A 1-Day Experiential Journey through Rwanda’s Heartlands
Departure: Kigali (4:30 AM)
Route: Kigali – Musanze – Nyabihu – Pfunda – Kivu Belt – Karongi – Napoleon Island – Muhanga – Kigali
Theme: Regenerative Farming, Gastronomy & Lakeside Living
 I. Itinerary
🕓 04:30 AM – Depart Kigali
Begin your journey with an early road trip westward from Kigali through the fog-kissed hills of Musanze and Nyabihu. The morning light reveals the mosaic of banana plantations, volcanic stone terraces, and schoolchildren walking to dawn lessons—an immersive prelude into rural Rwanda’s rhythm.
06:30 AM – Arrival at Cow-Milking Boys’ Farm (Nyabihu District)
Step into the pastoral traditions of Rwanda with a hands-on cow milking experiences. You’ll meet young herders and learn age-old techniques of Kunywa Amata (milk culture), rooted in dignity and daily ritual.
Includes traditional breakfast of fresh milk, sweet potatoes, and millet bread shared with the herders.
08:00 AM – Cheese-Making at Bigogwe Dairy Cooperative
Engage in a guided session on artisanal cheese production, using fresh milk sourced that very morning. Participate in curdling, pressing, and tasting the final product. Learn how this rural cooperative supports youth employment and value-addition in the local dairy chain.
09:30 AM – Drive via Pfunda Tea Estates (with tea plantation walk & tasting)
Wander through the lush, misty rows of Pfunda’s tea gardens. A community guide explains the sustainable cultivation of highland tea, followed by a curated tea-tasting session featuring black, green, and spiced blends.
11:30 AM – Arrive in Karongi (Kibuye) & Lakeside Lunch at Lake Kivu Eco-Lodge
Enjoy a farm-to-fork lunch with lake views. Dishes highlight local tilapia, avocado, maize flatbread, and fruit juices. Engage with the chefs on local sourcing and zero-waste kitchen practices.
13:00 PM – Boat Excursion to Napoleon Island (with light hike)
Board a traditional wooden boat and cruise across Lake Kivu to Napoleon Island. Embark on a guided nature walk, discovering birdlife, fruit bats, and tales of the island’s wartime name. Summit the hill for panoramic lake views.
15:30 PM – Visit Fishing Villages & Tilapia Farms (Karongi coast)
Learn how small-scale fishing cooperatives operate along Lake Kivu. Observe how sustainable aquaculture is practiced and how communities balance biodiversity protection with food security.
Optional: Join in for a net pull demo or try traditional fish smoking.
17:30 PM – Begin Return Journey via Muhanga
Enjoy golden-hour vistas of Rwanda’s undulating green as you travel back east via the Karongi–Muhanga corridor, with a short coffee stop en route. Reflect on the day’s immersive interactions with land, lake, and livelihood.
21:00 PM – Arrival in Kigali
Drop-off at your accommodation or pre-arranged location. Complimentary local snacks and herbal tea provided for the road.
II. What’s Included
- All transfers in a private 4×4 vehicle
- Local guide and community facilitators
- Â Refreshment drinks & bottled water
- All entrance and activity fees (cheese making, tea walk, island hike, boat ride, farm visits)
- All Taxes
III. Sustainability Note
Every experience in this itinerary supports rural cooperatives, female-led kitchens, and community-owned tourism. Your journey contributes to income diversification, environmental education, and the revival of Rwandan food heritage.
IV. Additional Information
– Suitable for all ages and skill levels
– Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear recommended
– Price varies depending on group size , and custom requests –Contact us to tailor the experience to your budget and schedule . The quoted price represents an ideal budget for a solo traveller.
