Millennium Village Bugesera The Reconciliation Tour
Ntarama, RW
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Interactive experience with local community
- Insightful tour on successful poverty interventions
- Authentic cultural immersion through food and traditions
- Personal stories of reconciliation and harmony
- Traditional dancing and local drinks celebration
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Duration 6 hours
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Private Transportation included
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Lunch included
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Guided by local inhabitants
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Bottled water provided
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Entry to Ntarama Church included
Embark on an eye-opening journey with the Millennium Village Bugesera Reconciliation Tour, a unique experience that delves into the UN Millennium Villages Project and the fight against poverty in African communities. Learn about successful interventions in sustainable agriculture, education, healthcare, and more while immersing yourself in local culture through food, language, and traditions. Led by local guides, this tour offers a personal look into the lives of villagers, ensuring that the community benefits from tourism. Enjoy a traditional ubusabane ceremony with community members, cultural troupes, and testimonies from both victims and perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. With inclusions like bottled water, guided fees, and local banana wine, this tour promises a meaningful and enlightening experience.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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7 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English, French
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Discover Rwanda's resilience and culture on the Millennium Village Bugesera Reconciliation Tour, a unique journey into community development and healing.
Included
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OtherBottled Water -
LunchYou will be hosted with one of the locals for lunch in one of their homes after a cooking lesson
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OtherEntry/Admission - Nyamata Church
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OtherGuiding fees and Tour Guide
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OtherPeace basket (gift)
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OtherContribution to community development fund
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OtherLocal banana wine
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OtherPrivate Transportation
Excluded
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OtherAirport parking fees, incase of delayed flights. We cover the first 30 minutes only, it costs $2/hr
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Ntarama Church
After a 40-minute drive from Kigali and an introduction to the MVP, you start your excursion with a visit to the nearby genocide memorial site where you can gain a better understanding of the historical and cultural context within which Rwanda’s development challenges arise. The red-brick church at Ntarama is peacefully situated, shadowed by acacia trees. Ntarama Church, how-ever, is the site where some of the most brutal killings of the 1994 genocide took place. The church was seen as a safe place by almost 5,000 people, many of whom were women and children seeking sanctu-ary. But Ntarama was not safe at all. The victims of the genocide remain there, their bones still strewn with lifeless chaos where they fell in 1994. Their belongings cover the floor: clothes, suitcases, a child's white sock – the last remnants of a desperate flight for life.
45 minutes
Admission Included
Mayange
Following your visit to the Ntarama Genocide Memorial, you'll have the opportunity to engage in a series of enriching experiences showcasing various MVP interventions. These activities are only paused for a locally prepared lunch, hosted in a village home, where you can immerse yourself in the area's traditional cuisine. You may even participate in cooking lessons, learning to prepare local dishes, and enjoy lively, thought-provoking conversations with your hosts over lunch. After lunch you will meet women from three recognized handicraft associations. Some of its members will introduce the complete basket weaving process to you and are glad to also teach their skills if you are interested. You further have the opportunity to support this valuable initiative by buying a few products on offer, and you will also receive a traditional gift from the women. 246 women between the ages of 19-76 directly benefit from this project by producing about 45 items per week.
180 minutes
Mbyo Reconciliation Village
As final highlight of the excursion, you will enjoy a traditional ubusabane or “get together” ceremony together with numerous members of the community, their local leaders, and their cultural troupes. What makes this experience particularly remarkable is the location: In the settlement we chose, there are 120 households and 540 residents. 30 of the houses were constructed by the government for genocide resettlers in an exemplary effort of reconciliation. Today, 20 of them are inhabited by survivors, 12 by perpetrators and 3 by returnees. To make this more tangible for you, members of reconciliation Village who compromise of both victims and perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi are happy to give testimony as to how they manage to live and work together in harmony. In addition, you will enjoy traditional dancing and local drinks. And, since this is a very welcome form of local entertainment, you will be joined by numerous community members who celebrate with you.
120 minutes
Admission Included
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels -
The 1hr 15 minutes extra covers for the transportation to and from Kigali to Bugesera. Its 30 minutes to and 30 minutes back. The 15 minutes is the time it takes between the first stop, Ntarama Genocide Memorial and the reconciliation village. All other activities take place at the reconciliation village in Mbyo.
What our experts say
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Try local dishes during lunch. -
Participate in basket weaving.
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Visit nearby markets for crafts.
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Engage with community leaders.
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Bring a camera for memorable moments.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Embark on a transformative journey with the Millennium Village Bugesera Reconciliation Tour, a unique experience that delves into the heart of the UN Millennium Villages Project. This tour offers a deep insight into the challenges faced by African communities and showcases successful interventions in the fight against poverty.What to expect?
Guests can anticipate a thought-provoking exploration of sustainable agriculture, education, healthcare, and micro-enterprise development. The tour also focuses on peace-building and reconciliation, providing a holistic understanding of the initiatives driving positive change in Bugesera.Who is this for?
This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful and educational experience. Whether you are interested in development projects, cultural immersion, or simply want to support community initiatives, this tour is designed for individuals who value authentic connections and impactful experiences.Why book this?
The Millennium Village Bugesera Reconciliation Tour stands out for its immersive approach to community engagement. By interacting with local inhabitants and participating in traditional ceremonies, guests gain a firsthand perspective on reconciliation efforts post-genocide. This experience not only educates but also fosters a sense of solidarity and understanding among visitors.Good to know
Inclusions like guided tours, local gifts, and community contributions ensure that your visit directly benefits the villagers. Additionally, the itinerary offers a comprehensive overview of Bugesera's history and present-day dynamics, providing a well-rounded experience for participants.Reviews
Visitors rave about the genuine hospitality and enlightening encounters on the Millennium Village Bugesera Reconciliation Tour. Many highlight the emotional impact of hearing personal stories from reconciliation village members and participating in cultural celebrations. Overall, this tour is praised for its educational value and meaningful insights into African communities' resilience.
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