Mur de Kigali is a climb of 5.1 kilometers (category 3). Mur de Kigali tops out at 1,511 m above sea level. It is located in Kigali, n/a, Rwanda. The average gradient is 3.5% with a maximum of 11.1%. The climb has 179 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: Over 5.1 km with 179 m of elevation gain, averaging 3.5%, the Mur de Kigali remains a Category 3 climb. The real work is concentrated in the first 2.5 km, with gradients of 6 to 8%, the hardest section being km 1.0-1.5 at 8%. After that, the profile becomes more rolling, with stretches at 1%, then 0% from km 3.5-4.5, before a short descent at -1% over km 4.5-5.0.
Pacing tips:
1. Don't go out too hard. The km 0.0-0.5 section at 6% tempts you to set a high tempo, but keep a steady cadence so you reach the base of the 8% ramp with your head clear.
2. Recover on km 0.5-1.0. This section at just 1% is the perfect moment to recover some energy and get ready for the km 1.0-1.5 section at 8%.
3. Pick up the pace on the flat, km 3.5-4.0. After the 4% section on km 3.0-3.5, use the 0% stretch to find a good rhythm again before the finish of the climb.
Those who have climbed the Kigali Wall say the climb is less hard than they imagined. It's short but very steep, and several riders' reports stress that gradient.
The road is cobbled, and one rider finds them well laid. Watch out, though, for the water drainage channels halfway up, especially with narrow tyres.
Out there, people come for more than just the bike. They say you can stroll around, buy traditional crafts, relax under the nice trees and enjoy the fresh air. Others go jogging there in the morning and evening.
The climb has been used by the Tour du Rwanda, and riders describe it as impressive.
Opinions on the atmosphere aren't all mellow: one comment calls for more respect and fewer attacks, without saying who or what it's about.
5.1 km • 179 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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