Rumble In The Jungle Ride 2025
The 4-days motorbike ride from Kigali to Lake Kivu showcases Rwanda’s potential as a premier two-wheel tourism destination. Organized in partnership with RDB, the tour highlights the country’s natural parks, agricultural heritage, and rich cultural traditions. Over four days, riders will explore scenic highlands, visit community-led initiatives, tour local coffee farms and distilleries, and engage with cultural landmarks, while enjoying Rwanda’s stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. From city streets to lakeside trails, this journey is a celebration of adventure, sustainability, and the vibrant spirit of Rwanda.
Nr | Day | Date | From | To | Km-SM | Km-XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | th | 4/09/2025 | Kigali | Ruhengeri | 122 | 133 |
2 | fr | 5/09/2025 | Ruhengeri | Gisenyi | 98 | 105 |
3 | sa | 6/09/2025 | Gisenyi | Gitesi | 89 | 93 |
4 | su | 7/09/2025 | Gitesi | Kigali | 116 | 112 |
Total | 425 | 443 | ||||
SM – Scooter route | XL – Motorcycle route |
Day 1 - Kigali - Ruhengeri
Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then pack your bags to embark on your 4-day adventure!! Your journey begins with a meaningful visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, offering powerful insight into Rwanda’s history. After this reflective stop, the adventure continues as you mount your motorbike and head north through rolling hills and lush countryside. Stop for lunch at Soko Coffee, where local flavors meet Rwandan hospitality. The afternoon ride offers scenic views as you approach the volcanic landscapes of Ruhengeri. Arrive and settle in at your hotel, where the dramatic backdrop of the Virunga Mountains sets the tone for the days ahead.
Timing
07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Departure
09:00 Genocide Memorial
10:00 Start riding
12:00 Soko Coffee Lunch
14:00 Start riding
16:00 Arrive at Hotel SM
16:30 Arrive at Hotel XL
Day 1 – Scooter route
Until the lunch stop at Soko the route for both groups is the same. The scooter route can be done on all asphalt. However, we build in about 5 kilometers of very good gravel. This stretch gives beautiful views over the lake. But there is also a short cut which takes out the gravel part to make is fully asphalt. Choices can be made on the spot depending on the level and skill of the riders.
Day 1 – Motorbike route
Shortly after the lunch stop at Soko the motorcycle group turns a different route. This route contains 32 km of gravel, mostly easily accessible. Especially the stretch between the two lakes, a gravel track, provides stunning views. From hitting the main road again until the hotel location will be asphalt too. Motorcycle group will arrive 30 to 60 minutes after the scooter group.
Day 2: Ruhengeri - Gisenyi
Today starts with a guided coffee experience that showcases Rwanda’s rich coffee-growing tradition. Continue to the famous Gorilla Naming site - a celebration of conservation and community. Enjoy lunch at Virunga Spirits, followed by a guided distillery tour to learn how local vodka is crafted. The afternoon ride winds through beautiful countryside with a relaxing coffee break at Reverend Coffee before reaching Gisenyi, a vibrant town on the shores of Lake Kivu.
Timing
07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Departure
09:00 Coffee Tour
11:00 Start riding
11:30 Gorilla Naming
13:00 Virunga Spirits Lunch
14:00 Virunga factory tour
15:00 Start riding
16:00 Reverend Coffee
16:30 Start riding
17:00 Arrive at Hotel
Day 2 - Scooter Route
Until the lunch the route for both groups is the same. From the hotel to the Coffee tours, to the naming ceremony and to the lunch and tour at the Virunga spirit factory, both groups follow the same route. The yellow track is an additional route to the Gorilla Guardians. But there will be no time for this on this day. The main road can be very busy at some points.
Day 2 - Motorbike route
The motorcycle group follows the same main road. But there are a few optional offroad side tracks which can be taken. The first one is a climb up the mountain on a tarmac road and a descent on a gravel road, bit adventurous. The second offroad part is part of the old main road which is very overgrown and narrow, fun to ride, with nice view over the villages.
Day 3: Gisenyi - Gitesi
Today offers two routes: the scenic and adventurous Congo Nile Trail or a smoother ride via the main road. Reunite for a lakeside lunch at Asaabe, known for its local cuisine and tranquil views. Afterward, head to the boat landing for a relaxing cruise on Lake Kivu, soaking in the calm waters and surrounding landscapes. Return to the mainland in the late afternoon and ride to your lakeside hotel in Gitesi, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s journey by the water.
Timing
07:30 Breakfast
08:30 XL Congo Nile trail
SM main road
12:00 Lunch at Asaabe
13:30 Start riding
14:00 Boat Landing, get changed
14:30 Start boattrip
17:00 Back at mainland
17:30 Arrive at hotel
Day 3 - Scooter route
Asphalt all the way following a beautiful road through the tea plantations area. It is a long ride with not so many places to stop for a good coffee.
