When you're in Rwanda, the locals are always here to welcome you.
An important part of our philosophy and our work as a social enterprise consists of the development of diverse community-based tourism projects. Defined in a broad sense, their overall goal is to contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable development for local populations. Based on extensive research, we define poverty as 'deprivation of basic capabilities that prevents individuals to pursue what they have reason to value'.
In these projects, you can learn about the country's living culture, the joys and hardships of the people, and specific subjects of importance to the country's general development. Click on one of the following to learn more, or download one of the introductory brochures
Location: Nyanza Eco-zone
Time: 3 - 4 hours
What to expect: The Millennium Village Tour is a unique experience that introduces the development challenges and poverty traps in south-eastern Rwanda and the successful intervention package of the UN Millennium Villages Project. Visitors learn in hands-on ways about issues such as agriculture, education, health care, infrastructure and micro-enterprise development. This is combined with geographical and historical introductions, as well as cultural and culinary interaction. Most importantly, it is the locals themselves who present all these experiences through their own eyes.
To close the excursion, you’ll join a traditional ubusabane—a joyful community gathering in a reconciliation village where survivors, perpetrators, and returnees live side by side. You’ll hear firsthand testimonies from those affected by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, sharing how they now live and work together in harmony. The celebration includes traditional dance, local food, and drinks, shared in a spirit of healing and unity.
A truly educational experience, the tour touches on topics such as sustainable agriculture, education, health care, infrastructure, micro-enterprise development as well as peace building and reconciliation, while offering opportunities to authentically experience aspects of the local culture, including food, language and traditions.
Guided in part by local inhabitants, the tour offers very personal insights into the lives of the villagers while ensuring that the community and the individuals involved in tourism benefit from the initiative.
Location: Nyanza Eco-zone
Time: 3 - 4 hours
What to expect: The Millennium Village Tour is a unique experience that introduces the development challenges and poverty traps in south-eastern Rwanda and the successful intervention package of the UN Millennium Villages Project. Visitors learn in hands-on ways about issues such as agriculture, education, health care, infrastructure and micro-enterprise development. This is combined with geographical and historical introductions, as well as cultural and culinary interaction. Most importantly, it is the locals themselves who present all these experiences through their own eyes.
To close the excursion, you’ll join a traditional ubusabane—a joyful community gathering in a reconciliation village where survivors, perpetrators, and returnees live side by side. You’ll hear firsthand testimonies from those affected by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, sharing how they now live and work together in harmony. The celebration includes traditional dance, local food, and drinks, shared in a spirit of healing and unity.
Dufatanye Organization began as an association in 2003 and later became a Non-Governmental Organization in Rwanda. Initiated by 7 Rwandans who are the founding members, it is their vision to help the large number of people affected by malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, Genocide and poverty in the community.
This has been done through the Village of Hope Program where we construct kitchen gardens, carry out capacity building trainings, provide laying hens and fruit trees to every household within the village while teaching its members good agricultural practices..
Location: Nyanza Eco-zone
Time: 3 - 4 hours
What to expect: This community excursion is a unique experience that introduces you to the development challenges in Nyanza and the successful interventions of the Dufatanye organization. Cooperative members guide you through their farms, sharing their transformative agricultural practices that have enhanced their livelihoods and nutrition.
A visit to this hope giving initiative is a perfect moment to learn and experience traditional farming and try out your skills in getting tasty organic food on the table fresh from the farm. The highlight of the tour is tasting food prepared in an earthen stove and a cooking class where both the guests and hosts learn from each other before sharing lunch over intriguing conversations.
Dufatanye Organization began as an association in 2003 and later became a Non-Governmental Organization in Rwanda. Initiated by 7 Rwandans who are the founding members, it is their vision to help the large number of people affected by malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, Genocide and poverty in the community.
This has been done through the Village of Hope Program where we construct kitchen gardens, carry out capacity building trainings, provide laying hens and fruit trees to every household within the village while teaching its members good agricultural practices..
Place:Dufatanye Organization
Duration: 1 -2 hours
What to expect: The tourism experience offered by Women Environment Action at Dufatanye (WEAD) is centered around eco-craft and the upcycling of waste materials into saleable, eco-friendly souvenirs. Visitors can learn about the recycling process from the members of the project, who have been trained and empowered to share their skills and experiences. The focus is on preserving the environment and promoting sustainable practices. The experience offers a personal introduction to the process and the opportunity to support a self-help project for de-privileged women.The tour provides a hands-on and personal introduction to eco-craft and the impact it has on both income generation and environment protection.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic's far-reaching impacts such as illness, job loss, and emotional strain, WEAD (Women Environment Action at Dufatanye) emerged in 2021. The initiative identified 14 women struggling with unemployment, health issues, and family tensions to engage in an eco-crafts training program.
WEAD's mission is twofold: safeguarding the environment while establishing a dependable livelihood by converting waste into marketable ornaments such as figurines, bowls, and jewelry.
