A couple of days ago, I shared the thrill of my exhilarating ride from Nyagatare to Rukomo. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. From Rukomo junction, I set my wheels in motion once again, twisting the throttle toward a village known as Maya—tucked away about twenty kilometers before the Gatuna border post.
Once I veered off the tarmac, I made a well-deserved pit stop at Heroes View Lodge. There, with a steaming cup of African tea in hand, I let my gaze wander across the rolling northern hills and the lush, endless expanse of Mulindi’s tea plantations. It was the kind of view that makes you forget to check your watch.
Speaking of heroes, this area cradles the National Liberation Museum Park—Umulindi w’Intwari. Having featured it in my book Memories, I gave it a pass this time, tipping my hat from afar. I’ll return when the museum, currently undergoing a massive facelift, unveils its new look to the world.
My compass pointed to Ikiraro k’Inyambo, a cultural gem nestled in Kaniga Sector. The off-road stretch from Mulindi to the site was a visual treat—a scenic ribbon of earth winding through nature’s gallery. Over the seven-kilometer trail, I paused twice for water breaks at carefully chosen viewpoints, each one offering a postcard-worthy glimpse of the terrain.
Upon arrival, I strolled leisurely around the site, soaking up the charm of the hilltop and its serene surroundings. From that lofty perch, I watched the highway snake its way toward Gatuna, carving its path through the green tapestry below. In the distance, the mist-kissed hills of Gicumbi, Rulindo, Gakenke, Burera, Musanze, and even parts of southwestern Uganda undulated like waves frozen mid-sway. And on a clear day, if you're lucky, you might catch Muhabura piercing the clouds—its summit standing tall at over 13,000 feet above sea level.
It’s remarkable how the Northern Province keeps its verdant glow, even when the rest of the country is baking in the dry season. Over the next ten days or so, I’ll be spinning my spokes across all five districts of this highland haven—Rwanda’s rooftop. So, keep your eyes peeled—there’s more to come, and the road ahead promises stories worth telling.