While hiking at Mount Kigali, one of the popular mountains in Kigali, a friend of mine told me that he feels more relaxed after hiking than after any other sport he does. That statement stayed in my mind. For quite a long time, hiking in Rwanda was not considered an activity many people would enjoy. But as time passes and life becomes busier, more people are looking for opportunities to step away from the noise of the city and reconnect with nature. This is one of the reasons hiking activities are becoming more popular, especially on weekends, and many hiking groups continue to emerge across Kigali. People participate in hiking for different reasons. Some consider it a good physical exercise, while others enjoy the opportunity to connect with nature and meet new people. And just as my friend mentioned, hiking leaves many participants feeling relaxed and refreshed afterwards. As someone who enjoys hiking myself, I decided to share a few hiking groups in Kigali, their brief descriptions, and how you can reach out to them in case you are interested in joining.
1. Team A: Team A is a group of regular hikers who hike every Saturday. As the name suggests, Team A is closely connected to Team B, another hiking group that hikes on Sundays. While the two groups are similar in spirit, Team A mostly attracts younger hikers, whereas Team B tends to have a more mature crowd. The group organizes hikes around Kigali and its surroundings, but they also occasionally arrange trips to places such as Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park.
What makes Team A interesting?
No participation fee for hiking with the group.
Strong sense of hospitality and teamwork Members often help each other with transportation arrangements.
A rescue/support team ensures that no participant is left behind during hikes.
Hiking Schedule:
Every Saturday Starting from 7:00 AM.
Contact: Instagram: @the_team_hikersPhone: +250 783 876 825
2. Kigali Hash House Harriers: Known globally as a “drinking club with a running problem,” Kigali Hash House Harriers combines hiking, trail running, and social interaction. The group is especially popular among expats and young professionals in Kigali. Their hikes usually take place every Saturday afternoon, with routes changing regularly depending on the location and organizers.
Specialities:
Friendly and social hiking atmosphere.
Great for networking and meeting new people.
Beginner-friendly.
Active weekend community.
Schedule:
The normal meeting time in Kigali is 3:00 PM for a 3:30 PM start, though timings may occasionally change.
Contribution Fee: Rwf 2,500 per person (This covers water, sodas, and beer.)
Contact: Phone: +250 783 458 356
Facebook Group: Kigali Hash House Harriers
3. Kigali Hiking ClubKigali Hiking Club is a community-driven hiking network that is becoming increasingly popular among young Rwandans and residents in Kigali. The group is commonly recommended on social media and online communities for casual weekend hikes around Kigali’s hills and countryside routes.
Specialities:
Community-oriented hikes
Beginner-friendly environment
Affordable participation
Good networking opportunities
Contact:
Instagram: Kigali Hiking Club
Final Thoughts
There are many hiking clubs in Kigali, but I decided to mention a few that I personally know or have interacted with.
As a country known for its hills and beautiful landscapes, Rwanda offers amazing hiking experiences. Standing on top of a hill and looking across the valleys and surrounding scenery is something worth experiencing at least once.
If you are planning to join a hiking group, I would recommend first talking to one of the organizers a day before the hike.
Ask about:
The meeting point,
Departure time,
Hiking distance,
Terrain conditions,
and the average number of participants. This helps you prepare accordingly and enjoy the experience better.
If you have any hiking experiences, suggestions, or ideas you would like to share, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.