Rwanda Unveils First Silverback Ride Motorbike Tour to Showcase Adventure and Culture

Rwanda on Wednesday evening launched the inaugural ‘Silverback Ride Rwanda Motorbike Tour’, a four-day adventure from Kigali to Lake Kivu in Rubavu, aimed at promoting adventure tourism and showcasing the country’s scenic landscapes.

Organizers and partners hope the event will become an annual celebration of adventure, culture, and tourism, attracting riders from across the region and beyond. Running from September 4 to 7, the tour offers participants the chance to explore Rwanda’s diverse terrain, vibrant culture, and renowned hospitality, while highlighting the nation as a safe and exciting destination for motorbike enthusiasts.

The launch event in Kigali drew bikers, tourism enthusiasts, and media representatives. Organizers emphasized that the initiative is not a one-off ride but the start of a lasting tradition.

“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,” organizers said.

Maria Casimiro, CEO of Silverback Events Management, highlighted the importance of collaboration in bringing the tour to life. “At Silverback, we believe business is not just about transactions; it is about relationships. Relationships are the threads that bind us across industries, across borders, and across cultures,” she said, acknowledging key partners including the Rwanda Development Board.

“The launch is more than the beginning of a project. It’s a declaration: we are here for the long haul,” Casimiro added.

Riders shared their enthusiasm for the event. Steven Mukisa, a Ugandan biker, praised Rwanda’s road infrastructure. “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,” he said.

Mokisa added that Rwanda is among the safest countries for motorbike enthusiasts. “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 noted.

Captain Alan Mutumba described riding as both a passion and a form of therapy. “Bikers are the most humble and gentle people. When we get angry, we don’t put our hands on others. 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.

Safety remains a priority. 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.”

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.”

As riders departed Kigali on Thursday morning, the event marked more than a journey. It celebrated Rwanda’s natural beauty, rich culture, and growing global appeal on two wheels.