GORILLA GRAVEL

GORILLAGRAVEL – Kigali, Rwanda

• Date: November 30 – December 5, 2026
• Location: Kigali, Rwanda
• Distances: 30km Prologue, 88km, 120km, 113km, 74km
• Event Type: Gravel Stage Race

The GORILLAGRAVEL is a five-day gravel race in Rwanda, set against the backdrop of one of the world's most striking cycling landscapes. Known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills', Rwanda offers a route defined by its endless rolling terrain, vibrant red earth, and high-altitude scenery. This multi-day journey is a true adventure, taking riders deep into the landscapes and culture that make this region a unique destination for gravel riding. It’s an experience that combines the rhythm of pedalling with the energy of the African heartland.

The event begins with a prologue just outside Kigali, a fast 30-kilometre criterium on a 6km loop, animated by the cheers of local crowds. From there, the race unfolds over four distinct stages. The route charts a course eastward through green valleys and rice plantations, then turns towards the faster, flatter terrain of the savannah near Akagera National Park. The stages of this gravel race in Rwanda guide riders through an ever-changing environment, from smooth dirt roads to more technical sections that demand focus and skill.

As the race progresses, the climbing intensifies. Stage Three is a relentless day of ascents and descents around the Twin Lakes, where the views are as memorable as the effort required. The route then leads into the Musanze region, home to the mountain gorillas. Here, the gravel turns from red to black volcanic soil as the course climbs to 2,300 meters. Riders will find themselves in dense rainforests, often shrouded in a magical mist, experiencing the high-altitude character of the volcanic highlands. It offers a different perspective on the other gravel events in Rwanda.

Beyond the riding, GORILLAGRAVEL is an immersion into Rwanda's deep-rooted cycling culture. The country, which hosted the UCI Road World Championships in 2025, has a passion for bicycles that is woven into the fabric of daily life. This enthusiasm is felt all along the route, with thousands of children and locals cheering from the roadside, creating a supportive and unforgettable atmosphere. This is more than a race; it is a shared experience with a community that lives and breathes cycling.

The event concludes with a return to Kigali. After the final stage, participants have the option of a bus transfer or a final, social cooldown ride of 120 kilometres. The five-day format is fully supported, with accommodation, meals, feed zones, and luggage transport included, allowing riders to focus purely on the journey. For complete details and registration, please refer to the official event website. It is a profound adventure that will stay with you long after the gravel dust has settled.