Hike to the top of Mt. Muhungwe, Rwanda’s tallest non volcanic mountain!
Breathtaking Scenery: Mount Muhungwe offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, as well as a unique perspective of nearby Lake Kivu. The hike will take you through dense forests, rugged terrain, and past cascading waterfalls, providing a truly immersive nature experience.
Wildlife Encounters: The hike through Mount Muhungwe will give you the chance to spot a variety of wildlife such as colorful bird species which makes the hike a truly unique experience.
Cultural Immersion: The hike through Mount Muhungwe will take you through several traditional Rwandan villages, where you can experience the local culture, meet the friendly locals and learn about their customs and traditions.
Physical Challenge: The hike through Mount Muhungwe is a challenging one, and requires a good level of fitness. It is an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself and push your limits while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.
Unique Adventure: Hiking Mount Muhungwe is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories. The combination of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and physical challenge makes this hike a truly unique and rewarding experience.
Itinerary
8:00 AM – Start the Hike: Begin your hike at the base of Mount Muhungwe, which is located about 01hour drive from Musanze outside of the town of Musanze. You’ll be accompanied by a local guide who will provide you with information about the hike and the surrounding area.
8:00-09:00 AM – Hike to the Summit: As you continue the hike, the terrain will become steeper and more challenging. The last stretch of the hike will require some scrambling and climbing, but the reward is well worth it. Once you reach the summit, take some time to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
11:30 AM – Descend the Mountain: After spending some time at the summit, it’s time to start the descent back down the mountain. The descent will be easier than the ascent, but it’s important to take your time and watch your step on the sometimes slippery terrain.
1:00 PM – Return to the Base: You’ll arrive back at the base of Mount Muhungwe around 2:00 PM. Take some time to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch with your guide. This is also a great opportunity to reflect on your experience and take in the stunning views of the mountain one last time.
Overall, this 5-hour itinerary will give you a great taste of the natural beauty and physical challenge of hiking Mount Muhungwe in Rwanda. Of course, if you have more time, it’s always possible to extend the hike and explore the area in more depth.
About the Organizer
Beyond the Gorillas Experience (BGE) is a tourism company based in vicinity of Volcanoes National Park (VNP). BGE operates in the whole country but it has the main offices in Musanze and Gakenke Districts located in the Northern Province/Rwanda.
Beyond the Gorillas Experience has a focus on promoting experiences outside of the national park for the sake of including local communities in tourism and helping visitors to see more and genuine experiences in Rwanda.
$30 includes:
Experienced Guide
Water
$60 includes:
Experienced Guide
Water
Hiking Gears
Porter
Lunch
Highlights
Hike Rwanda’s tallest non volcanic volcano
Hike through several traditional Rwandan villages, where you can experience the local culture
See a variety of local birds in the forest on the side of the mountain
Includes
Water
Optional meal
English/French/Kinyarwanda Speaking Guide
Transport to and from Gisenyi or Musanze
More information
5 hours
Requires moderate fitness
Departure at 08:00
This product cannot be cancelled once booked, but rescheduled
This is a two-day or three-day tour mixed with biking and boating. It can be done from Kigali or from Gisenyi. The first day starts with a Congo Nile Biking trail experience from Rubavu to Kinunu where you pass by coffee, tea, banana, natural beaches, and amazing views of beautiful landscape (hills, lake Kivu, valleys, etc) and make the first stop over at Umwakira Kivu Coffee, Rwinyoni Village, Kivumu sector, Rutsiro District for a traditionally prepared coffee experience and tasting break. After the coffee tasting break, you continue the biking experience up to Kinunu where you are warmly welcomed and received by the hotel management which provides you lunch and appropriate refreshment after which you have a small rest followed by a swimming time at Kinunu beach around 17:00 o’clock. From 18:00 to 21: 00 PM, experience Lake Kivu night fishing activities including joining a fishing crew night fishing on Lake Kivu, paddling with the crew to the fishing location, experiencing a genuine traditional African trade far off the beaten path, boating to and from the fishing crew, tasting the Isambaza (small fish). Tour plan summary
Briefing (at Gisenyi, close to Bralirwa)
Start biking the CNT going through amazing landscapes composed by small villages, small hills, local shops, valleys by also going along coasts of lake Kivu, past banana trees and coffee plantations;
Make the stop-over at Umwakira Kivu Coffee, Rwinyoni Cell, Kivumu Sector, for the traditionally prepared coffee experience (learn the entire process of coffee making from seed , finished product and taste)
Receive the traditionally prepared coffee (souvenirs)
Have lunch and appropriate refreshment
Have a small rest followed by a swimming time at Kinunu beach
Experience Lake Kivu night fishing activities
Boat trip back to Gisenyi, Relax (Hotel)
Departure from Gisenyi to Kigali (In Case of 3 day tour)
The Experience package price is in TWO OPTIONS:
Option 1 (3 days): Includes Transport from & to Kigali+ Accommodation in Rubavu and at Kinunu (2 nights)+ Biking Experience + a Guide + a Boat as follows:
Package Price inclusion: A bike and boat transport, accommodation, English Speaking Guide, locally made coffee souvenir, a cup of traditionally prepared coffee for taste, meals, small fish taste, 4 bottles of water, first aid kit, and fresh fruits.
