from June to August. These months are ideal for visiting national parks like Volcanoes, Akagera, and Nyungwe, where road access and wildlife sightings are at their best.
This small country, nicknamed “the land of a thousand hills,” is a gem of untamed nature and beauty. Its high elevation brings cooler, more comfortable temperatures. The weather stays pleasant year-round, with an average of about 68°F (20°C). In the high-altitude areas — particularly the national parks — evenings can be cool, even during summer. In the capital, Kigali, it rarely rains from June through August, and the temperatures remain stable throughout the year. If you’re looking to enjoy Rwanda’s beaches, summer is the perfect season for clear skies and sunny Rwanda motorcycle tours.
Rwanda is located in East Africa’s Great Lakes region. It borders Burundi to the south, Tanzania to the east, Uganda to the north, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. On your motorcycle adventure, you’ll pass through Kigali, the capital city, perched on a hill 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level. Before riding into the countryside, don’t miss the powerful and moving Genocide Memorial Museum.
The country’s terrain is mostly mountainous. Mount Karisimbi, standing at 4,507 meters (14,787 feet), is the highest peak in Rwanda. The scenery varies from high plateaus and lush rainforests to vast marshes and savannahs. In some areas, hillsides are lined with green tea plantations. In the east, Akagera National Park is teeming with wildlife: lions, rhinos, hippos, zebras, giraffes, leopards, and elephants.
Bird lovers will be in heaven here — Rwanda is home to more than 1,300 species. Up north, Volcanoes National Park spans the Virunga Mountains, offering some of the continent’s most stunning rides. One of the biggest highlights for anyone interested in Africa motorcycle tours is the chance to observe wild chimpanzees and gorillas in their natural habitat. These rare encounters are often the emotional highlight of Rwanda motorcycle tours, leaving riders with lifelong memories.
During your Rwanda motorcycle tours, you’ll uncover the deep history of this fascinating East African country. Traditionally, Rwandan society was made up of clans consisting of Tutsi cattle herders, Hutu farmers, and Twa artisans. Despite their differences, these groups spoke the same language and shared religious beliefs. The civil war of the 20th century was not simply an ethnic conflict, but largely a struggle for power.
Rwanda endured years of civil war, with tensions between the Tutsi and Hutu communities escalating into the 1994 genocide, where over 800,000 people were killed in just 100 days. Almost 25 years later, the country has recovered its stability and now enjoys peace.
Forward-thinking economic and social reforms are turning this small, agricultural nation into a rising African tech hub. After its tragic recent history, Rwanda is focused on the future and experiencing impressive economic growth. Tourism is quickly becoming a major industry. Many travelers visit to fulfill a lifelong dream — following in the footsteps of Dian Fossey and witnessing the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas up close. These one-of-a-kind moments are part of what makes Rwanda motorcycle tours so extraordinary.
Embark on an extraordinary journey with the "Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills" motorcycle tour. This adventure guides you through Rwanda's spectacular scenery, from the iconic rolling hills to lush tea plantations. Ride through vibrant local communities and explore the country's rich cultural heritage. Experience the thrill of traversing diverse landscapes and the opportunity to encounter Rwanda's unique wildlife, including the majestic mountain gorillas. This tour combines the excitement of motorcycling with the beauty and depth of Rwandan culture.
