Eco Experiences outside the Volcanoes National Park

“Where Cultural Tourism Leads To Community Development”

Embark on a journey of discovery with our curated experiences at Red Rocks Intercultural Center in Musanze, Rwanda. Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of rural Rwanda. Each activity is designed to connect you with the heart and soul of our community, leaving you with memories to cherish and stories to share.

ORGANIC FARMING

Cultivate your passion for sustainability with visiting local farms and a visit to a local homestead, work alongside local farmers at their homestead to learn about mixed livestock farming, woodland grazing, and eco-friendly practices.

This hands-on experience is perfect for those eager to contribute to sustainable agriculture while immersing them in Rwanda’s rural charm.

BANANA BEER MAKING DEMONSTRATION

Raise a glass to tradition with our Banana Beer Making Demonstration, a captivating experience showcasing Rwanda’s most beloved local brew.

Join our women’s cooperative for a lively session as they demonstrate the ancient art of fermenting banana beer, a staple of Rwandan family traditions.

Learn the process, taste the results, and celebrate the community spirit that makes this drink so special. This is a fun, flavorful way to connect with Rwanda’s heritage.

.

BASKET WEAVING WORKSHOP

Weave your way into Rwandan culture with our Basket Weaving Workshop. Join local artisans for a meditative and creative experience, crafting baskets that reflect Rwanda’s heritage.

This workshop fosters community connection and well-being, offering a hands-on opportunity to learn a timeless skill and create a beautiful keepsake.

HONEY HARVESTING EXPERIENCE

Step into the enchanting world of sustainable beekeeping with our Honey Harvesting Experience at Red Rocks. Join expert local beekeepers for a 2-3 hour adventure, starting with a scenic trek through blooming wildflowers and indigenous plants to traditional hives.

Learn time-honored techniques to gently smoke hives, harvest golden honeycomb, and process pure, floral-infused honey—all while preserving the delicate ecosystem. Savor the sweet reward of fresh honey straight from the comb and discover the vital role bees play in Rwanda’s biodiversity. This hands-on journey not only delights your senses but also supports local conservation efforts.

HOMESTAY EXPERIENCE

Live like a local with our Homestay Experience in Nkotsi village. Stay with a welcoming host family and immerse yourself in authentic Rwandan life, from sharing meals to exchanging stories and learning basic Kinyarwanda phrases.

This overnight experience fosters deep cultural connections, offering a rare glimpse into the traditions, hospitality, and warmth of rural Rwanda. It’s not just a stay—it’s a chance to live, laugh, and learn with the community.

COOKING CLASS

Savor the flavors of Rwanda in our Cooking Class, a delightful experience that will entice your taste buds and warm your heart. Join a vibrant group of local women as they share the secrets of authentic Rwandan cuisine, passed down through generations.

From sourcing fresh ingredients to mastering traditional cooking techniques, you’ll create mouthwatering dishes that reflect Rwanda’s rich culinary heritage. This immersive class is a delicious way to connect with the culture and take home recipes to share with loved ones.

POTTERY WORKSHOP

Unleash your creativity with our Pottery Workshop, a hands-on experience that celebrates Rwanda’s artistic heritage.

Work alongside skilled local artisans to dig clay, blend it with water, and mold it into unique creations. More than just an activity, pottery in Rwanda is a storytelling art form, weaving culture, imagination, and skill into every piece.
Get your hands dirty, form a bond with the community, and craft a keepsake that embodies the spirit of Rwanda.

BANANA ECO-PAPER PRODUCTION

Locals show visitors how banana fibers can be transformed into handmade paper, promoting environmental conservation.

This eco-friendly paper is ideal for soft uses like tissues, wipes, and tracing paper.

TRADITIONAL DANCE & DRUMMING

Experience the vibrancy of Rwandan culture through traditional dance and drumming.

The Intore dancers bring our cultural history to life, complemented by activities like free kids’ paintings and art exhibitions by local artists.

ART CLASS

Spark your creativity with our Art Class, an experience tailored to your artistic passions.

Join local artists at our studio to create vibrant paintings or explore contemporary crafts, all while learning how supports gorilla conservation efforts art.

Whether visiting established galleries, you’ll craft a unique souvenir and hear inspiring stories of how art transforms communities. Perfect for families and art lovers, this immersive day celebrates Rwanda’s creative spirit.

