Gorilla Gravel
HardA five-day gravel stage race starting in Kigali, run by the team behind the Rwandan Epic. Stages of 30–120 km traverse the Land of a Thousand Hills through volcanic landscapes, lakes and local crowds.
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▌ A five-day gravel stage race starting in Kigali, run by the team behind the Rwandan Epic
Africa ultra event organized by Epicos Gravel Series
12 SCORING DIMENSIONS
EFFORT MATRIX
EXPERIENCE MATRIX
GREEN FLAGS
- [+]120 km of hard gravel through Kigali, Rwanda
- [+]2,500 m of climbing — proper elevation
- [+]Self-supported / ultra format = adventure focus
- [+]Organized by Epicos Gravel Series
- [+]Varied terrain: Gravel, Mixed Terrain
RED FLAGS
- [!]Self-supported — no aid stations expected
- [!]Details not yet verified — confirm via official site
RIDER FIT
Manageable for steady-state riders
Limited use for pure climbers
Ultra format = guided adventure with timing chips
Self-supported format suits bikepacking instincts
Smoother surfaces let raw speed talk
Single-day pace suits crit-style riders less here
TIRE INTEL
Mixed gravel with no extreme demands — go for rolling speed.
WEATHER PLAYBOOK
Kigali, Rwanda in spring (November): expect mild conditions — pack for variable weather. Always check 7-day forecast race week and pack a packable shell.
PACING PLAYBOOK
Sit in. Let the start sort itself out. Pace by feel, not by rivals.
Where the field shatters. Stick to your power numbers, not the surge.
Save one match. The last 20% is where placement is decided.
WHAT TO FEAR
- [!01]Resupply gaps — carry more food than you think
INSIDER INTEL
“Cycling in Africa is different — the wildlife, the warmth of the welcome, the sheer scale of it. Gorilla Gravel delivers all of that.”
RACE LOGISTICS
Self-supported by design. Carry your own food, water, tools, and shelter. Resupply from towns en route.
Plan for 6-8 hour stretches between resupply points. Carry food and purification.
- +Timing chip + bib
- +Course markings + GPX
- -Spare tubes / tubeless plugs
- -Lodging
- -All food and water beyond the start
- -Shelter / sleep system
- -Tracker (rider-supplied for many ultras)
- -Drop bag transport (unless specified)
Book 6+ months ahead for big events. Check the race partner-hotel list for discounts.
Often the best value for groups. Search the wider race region, not just the start town.
- ▸Mandatory pre-race brief — non-negotiable attendance.
- ▸GPS device with full route loaded is required, not optional.
TRAVEL OPS
Gorilla Gravel is a quality africa event — great if you're nearby or want to explore the region.