The ride
An easy, peaceful route through small-scale agriculture and horticulture, livestock farming and open landscape. The surface is a mix of wide dirt road and narrow path, which is why it works for both walkers and cyclists. Suitable for all skill levels — this is a countryside day out, not a technical ride.
Bikes and cycling gear are hired from the visitor centre in town, the restored Old King's Court. That is also where you arrange a guide.
Why this trail rather than the others
Because of what is at the end of it. Gatagara is where Rwanda's first modern pottery workshop operates, and where the Urumuri women's cooperative works in pottery, weaving and performance. The trail is the access route to both, and doing it by bike rather than by vehicle changes the arrival entirely.
The HVP Gatagara orthopaedic centre is also on this route. Combining the ride, the centre and the Urumuri visit makes for a full and unusually substantial day — one that covers craft, disability and community empowerment in a way no single stop would.
Practicalities
Two to three hours for the trail itself, plus two to three hours if you are doing a cooperative visit properly. Book the cooperative visits ahead through the visitor centre rather than turning up — the women need to know you are coming.