Ironman Triathlon Rwanda Edition. Discovery Journeys

What To Know About Rwanda The Host of Ironman 70.3 Edition

Visit Rwanda, Land of A Thousand Hills

Rwanda is scheduled to host the Ironman Triathlon this year. Ironman Triathlon is a series of long-distance multi-sport races that comprise cycling, swimming, and running various distances. Races start at 7:00 am lasting for about 16 to 17.  Participants are expected to have completed their race of the different activities they are competing for during that time.

The cut-off time for the swimming competition for example is 2 hours 20 minutes covering 3.86 kilometers. Participants have transition cut-off times. The whole race and competition has to fall within 16 to 17 hours from the time athletes’ begin. Those who successfully make it and finish within that time frame are designated Ironmen.

Ironman Triathlon started in the late 1970s. There was a debate about whom among the runners, swimmers and cyclists is more fit. With this, then U.S. Commander John Collins suggested that there should be a race combining all three major competitions. The winner of any race within a particular time was to be given the title Ironman.

Gordon Haller was the first person to win the title having finished his race within 11 hours, 46 minutes, and 58 seconds. The competition gained attention since then as more participants from all over the world showed interest. 

Ironman Triathlon Today

The Ironman Triathlon competition is still vibrant and even more popular today. Its format and organization have not changed and it is now organized in different parts of the world. Hawaii is the pioneer place where the first Ironman Triathlon took place. The Hawaiian competition is much honored and regarded as the most prestigious of all.

Rwanda is the first African country to host the Ironman triathlon event. It is scheduled to place on the 5th of August. It will be a qualification competition for the 2024 VinFast Ironman 70.3 World Championships slated for the 14th & 15th of December 2024.

About Rwanda

The Land Of A Thousand Hills

Rwanda is a mountainous and it is this background it is referred to as the land of a thousand hills. These make a beautiful landscape and shape the scenery of the country. While traversing Rwanda you can not help but admire this and the well-maintained greenery even in Kigali. In this upcoming Ironman edition, you will even get more chances of exploring the country.

Best Mountain Gorilla Trekking Destination

Rwanda is home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are endemic to the East African forests of Bwindi and the Virunga massif. They only live in the Virunga mountains and the Bwindi impenetrable forest and Sarambwe reserve. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga massif along with Mgahinga Gorilla Park and Virunga National Park.

The mountain gorilla population is currently estimated at 1100 individuals.  Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is one the best places to see them. It is located in the North Western part of the country about a 3-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. It has 20 gorilla families but only 12 are fully habituated and open to tourism. 

Only 8 people are allowed to track a mountain gorilla family per day. For the best Discovery Journeys adventures in Volcanoes National Park, we recommend a 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour. It features mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and excisions to the gorilla guardian village, and the Ellen Campus. The 1 Day Rwanda Tour and 2 Days Gorilla Tour options are ideal for those who have limted time. Rwanda safari tours featuring gorilla trekking are highly recommended.

There are few gorilla trekking slots available at the moment but you can Contact us for more information.

Has One of Africa's Oldest Forest

Nyungwe Forest one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. It is located in southwestern Rwanda about a 6-hour drive from Kigali city. The forest is believed to have survived the last ice age. It is home to a several wildlife species with 13 primates including chimpanzees. Nyungwe forest has diverse and unique plant species most of which are seen while on guided nature walks.

Chimpanzee trekking is the most popular primate trekking adventure here. Other primate treks like colobus monkey trekking are also doable. Nyungwe is Rwanda’s most Important Birding Area with over 300 bird species including Albertine Rift Valley endemics. Birding safaris in Nyungwe are rewarding as you encounter endemics that do not occur in any other place. Nyungwe has East Africa’s highest canopy walkway.  Canopy walk adventures can be done alongside other Discovery Journeys in the forested park.  On the canopy walk you get to see wildlife species that stay in the top canopy layers of the forest.

Nyungwe forest can be explored independently in a 4 to 5-day tour. Our 5-day Rwanda Tour is the ultimate Rwanda primate trekking tour with chimpanzees, mountain gorillas and golden monkey trekking. The 10-day Rwanda Safari is more extensive featuring Nyungwe, Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera National Park. This Ironman Triathlon is a great opportunity to take on Rwanda safari adventures and exclusive Journeys of Discovery.

Where to Stay

Rwanda Safari destinations have a wide range of accommodation options. These range from budget to high-end luxury safari lodges. Notable luxury lodges in Volcanoes National Park include Bisate, Sabyinyo Silverback, Amakoro Songa and Bishops House. Deluxe lodging options include Da Vinci Lodge, the Five Volcanoes and Ingagi Parkview Lodge. These are strategically located near the park with easy access to the park headquarters ahead of any safari adventure.

Beyond the Ironman Triathlon, Rwanda has exciting adventures to offer and can be visited any time of the year. Follow us for latest updates about any up coming events in the land of a thousand hills. 

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