I am embarking on a three-month tour of Rwanda. My tentative plan is to spend three days and two nights in each district. This grand tour of the land of 1,000 Hills is flagged-off in Gasabo District, the nation’s birthplace.

Business or leisure? Well, in this industry, there is a thin line between the two. Speaking of leisure, I am kick-starting this mega expedition with a bowling game at Mamba Club in Kimihurura Sector.

I haven’t done any bowling since 2004. Yes, the last time I rolled the ball, George W. Bush was still serving his first term. My last game took place at the upscale Village Market in Nairobi, Kenya.

Today’s showdown brings together four participants, myself included. There is no trophy, but winning is everything. Driven by the quest for bragging rights, each one of us wants to win.

I start with a bang. My first throw in almost two decades is a strike. Unfortunately, the best I can do the rest of the way is picking up a spare. At the end of the game, I accumulate 95 points, good for second place.

This is the only bowling alley in Kigali. Apart from bowling, Mamba Club’s patrons indulge in a wide range of recreational activities — including volleyball, swimming, table tennis and pool. Plans are underway to upgrade the kids’ playing area in a bid to create a more conducive environment for families.

Furthermore, Mamba Youth Hostel offers affordable options without compromising standards. That explains its position as Kigali’s accommodation facility of choice for budget travelers hailing from all corners of the world.