Get to understand the unique culture of Rwandese through their daily life and knowledge of the environment, poetry, folklore, dancing, singing, pottery and the theoretical hunt gathering skills. It’s one of the thrilling experiences and very adventurous as you try to adapt to the Rwandan lifestyle in their local homes.

Traditional Handcrafts

A wide range of traditional handicrafts is produced in rural Rwanda, ranging from ceramics and basketry to traditional woodcarvings and contemporary paintings. Rwanda’s traditional Agaseke baskets have become famous the world over and a visit to Gahaya Links Gifted Hands centre will allow any guest to witness the weaving of these baskets first hand and purchase the high quality baskets directly from the centre. A good selection of painted and handcrafted artifacts can be viewed in craft villages, shops and numerous art galleries in Kigali.

Excellent places to peruse and purchase modern art work in Kigali are CAPLAKI Craft Village, Ivuka Arts, Inganzo Gallery, African Gift Corner, Ishyo Cultural Centre, ATRAC Craft Village and Uburanga Art Studio to name a few.

A distinctively Rwandan craft is the Imigongo or cow dung paintings that are produced by a local co-operative in the village of Nyakarambi near the Rusumo Falls border with Tanzania. Dominated by black, brown and white whorls and other geometric abstractions, these unique and earthy works can be bought in Kigali, but it’s worth diverting to the source to see how the paintings are reflected in local.