Rwandan Traditional Cooking Experience

Activity Description

This guided experience is suitable for anyone interested in genuine Rwandan food culture. During this half day experience you will learn the whole process of cooking ugali and sambaza, the staple diet of most people living around Lake Kivu. The experience goes through the entire process, from harvesting to cooking and most importantly; how the dish is eaten.

The day starts with an introduction where your hostess will explain how the main ingredients for ugali are grown and gathered. After this, you will continue by making the ugali flower used as a base for the dish. This is done by hand using traditional methods. Water and firewood used for cooking is collected by hand as is customary for most Rwandans.

Once the ingredients, firewood and water are collected, the food preparation can begin. The process starts by washing, peeling, pounding and grinding the ingredients using traditional methods and tools. Throughout the process, your hostess and the ladies of the association will teach and guide you, allowing you to experience the day at your own pace.

The meal is cooked in a traditional outdoor kitchen. After completing the cooking, it is time to enjoy the meal! Sitting in the home of the host family, there will be plenty of time to chat and learn about each other’s lives. The day ends at the Young Women destination office where you can browse through some of the beautiful crafts made by the artisans of Young women Destination.

About the Organizer

Young Women Destination is a handicraft-based association comprising of women who have dropped out of school due to unplanned pregnancies. The cooperative organizes various tours and make handcraft to support the members of the cooperative. Visitors are welcome to visit Young Women Destination and to join one of their activities. They can be found just outside Rubavu in a community building with magnificent views over Lake Kivu.

Young Women Destination is great place if you want to have a real Rwandan home-life or hand-craft making experience. Joining an activity at Young Women Destination offers a genuine insight into the daily life of Rwanda while the income earned is used to sustain and improve the lives of the women and their families. You are also welcome to stop by Young Women Destination in order to buy some of the their handmade crafts such as handbags, floor mats, necklaces, bracelets and many others. Many of the women can be found around Rubavu town on Saturdays where they sell their crafts. Note that before you visit, you must notify them prior to arrival. This is easily done by a call or Whatsapp message before the visit.

Young Women Destination is located at the Centre Culturel Close to Rubavu Public Beach

Before you Go

Some walking to collect firewood and water, wear comfortable outdoor shoes
You might spend some time in the sun, bring a hat and sunscreen
Bring an umbrella in case of rain

Meeting Point

This experience takes place the Young Women Destination office in Rubavu Town. The office is easily accessible by bike, car or moto-taxi from central town.
The guests can arrange their transport separately. However, if needed Young Women Destination will arrange transport from town.