8 Days
Community Based Tourism Tour: Africa Natural Safari
AFRICA
NATURAL SAFARI (The best tour company in Tanzania)
Specialized
in: Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism,
and Beach holidays and
Mountain
climbing
Contact
+255 653 679 958
8 Days Community Based Tourism Tour
Day 1: ARRIVAL - KIGALI, RWANDA
Arrival
in Kigali - welcome by your tour guide - check-in at hotel - optional afternoon
activities (depending on time of arrival)- overnight at hotel of your choice. Overnight
at Solace guest house
Day 2: KIGALI CITY TOUR &
GENOCIDE SITES
Start
historical-minded exploration of Kigali with visits to landmarks from colonial,
post colonial, independence era, genocide and the current times by visiting
places such as Kigali Solaire, Stade regionale, Kigali Genocide memorial site,
Kandt Museum, Belgian camp, presidential palace etc. Transfer to Bugesera in
the afternoon to visit the reconciliation village, Nyamata and Ntarama genocide
churches. Overnight at Solace guest house.
Day 3: PASTORALIST VILLAGE TOUR
Pastoralist
Heritage: The culture of pastoralist has been hereditary; the social
characteristics of the Rwandese pastoralists can still be traced in parts of
the eastern province in Gatsibo district and Nyagatare district. The rural life
in these villages elegantly and conventionally gives a very unique experience
about the culture of grazing, introduces you to the history and values of cows
in Rwanda including the INYAMBO cows which were very significant in many
cultural festivals brought up by Kigwa. The beauty of a cow is exhibited in the
cultural dances of Rwanda. The tour takes to the pastoralist village where
observe and participate in the tradition cattle grazing; get ready to make your
own traditional rain coat from grass, learn how to milk with your own hands and
no machines here. After milking, the pastoralist will show you different
calabashes used in preserving milk and qualification it take to make one; this
goes in line with norms of handling calabashes, drinking milk etc. Milk is used
in different ways for example taken fresh after milking, fermented to make
yoghurt in a traditional way and the unforgettable experience of making ghee
which ends with cooking local food with you own ghee and eating your own ghee.
Tour ends with visiting some monuments left behind by the former kings. Home
stay in the village of the hosts.
Day 4: IMIGONGO TRADIONAL ARTISANRY:
IMIGONGO
TOUR: The tour introduces our visitors to the unique modeling and paintings
called IMIGONGO literally meaning backs or back in singular; developed by the
Rwandese society long time ago around 1500years by Prince Kakira the son of
King KIMENYI of Gisaka kingdom part of the great Rwandan kingdom in current
eastern province. Kakira invented the idea of embellishing and making more
attractive art designs for decorations in the houses. They use cow dung from
calves and mix it with ash and then make different designs ranging from the
back of elephant, elbow designs to mention but a few because the designs come
from their memories about different things or items etc. They have over ten
different designs with well documented interpretations.
The
colors used come from natural soils and plants for instance white comes from
kaolin, red from natural clay soil forming ochre, the black color from the sap
of the aloe plant- Igikakarubamba mixed with ash of peeled banana and solanum
aculeastrum plant - Umutobotobo. This type of art craft is very unique and only
found in Rwanda. The other important part of the tour is that, it's helping in
maintaining this culture from where it originated since we discovered that this
cultural practice of IMIGOGO was fading out in the community but after
introducing the tours, the community members are now getting back to their
traditional art craft practices as it helps in preserving the culture, provide
incomes to the members of the community. Overnight at Solace guest house.
Day 5: Ethno Botany Tours:
Acquire
traditional skills and methods used in identifying diseases and the traditional
remedies. Go into the field with traditional healers and learn on how the
seeds, leaves, barks, roots and fruits can be used to cure a number of diseases
by mixing or not mixing them. Insects, lianas, lichens etc all play a
significant role. In the afternoon; visit a local home where the women share
their experiences in making traditional dishes. Home stay.
Banana and Sorghum beer production:
Banana
and sorghum are some of our staple food products in Rwanda and they are used in
different ways i.e.as food, local beer/drinks and very important in the
cultural practices most especially during our traditional weddings ceremonies,
settling of disputes between community members, bonding relationship between
different families etc. Rwanda has four different species of banana plants and
each species of banana plant has got unique uses and values; practically, the
visitors will learn and understand while in the field. Sorghum production is
quite complicated but made simple to experience and really a thrilling
experience. Overnight at La Pailotte hotel
Visit Kinigi Cultural Village:
Get
to understand the culture of the Rwandese through their daily life and
knowledge of the environment, poetry, folklores, dancing, singing, pottery and
the theoretical hunt gathering skills. It's one of the thrilling experiences
and very adventurous as you try to adapt to the traditional hut homes and
lifestyle. Overnight at La Paillotte hotel
DAY 6: GORILLA TREKKING
Volcanoes
National Park:
After
breakfast we transfer to the park. After completing our park formalities we are
embark on a once in a life time experience of tracking mountain gorillas. Once
you spot them you are allowed to spend an hour watching your closest long lost
cousin. This is perhaps one of the most breathtaking wildlife experiences on
earth!!! You get so close to these awesome giant primates. You stare at each
other blankly not knowing who to break the long silence first. Tracking the
gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga is a
magical experience. Be back at the base in time for lunch! Some gorilla families
however are more elusive and tracking can take a full day, especially when it
is wet and muddy. Overnight at St. Anne hotel or La Paillotte hotel
DAY 7: NATURE WALKS OR MOUNTAIN
CLIMBING
Volcanoes
National Park:
OPTION ONE: After breakfast we transfer to the park. After completing
our park formalities we are embark on a thrilling nature walk to enjoy the
magnificent afro-mountain forests; the birds, butterflies, flowers, rivers,
streams and lakes inside the park.
Depending
on the time you get back from nature walks; you will either rest in the
afternoon or go visit the village of formerly "Historically marginalized
people" in Rwanda.
OPTION TWO: Visit Diana Fossey tombs or hike Mountain Bisoke, Mgahinga
or Muhabura
OPTION THREE: Early breakfast at 6:30am, then go search for the rare
golden monkeys
Overnight
at St. Anne hotel or La Paillotte hotel
DAY 8: TRANSFER TO KIGALI
Transfer
to Kigali, en-route stop at local markets to buy some sourvenirs. Transfer to
Airport.
For more information visit www.africanaturaltours.com
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