“1 Sheep per Family” Project is a participatory activity we created to connect us and our guests to the local community. Having seen that the number of sheep is starting to decrease in the area and that there is an existing number of vulnerable community around us, we decided to come up with this project as a solution to the increment of the number of sheep in the area, involving our guests in the community development and to build the bright future for the vulnerable communities in Rwanda through tourism and continuing shading the light on our of tourism and sustainable development.

The interested guest gives an amount equivalent to what  can buy 1 sheep and we assist him/her to hand it himself/herself to the family in need.

5. TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE

We help you learn about traditional Rwandan building techniques and experience rural village life during this flexible-length excursion with a local family. Discover the traditional methods used by Rwandans for brick making and fashioning rope from banana trees. After enjoying a simple but delicious lunch of local food you’ll spend the afternoon applying your new skills to build an animal shelter, fence or house. Finish your trip with a chance to shop for locally-made handicrafts. The cost for this activity is always negotiated accordingly and we make sure that it benefits the local community we visited. This chance to learn about Rwandan construction also covers a guide, lunch and transport to the village.

6. MARVELLING ON THE RWANDAN LAKES AND RIVERS

Though landlocked, Rwanda still manages to be one of the lushest countries out there. Gorgeous views, plenty of hiking, an exciting capital, and several diverse ecosystems render this small East African nation incredibly unique. And for all those travelers looking for a proper beach-style vacation, boat cruises, fishing, walking around the Lake and rivers, hiking on the Islands, canoeing and bird watching we offer them a one life vacation on Rwanda’s gorgeous lakes and rivers. The cost for this activity is always negotiated accordingly and we make sure that it benefits the local community living around the Lakes or rivers.

7. CULTURAL PERFORMANCE

Virunga Homestay organizes a traditional and cultural performance for its guest to introduce them to the Rwandan culture. The most famous traditional dance is Intore, a highly choreographed routine consisting of three components - the ballet, performed by women; the dance of heroes/warriors, performed by men, and drums.

This experience done at our place or elsewhere, it gives a real image to our guest how Rwandan entertain themselves and how their shared cultural values notably unity, patriotism, social cohesion, resilience, hard work among others are manifested through their unique traditional dance.

The cost for this activity is always negotiated accordingly and we make sure that it benefits the local community members performing the dance.

8. AGRO TOURS

This a unique Rwandan experience for farmers and foodies alike! Escorted from Virunga Homestays, you’ll discover fantastic places, enjoy amazing plants, and meet passionate farmers and producers throughout the surroundings of our homestay and beyond. Learn how Rwandan people involved in agriculture far live and connect with their markets, check out innovation, compare notes and be inspired. From Tea plantations, coffee, pyrethrum, staple foods, banana plantations, superb experiences await as you discover a wonderful part of this part of the world rich in volcanic soil where farming, food and family traditions have been evolving over many years.

The highlights for this tour include connecting with local farmers and producers, visiting diverse farming and rural enterprises/cooperatives, Savoring magnificent food, Charming rural villages, Iconic landscapes including spectacular mountains, valleys and lakes.

The cost for this activity is always negotiated accordingly and we make sure that it benefits the local community.

9. COW MILKING IN THE LOCAL FARM

In Rwandan culture, the cow is a sign of partnership, collaboration and togetherness. Cattle are a sign of riches and friendship, used in dowries and referenced in traditional dances where Rwandans dance with the whole body and stretch their arms upward as if they are horns of the cattle.

At Virunga Homestays we offer a tour in the farm of a local farmer to experience why Rwandans' predilection for milk is hardly a new fad. You will participate in cow milking, butter churning, and milk drinking in a local milk bar. You will also meet and interact with the local farmers to know more about cattle farming history in Rwanda.

The cost for this activity is always negotiated accordingly and we make sure that it benefits the local farmer.

10. WELFARE OF DOGS PROJECT

From mountain Gorillas to Elephants, Rwanda is home to some of the world's most iconic species. Thanks to the significant commitment towards wildlife and environmental protections Rwanda has shown to become one of the leading voices on the African continent.

The protection, however, of domesticated animals has not been prioritized and therefore lags behind the progress Rwanda has made in protecting wildlife.

People maliciously and without reasonable justification kill, mistreat or seriously wound livestock or domestic animals included DOGS.

Despite Rwanda's strong commitment to the protection of wildlife, there is limited concern and enforcement of the laws against cruelty to domestic animals. Education surrounding the welfare of domestic and companion animals is limited and remains largely unenforced.

People routinely engage in cruel activities, such as the poisoning of stray dogs due to their negative image in the country. This is at a time when dog breeding and ownership should take a lead and grow.

At Virunga homestay we advocate for the dogs rights and welfare. We engage our guests willing to partner with us in advocating for animal welfare and donating for this cause. This is also another way to raise our voice towards wildlife and animal protection.

11. GASTRONOMY TOURS PROJECT

Gastronomy Tours’ project started with the idea to expand the concept of food tourism, a universal and very successful practice that brings food lovers close to their delights, and developing this experience with discerning food and beverages lovers so as to bring them close to producers of gastronomic delights.

The content of Gastronomy Tours is the result of extensive research, documentation, and meetings we have made with producers and businesses from our surrounding area, an ongoing project frequently enriched with new additions.       

Gastronomy Tours is a unique guide designed to showcase those producers and businesses of gastronomic products like tea & coffee ,beetroots wines, juice ,bakery products, beers, etc which are open to visitors. It also helps food and beverages lovers to experience the local culture, customs, and traditions through the universal language of gastronomy, including an annual calendar of cultural events relating to gastronomy called ‘Umuganura” and a glossary to familiarize the visitor with gastronomic terms.