The sky was slowly fading into twilight as I cruised along the Kigali–Musanze highway. Three days on the road had filled me with the kind of fatigue that only adventure can bring — the good kind. From a game drive in Akagera to a peaceful night on La Paillotte Cyuza Island, and then to the shores of Lake Kivu for a jet ski thrill — it had been a journey stitched together by Rwanda’s breathtaking contrasts.
Somewhere in Gakenke District, that familiar craving crept in — the quiet call of coffee. I spotted SŌOKO Xperiences, a sleek roadside café glowing softly against the evening light. It felt like the universe knew exactly what I needed.
Inside, the air was rich with the scent of freshly ground beans. Soft music played in the background as I ordered a cappuccino — simple, comforting, and exactly right for the moment. Each sip seemed to steady the rhythm of the road still humming in my veins.
I leaned back, letting the warmth of the cup seep through my fingers. There’s something about these roadside pauses — they’re more than breaks. They’re quiet conversations between the traveler and the journey itself.
When I finally stepped out, the night had deepened. The road to Kigali still waited, but I felt lighter — refueled not just by caffeine, but by a renewed sense of calm. Because sometimes, the best part of the journey isn’t the destination — it’s those moments of bliss along the way.