The Congo Nile Trail shouldn’t be about scenic views only; you better make it a journey into our region’s rich cultural traditions! One of the more memorable experiences along the way is discovering urwagwa, the traditional banana beer.
Just 10 km/6 mi from the Koko River, a short detour brings you to the Koko Centre. Here, you’ll get a glimpse into daily life, including local farming practices. Bananas, a staple crop, are the heart of some special beer brewing.
Visitors can explore the farms, learn how to select the perfect fruit, and even join in the harvest. Everything is done by hand, from peeling each banana to mashing them in wooden troughs to extract the juice.
The magic happens during fermentation. Roasted and ground sorghum, prepared using a traditional urusyo (grinding stone), is added to the juice to start the transformation into beer. After about three days, the beer is ready to taste. Fresh urwagwa is slightly sweet, but it matures into a drier brew with time.
Tasting it is a shared tradition, often enjoyed during celebrations and gatherings, and one that you mustn’t miss!
🖋️ text and 📸 photography by:
Enock Musabyimana is a tour guide from Gisenyi who started his career leading hikers on the Congo Nile Trail. Over the years, Enock has expanded his networks and knowledge of East Africa, becoming comfortable in any environment. A passionate preacher and a proud father of three boys, he lives in Kigali, Rwanda. [bio updated: 2026-03]