Day 3 - Motorbike route
At departure the groups are split. The motorcycle group will follow the Congo Nile trails for a few kilometers. This famous trail cannot be missed on any motorcycle adventure in Rwanda. We ride until the road is blocked by avalanche and follow another offroad track back to the main road, which is taken by the scooter group.
Day 4: Gitesi - Kigali
Begin your final day with breakfast and a scenic ride back to the capital. The route takes you through peaceful rural landscapes and small local communities, offering a final glimpse into Rwanda’s natural charm. Stop for lunch at Stafford for a hearty mid-day break, then continue the journey toward Kigali. Arrive at your hotel by late afternoon, marking the end of a memorable four-day adventure filled with cultural encounters, breathtaking scenery, and the unique rhythm of Rwanda’s roads.
Timing
07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Start riding
12:00 Lunch at Stafford
13:30 Start riding
16:00 Arrive at hotel
Day 4: Scooter route
The scooter route is all asphalt. One the way there will be about 10-12 km of road construction, this will be dusty and bumpy.The last 20 before arriving in Kigali will be very busy with trucks and busses. It is important to depart early to avoid getting stuck in the rush hour traffic.
Day 4: Motorcycle route
The motorcycle groups will ride about 25 km one gravel road, through a beautiful tea plantations area. After coming back to the main road the route will be the same as the scooter group.
MOTORBIKES
You will ride on a Haojin Hawk II 200cc. For the ones who are not familiar with a motorbike, scooter will be supplied.
Difficulty And Offroad
This tour is designed to suit both scooter riders and experienced motorcyclists, offering route variations that accommodate different skill levels and riding preferences. Both routes prioritize safety, scenery, and cultural interaction, with flexibility built in to adjust based on weather, rider ability, and group preferences.
• Scooter Route
The scooter route primarily follows paved roads, making it ideal for less experienced riders or those looking for a more relaxed ride. Most of the journey is on asphalt, with the option to include or skip short, well-maintained gravel sections depending on rider confidence. Some areas may feature road construction or busy traffic, particularly near larger towns and on the return to Kigali. Overall, the scooter route is accessible, scenic, and enjoyable without requiring advanced riding skills.
• Motorbike Route
The motorbike route includes more adventurous elements, with several gravel sections and optional off-road detours. These routes offer stunning views and a deeper connection to Rwanda’s rural landscapes, including trails through tea plantations, lakeside paths, and remote backroads. While not technically extreme, riders should be comfortable handling unpaved surfaces and varying terrain. This route is best suited for experienced riders seeking a more dynamic and immersive journey.
Accommodation and food
Dragon Trails only provides, guides, bikes, mechanics and support car. Accommodation and food for the crew has to be provided by Silver Back.
Clothing
The following items are mandatory: helmet, motorcycle jacket with protection, gloves, a good hard-wearing pair of (motorcycle) trousers with protection and solid high (mountain) boots. Furthermore, a good pair of sunglasses and a helmet with a visor that protects against dust are useful.
Insurance
Motorbikes have standard liability insurance. Damage to the bike caused by the rider needs to be paid at the end of the tour.
Tour code | Arrival | Days | Departure | Prices by group size | 15 | 10 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RDB2540 | 04-09-2025 | 4 | 07-09-2025 | Haojin Hawk II 200cc | $585 | $775 | $525 |
Scooter | $525 | $715 | $465 |
Numbers (two groups combined):
Minimum number of riders: 10
Maximum number of riders: 20
Maximum number of pillions: 10
Included
• Motorcycle/ scooter rental
• Support car with local driver (gasoline included)
• International tour leader
• Two local English-speaking local tour guides for group from 16 riders. One local English-speaking local tour guides for group under 16 riders
• Two local mechanics
• Route development
• Petrol for tour leader and crew team’s motorbikes
Excluded
• Gasoline for customers’ motorcycles/scooters
• Hotel for the customers
• All hotels and meals for Dragon Trails crew
• Customer’s meals and drinks
• Personal expenses, event costs and local tours.
• Travel and cancellation insurance
• Visa costs and tips
International tour leader
Accompanying the group throughout the journey is an experienced international tour leader with an extensive background in leading motorbike tours across various countries and terrains. His role is not only to ensure the trip runs smoothly but also to enhance the overall experience by providing support, guidance while work closely with the local guide and support team to handle logistics, monitor group dynamics.
Local tour guides
There will be two local tour guides on the tour. The local tour guide is selected and trained by Dragon Trails and will follow the group on motorbikes. Both the scooter and motorcycle groups will have their own local guide on the bike with them.
Mechanics
The tour also has two skilled mechanics to accompany on the motorbikes. They will handle any mechanical issues that may arise during the trip, whether it’s a flat tire, a minor engine problem. At the end of each riding day, they also service the bikes for the next day’s ride. Both groups will have their own mechanic riding with them.
Support car
A support car will follow your group during the motorbike tour to carry luggage and motorbike spare parts. This support will be a van since luggage of all participants have to fit. The support car will follow the scooter routes most of the time.
Baggage
All baggage is transported in the support car. For convenience and ease of handling, we recommend packing light and using a soft travel bag.