Rwanda’s first-ever Silverback Motorbike Tour concludes with scenic rides and conservation spirit

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

The first-ever Silverback Motorbike Tour in Rwanda, which brought together bikers from Uganda, Zimbabwe, the UK and the host country, concluded on Sunday, September 7, after an adventurous week-long ride across scenic routes that linked Kigali to Musanze, Rubavu, and beyond.

Organized by Silverback Event Management, the tour was not only a thrilling adventure on two wheels but also a cultural and conservation-driven journey that coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony.

A number of bikers from four countries took part, turning heads along the highways and introducing a fresh twist to Rwanda’s growing tourism offerings.

A blend of adventure and conservation

Ignatius Mugabo, Chairman of Silverback Event Management, described the maiden event as a resounding success.

“It actually exceeded our goals and expectations,” Mugabo said. “The link with tourism and Kwita Izina was incredible. It was the highlight of the whole experience, and we loved the community spirit at the ceremony. We are very happy to be part of it and we look forward to expanding this event to let more people enjoy the beauty of Rwanda on two wheels.”

The bikers crisscrossed picturesque landscapes, riding from Kigali’s well-organized boulevards to the lush green hills of Musanze and onward to Rubavu on the shores of Lake Kivu. The ride combined leisure with cultural immersion, including an evening at Red Rocks Cultural Center, where participants enjoyed traditional drumming, dancing, and local hospitality.

Mugabo noted that organizing the tour in just three months came with challenges, especially convincing partners and participants to join a brand-new event.

“Of course, you cannot organize something like this without challenges,” he explained. “But the hurdles were not insurmountable, and the success of the event proves it can only grow bigger.”

Voices from the road

Among the participants was Jonathan Travis from Uganda, a member of Uganda Bikers, the country’s main motorcycle club. For him, the experience was both eye-opening and memorable.

“Wow, of course it’s a great experience,” Travis said with a smile. “The roads are so clean, no humps, no potholes. Kigali is such a clean and organized city compared to Kampala. Riding all the way to Musanze and Rubavu was a smooth, enjoyable experience with no accidents or issues.”

For Travis, the ride was more than just about motorcycles — it was also about discovery.

“I really enjoyed the Kwita Izina event. I didn’t know about it before, but it opened my eyes to the importance of protecting gorillas as endangered species. It’s such a powerful reminder that conservation must go hand in hand with tourism.”

Along the way, Travis interacted with locals at markets near the Congo-Rwanda border, bought crafts, and was mesmerized by Rwandan traditional dance groups.

A night spent at Red Rocks Cultural Center stood out as a highlight.

“The gardens, the camping grounds, the drums, the music — it was simple but unforgettable,” he recalled.

Still, he admitted there were small adjustments to make.

“Coming from Uganda where we don’t have speed cameras, it took some getting used to in Kigali. But I understand — the sharp corners and beautiful roads need safety measures. Rwanda really has the best roads in Africa.”

Travis added that his biggest takeaway was how much Uganda could learn from Rwanda’s infrastructure achievements.

“I wish our government could study what Rwanda has done and implement the same back home. Traveling teaches you lessons you can’t learn elsewhere.”

Richard Ruzibiza Nahimana, who splits his time between Gahanga, Kigali, and London, said biking gives him a sense of freedom akin to driving a cabriolet with the top down. “When you ride, you have this exceptional feeling,” he said. “Unfortunately, my bike had engine trouble during the tour, so I couldn’t go far, but the spirit of the group kept me excited. Riding with others who share the same passion is a big fun, just like in Europe at events such as Daytona or Harley Davidson rallies.”

Ruzibiza urged more Rwandans to embrace motorsport culture. “In other countries, people come out in numbers for such events, but here we still lack that spirit,” he explained. “The media should help promote it, and we need sponsors to grow this adventure. Rwanda has the potential to host world-class biking events.”

Tourism innovation on two wheels

For Rwanda, the motorbike tour represents a new dimension in tourism. Motorbikes are a common mode of transport across the country, yet transforming them into a motor sport linked to conservation marks an innovative step forward.

“As Rwandans, and for Rwanda as a country, this means a lot,” Mugabo emphasized. “We are used to bicycles for sport and motorbikes for daily transport. But this is the first time we’ve turned motorbikes into a tourism and conservation attraction. It’s a new addition to Rwanda’s tourism products.”

The tour’s timing with Kwita Izina further elevated its profile. The annual gorilla naming ceremony, attended by global leaders, conservationists, and celebrities, symbolized the broader spirit of unity between adventure tourism and wildlife preservation.

Looking ahead

Mugabo confirmed that Silverback Event Management is already planning for the future.

“The trick is to start early. We are going to begin planning straight away for the next tour,” he revealed. “Next time, we want to attract more bikers from more countries — beyond Uganda, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and the UK. This is going to be broader, more vibrant, and even more impactful.”

He also credited the success of the event to the partners who believed in the idea, including SPAR Supermarket, Kikao Lounge, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), which offered the bikers a special invitation to Kwita Izina. Other key supporters included Paramount Hotel, Nirvana Resort & Spa (Kivu), Dragon Trails, Kigali Motorbike Hire, Red Rocks Rwanda, Royal FM, Royal Radio, MB Safari, and The Kigufi hotel. 

“Our reception from local people was magnificent,” said Richard Golds, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. “At every turn, whether from sponsors or ordinary Rwandans, we had support. For a first-time tour, there were challenges — coordinating schedules and linking the ride to Kwita Izina — but our team and bikers made it a true success.”

Golds said riding through Rwanda on two wheels brought an unmatched sense of freedom and drew attention from communities along the route. “If we had gone around in cars, we wouldn’t have received the same welcome. People were excited, curious, and supportive. It created a buzz that shows this can grow into something bigger.”

A journey to remember

As the engines fell silent in Kigali at the end of the journey, the bikers reflected not only on the joy of riding Rwanda’s smooth highways but also on the friendships, cultural exchanges, and conservation lessons gained along the way.

For Travis and others, the week-long adventure left a lasting impression.

“Traveling is the best teacher,” he said. “I’ve learned so much from the people I met and the experiences we shared. These are lessons I’ll carry with me forever.”

With its successful debut, the Silverback-Ride Rwanda Motorbike Tour has paved the way for Rwanda to embrace motorbike adventures as a niche tourism product — one that merges adrenaline, culture, and conservation.

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