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 Nyamata is peacefully situated, shadowed by acacia trees. Nyamata Church, however, 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 sanctuary. 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.
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.
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.
Anna and Florence were wonderful teacher and guide. I highly recommend this informative and deeply moving experience. Truly provided a deep understanding of the genocide and the healing efforts of the people of Rwanda. It truly was a unique experience and everyone we encountered was warm and welcoming.
Amazing experience learning the history of Rwanda especially about the 1994 Genocide against The Tutsi, the power of Reconciliation while visiting the reconciliation village, it’s amazing what unity and reconciliation can do !
A deeply profound and meaningful experience visiting the genocide memorial at Bugesera and the Reconciliation Village also in Bugesera. The Memorial left me without words and is a testimony of the strength of present and future Rwanda. While other countries hush what happened during dictatorships, Rwanda answers with displaying the harsh truth in high definition. To never forget and to forgive. I will never forget all the people that greeted us and honored us with their trust and their stories. To experience several hours with them in their cotidianity and to try to understand everything that happened and the intelligent solution to stopping violence, Gacaca and healing is to renew hope in humanity. Florence the guide was magnificent at translating and keeping the bonds of trust with all the leaders and people in reconciliation village. Very knowledgeable and proud to be a Rwandan, she taught us some kinyarwandese and the history of real economic development which starts with the social investment. I would recommend this to anyone with or without previous knowledge of the 1994 genocide.
The tour itself was great and a very big learning experience. All the tour guides were professional and the people in the village were friendly. This is a once in a life time experience and I hugely recommend for you to attend this tour!!!
This experience was transformational. To sit across from people who have intimately experienced the Rwanda Genocide from both sides is a rare opportunity. The people in the village are so loving, kind, and inspiring. I learned so much about forgiveness, unity, and resilience. And my tour guide, Florence, and driver, Pacifique, were both wonderful. They helped me feel respected, safe, and did a great job translating my words to the village members. Florence also provided excellent historical context so that I could better understand the conflict and aftermath. Would highly recommend!
Very in depth experience both in the retelling of the events and the personal expressions of what was experienced during and following the events of the dark times of Rwanda. Also a delightful experience of learning more about village life and recovery and healing.
An extraordinary story of genocide and reconciliation in Rwanda. Rwandans are visionary. And lovely hosts. We made meals and broke bread with the perpetrators and survivors of an historical atrocity who reconciled and live together now . Very moving.
Florence was an excellent tour guide and she was actually early to pick me up and I was so grateful for that. She was so kind, courteous and so knowledgeable of this whole area!! I would definitely book with you again and ask for her as my tour guide!! I was so fortunate that I was the only tourist yesterday as I had her utmost and independent attention!! Thank you!! Tom Neuberger
A great day to gain an understanding of how the country and people have successfully worked to unite their country and heal the genocide wounds.
The people were absolutely inspirational, friendly, and very accommodating. We cook together and enjoy each other‘s company. You felt like part of their family. It was a learning experience that we will never forget. The historical information about the genocide was life-changing. You heard about all sides of the occurrence firsthand.
Florence was a wonderful guide, and we learned so much from the survivors and perpetrators stories. Learning about the culture and how they live in the reconciliation community together, peacefully, was powerful.
Listen and experience forgiveness from citizens in Reconciliation Village, Bugesera, recount their personal journeys and their parts in the Rwanda Genocide. It is deeply moving hearing from all sides who played parts in Rwanda’s tragic genocide. Those people, now citizens of the village, recounted how they’ve been able to commit to lives of forgiveness in their village and now pull together. This tour is about hope springing from unimaginable pain and tragedy.
The people who live in this reconciliation village are very welcoming. Listening to the stories of those who lived through the genocide of 1994 was inspiring. This very successful project helped and continues to help people overcome trauma and learn to ask for forgiveness or learn to forgive. They have kind and peaceful community leaders. We were invited into homes and gardens and kitchens and enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal of traditional Rwandan food. Our guides/translators made everything comfortable for us. I learned so much about the history of Rwanda. The most important lesson I learned is that people can overcome a terrible time and live together in peace, building a new community for the betterment of all. Highly recommended!
Pretty crazy experience.... One of the few things that gives me any hope in our world today. The idea that forgiving victims and perpetrators of genocide accepting responsibility for their roles can live side by side is amazing. Tour guides knowledgeable and engaging. Worth it
The villagers could not have been nicer. They prepared a delicious lunch for us. It was Sunday and everyone was in their Sunday best. I was amazed by the forgiveness they had towards those involved in the genocide who were living amongst them. The rest of the world should learn from their example.
Joined with a group from the US as trainee guide. I am Rwandan and have never visited a recincillaiation village. I left with a sense that more Rwandans should visit just to be aware of how far we have managed to come. The busy day today makes us not appreciate the impossible feat that we have managed to achieve. Both victims and perpetrators living side by side, having the courage to both confess and forgive and coming together to rebuild this country is something we should all be proud of
I am so grateful to this company for a wonderful tour. Although the booking was last-minute and my transportation into Kigali was delayed, they took me on a powerful tour of Mbyo Reconciliation Village, while providing a wealth of information about the genocide, reconciliation, and expert insight into local culture, history, and governance. As a researcher/practitioner in violence prevention and peace-building, I desperately wanted to do this tour, but struggled with logistics and fees as a single traveller. Yet they made it happen, so thank you! I will forever treasure the experience of meeting residents of Mbyo and witnessing firsthand their strength, compassion, forgiveness, and warmth. Florence was the loveliest and warmest guide: so funny, knowledgeable, and sweet! I had an incredible time and am so grateful for the experience.
We visited a genocide memorial in addition to visiting the reconciliation community. Incredible personal stories of those involved in the genocide and how they have been able to put their lives back together in harmony.
Florence is an extraordinary tour guide. She helped us understand the genocide and the way that Rwanda overcame it. She also introduced us to many incredible people who shared their stories with us.
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