• Ntarama Church - After a 40-minute drive from Kigali and an introduction to the MVP, the excursion begins with a visit to the nearby genocide memorial site, offering a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context of Rwanda’s development challenges.

The red-brick church at Ntarama is serenely located, shaded by acacia trees. However, Ntarama Church is also the site of some of the most horrific killings during the 1994 genocide. The church was considered a refuge by nearly 5,000 people, many of whom were women and children seeking sanctuary. Unfortunately, Ntarama was not safe. The genocide victims remain there, their bones still scattered in the chaos where they fell in 1994. Their belongings cover the floor: clothes, suitcases, a child’s white sock – the last remnants of a desperate escape for life.

• Mayange - After visiting the Ntarama Genocide Memorial, there is an opportunity to engage in a series of enriching experiences showcasing various MVP interventions. These activities pause only for a locally prepared lunch, hosted in a village home, where participants can immerse themselves in the area’s traditional cuisine. There is even the chance to participate in cooking lessons, learning to prepare local dishes, and enjoy lively, thought-provoking conversations with the hosts over lunch.
  After lunch, participants will meet women from three recognized handicraft associations. Some members will introduce the complete basket weaving process and are happy to teach their skills to those interested. There is also an opportunity to support this valuable initiative by purchasing some of the products on offer, and participants will receive a traditional gift from the women. This project directly benefits 246 women aged 19-76, who produce about 45 items per week.
• Mbyo Reconciliation Village - As the final highlight of the excursion, participants will enjoy a traditional ubusabane or “get together” ceremony with numerous community members, their local leaders, and cultural troupes. What makes this experience particularly remarkable is the location: In the chosen settlement, there are 120 households and 540 residents. Thirty of the houses were constructed by the government for genocide resettlers in an exemplary effort of reconciliation. Today, 20 are inhabited by survivors, 12 by perpetrators, and 3 by returnees.

To make this more tangible, members of the Reconciliation Village, comprising both victims and perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, are pleased to share testimonies on how they manage to live and work together in harmony. Additionally, participants will enjoy traditional dancing and local drinks. As this is a very welcome form of local entertainment, numerous community members will join in the celebration.

• Private Transportation
• Entry/Admission - Nyamata Church
• Guiding fees and Tour Guide
• Lunch
• Bottled Water
• Local banana wine
• Peace basket (gift)
• Contribution to community development fund

• Airport parking fees, incase of delayed flights. We cover the first 30 minutes only, it costs $2/hr

The UN Millennium Villages Project stands as one of the most renowned and comprehensive development initiatives of our era. It aims to elevate some of the world’s most impoverished regions out of extreme poverty. The Millennium Village Tour provides insights for visitors eager to understand the challenges faced by numerous African communities and showcases a range of successful interventions in the battle against poverty.

This tour offers a truly educational experience, covering topics such as sustainable agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, micro-enterprise development, as well as peacebuilding and reconciliation. It also provides opportunities to genuinely engage with local culture, including food, language, and traditions. Partially guided by local residents, the tour delivers personal insights into the villagers’ lives while ensuring that both the community and individuals involved in tourism benefit from the initiative.

• 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.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.