LOCAL MARKET VISITS / MONDAYS & THURSDAYS

Experience Rwanda’s authentic culture at the local markets. Our visit to King’s Ware Market immerses you in Rwandan language, food, and unique souvenirs.

It’s the perfect way to engage with the community, shop, taste local delights, and enjoy a true cultural adventure.

IGITARAMO FIESTA NIGHTS

Held on weekends, Igitaramo Nights celebrate our traditions and culture, showcasing cooking, agriculture, and leadership.

The highlight is a thrilling performance by the Intore dancers. Additional activities include free kids’ painting and art exhibitions by local artists.

STORYTELLING WITH DINNER AROUND CAMPFIRE

Gather around the campfire for our Storytelling Evenings, a magical experience filled with inspiring tales, traditional cuisine, and local banana beer.

Listen to Nkotsi’s residents share real-life stories of Rwanda’s cultural history, from spine-chilling ghost tales to heartwarming tales. Share local food with the locals, creating a night of connection, laughter, and unforgettable memories under the stars.

CYCLING TOURS (Local Casual Bikes)

Pedal through Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes with casual bikes, an adventure starting from Red Rocks Campsite. Ride through vibrant villages, past rolling hills and volcanic vistas, with optional stops at bustling markets to sample fresh fruits and meet locals.

Your private guide will lead you through
Nkotsi’s welcoming communities. This exhilarating ride is perfect for adventurers seeking an active cultural experience.

VILLAGE WALKING EXPERIENCE

Uncover the charm of rural Rwanda with our Village Walking Experience, a 3-hour guided journey through the picturesque Nkotsi village. From Red Rocks Campsite, wander along terraced paths framed by lush farmlands, thatched-roof homes, and the misty peaks of the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Your local guide will bring the community to life, sharing stories of daily routines, from farmers tending banana groves to artisans crafting at roadside stalls. Optional stops at vibrant markets offer a chance to taste exotic fruits like passionfruit and hear tales of Rwandan folklore. This immersive walk is a window into the heart of Rwanda’s resilient spirit.

COW MILKING EXPERIENCE

Get up close and personal with Rwanda’s rural life in our Cow Milking Experience. Learn the art of milking from local farmers in a fun, hands-on session that’s both challenging and rewarding.

Discover the cultural significance of dairy farming in Rwanda and connect with the community in a truly unique way.

RUGARIKA MOUNTAIN HIKING

Embark on an exhilarating Rugarika Mountain Hiking adventure, exploring Rwanda’s wild landscapes and volcanic vistas.

Hike Rugarika Hill with a local guide, interacting with the community and soaking in breathtaking views of the Virunga Massif.

This stimulating trek blends nature, culture, and adventure for an unforgettable experience.

TWIN LAKES TOUR (Excluding Transportation)

Discover the serene beauty of Rwanda’s Twin Lakes Lakes Bulera & Ruhondo, a 6-hour adventure that blends nature and culture. From Red Rocks Campsite, enjoy a 25-minute drive to the lakes region, followed by a walk through charming villages. Marvel at volcanic views and serene waters, and opt to join local fishermen for a traditional fishing experience. This immersive tour offers a perfect balance of exploration, relaxation, and cultural connection.

Herbal Medicine Plants Experience

Dive into Rwanda’s ancient healing traditions with our Herbal Medicine Plants Experience, a 2-4 hour exploration led by skilled traditional healers and botanists. Venture into the gardens to forage for over 20 native plants, from soothing eucalyptus to powerful moringa.

Learn to craft herbal teas, grind pastes, and create balms while absorbing captivating stories of ethnobotany and folklore. This hands-on journey connects you to Rwanda’s natural pharmacy and the wisdom of generations.

Traditional Dance Workshop

Feel the rhythm of Rwanda with our Traditional Dance Workshop at Red Rocks. Learn vibrant dances, drumming techniques, and the use of traditional instruments in a lively session that celebrates Rwanda’s proud heritage. This immersive experience will have you moving to the beat of the community’s spirit.

RED ROCKS CULTURAL FESTIVAL

This annual event takes place from the last week of August to the first week of September, aligning with the Annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony. The celebration engages the community in National Park Service activities, promoting conservation efforts that benefit both local communities and Volcanoes National Park, home to the last mountain gorillas. The event highlights the community’s role in conservation, fostering support for the protection of Rwanda’s natural and cultural resources. The week-long festival provides an opportunity to explore local culture and the efforts made by the community to safeguard the endangered mountain gorillas.