Rwanda & Uganda Women's Motorcycle Adventure

After leaving Kigali behind, the real motorcycle adventure begins. Before long, we escape the city traffic and follow a mix of scenic roads and unpaved tracks through Rwanda’s lush, rolling countryside. In the afternoon, we arrive at Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, located on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Reaching depths of up to 485 metres (1,591 ft), it is one of the deepest lakes in the world. We end the day watching a spectacular sunset over the lake while enjoying freshly grilled fish and the peaceful lakeside atmosphere.

Today’s ride follows the eastern shoreline of Lake Kivu. Part of the route takes us along the legendary Congo Nile Trail, a breathtaking scenic route featuring several unpaved sections that require confident off-road riding skills. Meanwhile, our support vehicle follows an alternative route. As the day unfolds, we approach Volcanoes National Park, where a chain of majestic volcanoes dominates the landscape. Along the way, we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the spectacular Virunga Mountains. Our destination is Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park and one of Rwanda’s most beautiful regions.

After breakfast, we leave Rwanda behind and ride towards the Ugandan border. Before long, the scenery begins to change as dense forests, steep mountain slopes, and vast tea plantations dominate the landscape. In the afternoon, we arrive in Ruhija, a small mountain village on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests and is best known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. Nowhere else in the world is there such a high concentration of these remarkable great apes.

Today offers one of the most unforgettable and emotional highlights of the entire journey. Those who wish can take part in an optional gorilla trekking experience. Gorilla permits must be reserved several months in advance, as only a limited number of visitors are allowed to visit each gorilla family every day. Before sunrise, park rangers set out to locate the gorillas. Once they have been found, your guided trek through the dense rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park begins. Depending on the location of the gorilla family, the hike can last anywhere from one to several hours. Your reward is a full hour spent observing these incredible animals at close range in their natural habitat, an experience that few people ever forget.

Guests who choose not to participate in the gorilla trek can enjoy a relaxing day at the lodge or visit the Batwa community. The Batwa are the original inhabitants of the Bwindi Forest. Following the establishment of the national park, they lost their ancestral homeland and many continue to face challenging living conditions today. A visit offers fascinating insights into their culture, traditions, and history while directly supporting the local community.

After breakfast, we leave the mountainous landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park behind and ride along scenic tracks through the foothills of the Albertine Rift Valley. The scenery constantly changes as dense rainforest gives way to open savannahs and traditional villages. Before long, we enter the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park. As we traverse the park on a long wilderness road, you may be lucky enough to spot elephants, zebras, antelopes, warthogs and a variety of other wildlife along the way. Our destination for the day is the Kazinga Channel, the natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George.

Early risers can join an optional morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. One of Uganda’s most biodiverse protected areas, the park is home to elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, and more than 600 species of birds. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, wildlife populations have flourished in recent years. In the afternoon, we embark on a memorable boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. Few places in Africa offer such outstanding opportunities to observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and countless waterbirds from such close range. As evening approaches, the shores become especially lively as wildlife gathers at the water’s edge.

Before setting off, we take one last moment to enjoy the spectacular views from our lodge overlooking the Kazinga Channel. Today’s ride begins on smooth tarmac roads, where families of baboons are often seen relaxing along the roadside. We then leave the main road behind and continue on unpaved tracks through rural Uganda, where friendly locals greet us with curiosity and warm smiles. As we approach Mbarara, the landscape opens into rolling green hills and fertile plains. This region is renowned for its cattle farming, with vast pastures dotted with long-horned Ankole cattle. In the evening, we gather around the campfire at our lodge to share stories from another unforgettable day on the road.

Today’s route heads south once again through the heart of rural Uganda. We enjoy a varied ride along winding asphalt roads and scenic dirt tracks, passing small villages, banana plantations, and the rolling hills of the highlands. By afternoon, we arrive at beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, nestled among lush green hills and surrounded by dozens of small islands. Often referred to as the “Place of Many Little Birds,” the lake is one of Uganda’s most picturesque destinations. Tonight, we stay on one of the lake’s tranquil islands, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of this truly special place.

It’s time to climb back on our motorcycles for the final ride to Rwanda. After crossing the border, we soon leave the main highway and follow quiet, winding backroads through the countryside. Depending on road conditions and the available time, we either take a scenic route with unpaved sections or ride directly to Kigali. In the evening, we celebrate the end of our journey with a memorable farewell dinner, sharing stories and unforgettable moments from our African motorcycle adventure.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Kigali at your own pace, shop for a few last souvenirs, or relax at one of the city’s charming cafés while soaking up the atmosphere. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight home, bringing an unforgettable African adventure to a close.