If it wasn’t well-known enough already, the 2025 UCI World Road Race Championships really put Rwanda on the cycling map. The TV images showed thousands of super-passionate local people cheering their hearts out along the race course. If you fancy experiencing this incredible country for yourself, but prefer your two-wheeled action to have a gravelly flavour, then the newly re-launched Gorilla Gravel event could be just the thing for you.
“Gorilla Gravel is a 5-day gravel stage race in one of the most stunning riding destinations on earth. Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, delivers endless rolling terrain, red or black dirt roads, green hills, high volcanoes and stunning lakes. Add the incredible energy of local crowds, thousands of kids cheering along the course and you’ll experience a trip which will stay with you forever. A true gravel adventure through the heart of Africa.” That’s how the organisers of the Gorilla Gravel stage race, which is going to be held from November 30th to December 5th this year, are describing their event.
Those of you with long memories might recall an older event with the same name, which was held back in the early 2020s, but this new version is quite different as it’s now a proper multi-day stage race:
- Prologue – Kigali Madness – 30km with 300m of climbing. The course features two short climbs per lap.
- Stage 1 – Eastern Valleys – 88km with 1759m of climbing. Mostly smooth gravel, a few technical moments and a final climb to the finish
- Stage 2 – Rwandan Savannah – 120km with 1527m of climbing. Mostly smooth fast gravel with some tarmac along the way.
- Stage 3 – Twin Lakes – 113km with 2680m of climbing. A true climbing stage, filled with countless hills.
- Stage 4 – Volcanoes – 74km with 1669m of climbing. Some long flat roads with climbs in between. High altitude!
- Optional social “cooldown” ride (which can include some of the climbs used in the road World Champs for anyone keen enough/mad enough…)
The organisers say that the event is suitable to both gravel bikes and MTBs. They recommend 45-55mm tyres for gravel bikes, set up tubeless and recommend tyres with some grip “as it can get very slippery when wet”
Entry costs from €1600 and there are upgrades available for high-end hotels (€450) and single rooms (€350). You can find all the details and sign up at the event website.