This 6-day culture and community safari in Rwanda goes beyond typical safaris to immerse you in Rwanda’s vibrant cultures and communities, norma and cuisine. From Kigali’s poignant history to rural village life near Volcanoes National Park, and from Nyungwe’s forest-edge communities to Lake Kivu’s fishing villages, you’ll engage in authentic exchanges while supporting local initiatives. The itinerary balances cultural activities with stunning landscapes and optional wildlife encounters.
Your experience begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport. After settling into your boutique hotel, embark on a "Storytellers Tour" of the city - visiting genocide memorials with survivor guides, artisan cooperatives reviving traditional crafts, and sampling Rwandan cuisine at a women-run restaurant. Evening cultural performance at Inema Arts Center.
Morning drive to Musanze with stop at a women's banana beer cooperative. Afternoon spent with a local family - participate in farming activities, traditional cooking lessons, and storytelling around the fire. Overnight at a community-owned eco-lodge where profits fund local schools.
Full day at this award-winning community project near Volcanoes NP. Participate in:
Traditional dance and drumming workshops
Banana fiber weaving demonstrations
"Warrior for a Day" experience (archery, spear throwing)
Shared lunch with village elders
Scenic drive south with stop at Rwanda's oldest tea plantation for a "Tea Master" experience. Afternoon visit to a forest-edge village for medicinal plant walks with traditional healers and honey harvesting demonstrations. Overnight at community-run forest lodge.
Morning boat trip with local fishermen learning traditional techniques. Afternoon at a women's basket-weaving cooperative (meet artisans behind Rwanda's famous peace baskets). Sunset canoe ride to fishermen's island for fresh tilapia dinner.
Morning visit to a Kigali youth center teaching traditional arts. Optional last-minute craft shopping at Caplaki market. Airport transfer with farewell gift from community partners.
