Rwanda launches Inaugural Silverback Ride Rwanda Motorbike Tour to boost adventure tourism

Elias Hakizimana Sep 4, 2025Sep 4, 2025 0 Comments

By Elias Hakizimana.

Rwanda on Wednesday evening launched the inaugural ‘Silverback Ride Rwanda Motorbike Tour’, a four-day journey from Kigali to Lake Kivu in Rubavu.

Organizers and partners hope the event will become an annual celebration of adventure, tourism, and cultural connection.

Running from September 4 to 7, the tour will allow riders to explore Rwanda’s landscapes, culture, and hospitality while promoting the country as a safe and exciting destination.

The launch event, held at Paramount Hotel, attracted bikers, tourism enthusiasts, and media representatives.

**Silverback Management Team with The African Finder at the Official Inaugural Silverback ‘Ride Rwanda Motorbike Tour’**

Organizers emphasized that the initiative is more than a single ride.

“This is not just an event; it’s the beginning of a tradition, an annual celebration that will bring together bikers, adventurers, and friends from across the globe to experience the beauty and spirit of Rwanda,” they said.

John Magara of Airtel Rwanda, the guest of honor and communications partner for the tour, expressed excitement about supporting the initiative. “I look forward to discovering Rwanda alongside you gentlemen. I hope you can capture and express the essence of Rwanda and spread it across the entire market. I also encourage our media partners to ride along and show Rwanda to the world,” he said.

Maria CASIMIRO, CEO of Silverback Events Management, highlighted the importance of collaboration in bringing the event to life. “At Silverback, we believe business is not just about transactions; it is relationships. Relationships are the threads that bind us across industries, across borders, and across cultures,” she said, acknowledging partners such as the Rwanda Development Board, Royal FM, Paramount Hotel, Nirvana, Kigali Motorbike Tours, Simba Africa, and Airtel Rwanda.

“The launch is more than the beginning of a project – it’s a declaration: We are here for the long haul.” She added.

**Maria Casimiro, CEO of Silverback Events Management, speaks at the launch, stressing the importance of collaboration and long-term commitment.**

Royal FM CEO Aissa Cyiza added that the tour represents a fresh chapter in Rwanda’s tourism promotion. “Through biking, visitors will discover our country’s beauty in a unique and exciting way. I am honored to be part of this initiative and to showcase Rwanda’s culture and destinations to the world,” she said.

Riders shared their enthusiasm for the tour. Ugandan biker Stephen Mokisa praised Rwanda’s infrastructure, noting, “What we like most are the curves on the road. The air is so clean, and the roads are awesome. Every time we return home, we talk about how good the riding experience here is.”

Captain Alan Mutumba described riding as both passion and therapy. “Bikers are the most humble and gentle men. When we get angry, we don’t put our hands on people—we put our hands on our bikes and ride 500 kilometers. Riding is like a painkiller for us. I’ve ridden around Rwanda before, but I’m still excited to do it again,” he said.

Organizers emphasized safety. Richard Golds, COO of Silverback Events Management, explained, “Biking can be dangerous—not so much what we do, but what happens in front of us. A support vehicle with refreshments, repair kits, a first-aid officer, and a fire marshal will accompany the tour. We’ve covered those risks to make this a wonderful journey we can repeat year after year.”

**Silverback Management Team with The African Finder at the Official Launch of The Silverback Ride Rwanda Motorbike Tour**

Silverback Events Management leaders Ignatius Mugabo, Chairman, and Richard Golds praised the turnout and potential of the event. “The enthusiasm from bikers and the audience exceeded expectations,” Mugabo said.

Golds added, “This launch is just a taster. The next edition must be bigger, with more regional and international riders. Bikers are like a family, and that fraternity has fully supported us.”

Ugandan rider Styven Mukisa said returning to Rwanda felt like home.

“Rwanda is very exciting. It’s one of the safest places to ride because speed limits are enforced. The country is full of curves, hills, and mountains, so the scenery keeps you engaged. Riding here is calm and enjoyable compared to Kampala or Nairobi,” he said, highlighting his three-wheeler, Nalongo, which he described as a blessing on Rwanda’s winding roads.

With support from partners across tourism, hospitality, and media, the Rwanda Ride Motorbike Tour positions Rwanda as a regional hub for adventure tourism.

As riders departed Kigali on Thursday morning, the event signaled more than a journey—it was a celebration of Rwanda’s beauty, culture, and global appeal on two wheels.