Mont Kigali is a climb of 4.1 kilometers (category 3). The climb finishes at 1,561 m above sea level. It is located in Kigali, n/a, Rwanda. The average gradient is 4.4% with a maximum of 10.7%. The climb has 179 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: Mont Kigali is a short but demanding climb, covering 4.1 km for 179 m of elevation gain at an average gradient of 4.4%. The hardest section sits between KM 1.5-2.0 at 8%, right after a 5% stretch between KM 1.0-1.5. The profile alternates steep sections with easier gradients, such as KM 0.5-1.0 at 1%, which makes it hard to settle into a steady rhythm. KM 3.5-4.0, almost flat at 0%, offers a welcome breather before the finish.
Tips for the effort:
1. Pace yourself from the start. Don't go out too hard through KM 0.0-0.5 at 7%, because the real pain comes between KM 1.5-2.0.
2. Recover on the false flat. Use KM 0.5-1.0 at 1% to sit down, relax your shoulders and get your breath back before the next ramp.
3. Manage the finish smartly. Once you've cleared KM 3.0-3.5 at 3%, keep a steady cadence all the way to KM 3.5-4.0 so you finish with something left in the tank.
The reviews mostly talk about the city of Kigali and very little about the climb itself. None of them describe the gradient, the length of the col or the time spent climbing. What keeps coming up is a clean, quiet and well-kept city, with friendly locals.
As for the roads, one rider says they are in good condition. Another finds the city safe and well lit at Christmas. One person went up to the highest point in Kigali and found the scenery very beautiful, without giving more detail.
The other comments are brief. The meals were rated good, including by one person who has to avoid gluten. The staff of a hotel are praised for their help, with three first names given. One reviewer points out that Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills, and feels the nickname is well deserved.
One person was in Kigali during a cycling championship and found the atmosphere there even more pleasant. Several people note that the cycling world championships will be held in Kigali in 2025.
No review mentions annoying traffic, noise, danger or litter. There are no negative remarks about the road either.
4.1 km • 179 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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