This venture has not only provided the women with earnings but also fostered new friendships, initiated a savings collective, and rekindled hope. As a stepping stone, this project aspires to be the genesis of a series of initiatives dedicated to environmental conservation. Your assistance in any form is warmly welcomed and greatly valued.
Location: Gatagara
Duration: 2-3 hours
What to expect:This first modern pottery establishment in Rwanda offers the visitor a unique opportunity to learn about and interact with this once marginalized but now forward-looking indigenous community. Your hosts introduce you to their historical and cultural background and prepare you for the interaction with the community.
The demonstration features the mixing of clay and water, the actual forming of the products and the burning of pottery in the traditional kiln. The empowerment of Gatagara Members goes far beyond the opportunities to share their culture with foreign visitors and gain important financial benefits, they serve as an exemplary marginalised community that is now fully integrated in all area’s social life and structures. .
Located in Rwanda's southern Nyanza district, Gatagara stands as a prominent pottery workshop renowned for its exceptional ceramic craftsmanship. Boasting a team of 11 skilled artisans under the guidance of President Jean Pierre, Gatagara has earned its reputation as a hub for finely crafted ceramics.
The workshop's prime location is blessed with the presence of superior clay, known for its durability, ensuring the creation of ceramics that endure the test of time.
At Gatagara, the intricate art of ceramic crafting unfolds through a meticulous process. Nature's offerings – clay, sand, and chalk – are thoughtfully blended and left to dry. From this humble beginning, artisans shape their visions on pottery wheels.
Patiently, the forms are left to air-dry for a week or more, awaiting their transformation. The next step brings vibrant life as colors are brushed onto the pieces before they face the kiln's transformative fire.
The glaze on Gatagara's pieces is made from natural ingredients, such as ash, chalk, red small stones, and sand, and the blue color is achieved through the use of cobalt oxide blue.
Gatagara's future goals include opening up selling points in different parts of Rwanda, mainly in Kigali, and continuing to learn new techniques by attending art exhibition
Location: Gatagara
Duration: 2-3 hours
The members of the Urumuri Cooperative are harnessing their famous traditional skills of pottery and performing arts to make a living. Visit Urumuri Cooperative and be welcomed by vibrantly drumming and dancing women and excitingly waving and smiling children. These women are keen and excited to portray their passionately performed artistic skills that make them famous in the area.
What to expect: Join in the vibrant tapestry of cultural life in the Urumuri community, where age-old traditions of dance, song, and pottery thrive alongside innovative practices in pottery, weaving, and waste recycling.
The palpable pride exuding from their performances captivates visitors from the instant they step foot in the village. As you delve into this immersive experience, some cooperative members will skillfully showcase pottery craftsmanship, while others serenade you with music and artistry, creating an engaging tapestry of cultural expression.
Venturing along the Gatagara Trail provides a chance to explore the Urumuri Cooperative. This enriching experience can be seamlessly combined with a visit to the HVP Gatagara Orthopedic Center, unveiling unique insights. The trail winds through picturesque Rwandan landscapes, and a stop at the orthopedic center unveils stories of empowerment for marginalized communities, narrating their journey towards a life of dignity.
Pairing this experience with a visit to the Urumuri Cooperative underscores the pivotal role of traditional skills and cultural heritage in community empowerment. Exploring the cooperative offers a profound insight into the significance of safeguarding these traditions and their potential impact on local communities, both economically and socially.
Collectively, engaging in a hike along the Gatagara Trail, exploring the HVP Gatagara Orthopedic Center, and delving into the Urumuri Cooperative visit creates a comprehensive and enlightening journey.
Location: Kings Palace Museum
Duration: 1-3 hours
What to expect: Embark on a cultural journey at Nyanza's King's Palace, an essential stop for anyone intrigued by Rwanda's profound cultural legacy. A highlight of this visit is the mesmerizing performance by the renowned Isonga Cultural Troupe, formerly recognized as the National Ballet. This esteemed troupe stands as one of Rwanda's most ancient and accomplished traditional performance ensembles.
Through captivating displays of dance, sports, cultural games, drumming, and dance lessons, the troupe unveils a diverse spectrum of performances and royal rituals, offering an authentic glimpse into Rwanda's rich heritage.
Experience the rhythmic pulse of heavy drumbeats and the mesmerizing Intore Warrior dance, along with the graceful women's dance paying tribute to the iconic royal long-horned cows, a quintessential symbol of Rwanda's culture. .
A visit to King's Palace in Nyanza, Rwanda is a must for those interested in experiencing the country's rich cultural heritage. One highlight of the visit is a performance by the Isonga Cultural Troupe, previously known as the National Ballet, who are considered one of Rwanda's oldest and best traditional performance groups.
The troupe showcases a variety of performances and royal rituals, including dance, sports, cultural games, drumming, and dance lessons. Visitors will be charmed by the lively sights and sounds of ancient Rwanda, from the resonating drumbeats and the Intore Warrior dance to the graceful women's dance that honors the royal long-horned cows – a quintessential symbol of Rwanda's culture.
Experience Rwanda's heritage through an authentic cultural encounter at the King's Palace, highlighted by the mesmerizing performance of the Isonga Cultural Troupe.