Option 2 (2 days) : Includes ONLY the EXPERIENCE + GUIDE+BOAT+ACCOMMODATION at Kinunu as follows :
A bottle of water, a Guide, a cup of traditionally prepared coffee, a boat, souvenir (a small basket containing a finished coffee product), tax fees
About the Organizer
Kivu Belt Village Tours Ltd is a community-based enterprise founded by the native and tourism experts of the Kivu Belt Destination. The enterprise mainly offers historical, traditional and nature tourism activities. Its products and services include agricultural and cattle keeping experiences, cultural experiences, hiking, biking and boating experiences, camping, fishing, bird watching, home stay experience, etc. in the Kivu Belt Destination.
To be different from others, Kivu belt Village tours, ensures that its tours and experiences are:
100% safety guaranteed;
Offered with Reliable and safe transportation by e.g. bus, 4×4, bicycles, boats, canoes, etc.
Provided with respect of the Rwandan cultural values
Offered with Good knowledge of the environmental issues, what will be our footprint.
In different package deals including special activities for the different target groups available such as age categories and other special groups (all-in package deals).
Kivu Belt Village Tours share all profits with the Kivu Belt destination communities
Option 1 (2 overnights):
Groups of 1-4, 672,600 Rwf
Groups of 5+, 348,100 Rwf
Option 2 (1 overnights):
Groups of 1-4, 354,000 Rwf
Groups of 5+, 206,500 Rwf
Highlights
Bike The Congo Nile Trail
Visit a coffee farm
Experience Night fishing on Lake Kivu
Includes
Coffee
English Speaking Guide
Mountain Bike
Boat transport
Accommodation
More information
2-3 days
Suitable for children
Departure in the morning from Gisenyi
This product cannot be cancelled once booked, but rescheduled
This is a hiking experience (mixed with walking and boating) of almost 18 kms done within the first stage of the Congo Nile Trail where the landscape is amazing and changes all the time. Sometimes you go through small villages, local shops, valleys, along coasts of Lake Kivu, past banana trees and coffee plantations etc., and by going up and down you get lucky to access the beautiful view over the Lake Kivu. Furthermore you interact with local people all along the trail. The Hike starts from Rubavu and ends at Umwakira Kivu Coffee, Rwinyoni Village, Kivumu sector, Rutsiro District). At this place, you learn the entire making process from seed to the finished product and you participate in some of the coffee making process activities such as roasting and pounding the coffee beans using traditional wooden mortar and pestle and a clay pot, winnowing and sieving using winnower basket and sieve to get the finished powder of coffee. Finally, using a largely open clay pot, you can now heat water over a fire and mix your own fresh cup of Rwandan coffee and taste. After sharing lunch (local food) with the community, its representatives accompany you to the lake shore from which a boat picks you back to the hotel.
Activity plan summary
Briefing (at Gisenyi, close to Bralirwa)
Start hiking the CNT going through amazing landscapes composed by small villages, small hills, local shops, valleys by also going along coasts of lake Kivu, past banana trees and coffee plantations;
Make the stop-over at Umwakira Kivu Coffee, Rwinyoni Cell, Kivumu Sector, for the traditionally prepared coffee experience (learn the entire process of coffee making from seed , finished product and taste)
Receive the traditionally prepared coffee (souvenirs)
Relax with a small walk to the lake shore to take a boat for going back
Continue the relaxation with Boating tour back to Gisenyi
Arrival at the lake Kivu beach
De-briefing (at the beach)
About the Organizer
Kivu Belt Village Tours Ltd is a community-based enterprise founded by the native and tourism experts of the Kivu Belt Destination. The enterprise mainly offers historical, traditional and nature tourism activities. Its products and services include agricultural and cattle keeping experiences, cultural experiences, hiking, biking and boating experiences, camping, fishing, bird watching, home stay experience, etc. in the Kivu Belt Destination.
To be different from others, Kivu belt Village tours, ensures that its tours and experiences are:
100% safety continously guaranteed;
Offered with Reliable and safe transportation by e.g. bus, 4×4, bicycles, boats, canoes, etc.
Provided with respect of the Rwandan cultural values
Offered with Good knowledge of the environmental issues, what will be our footprint.
In different package deals including special activities for the different target groups available such as age categories and other special groups (all-in package deals).
Profits are shared with the Kivu Belt destination communities.
Groups of 1-4, 177,000 Rwf including guide, boat and coffee experience
Groups of 5+, 76,700 Rwf including guide, boat and coffee experience
Groups of 1-4, 566,400 Rwf including guide, boat and coffee experience plus 2 overnights in Rubavu and transfer from Kigali
Groups of 5+, 277,300 Rwf including guide, boat and coffee experience plus 2 overnights in Rubavu and transfer from Kigali
Highlights
Hike The Congo Nile Trail
Experience how coffee is grown and processed in Rwanda
Rural Rubavu community experience is a tour package that allows our visitors to get the authentic experience of the rural areas of Rubavu and their community lifestyles such as: Banana farming experience, Nyiragongo Volcano view, banana beer experience, traditional wedding, bee keeping, cow milking experience, Runonko cooking, traditional cultural songs and dances.
This activity is perfect for anyone staying in Rubavu and is looking to have a genuine experience with locals.
Activity plan summary
Meet at the parking to Rubavu Public Beach, near Serena Hotel
Arrival and Briefing at Kanembwe football play ground
Sabutwa hill view and hiking (Storytelling: Sabutwa history)
Bwiru hill view and history (Storytelling: Bwiru History)
Bee keeping experience (interpretation)
Banana beer experience (interpretation)
Cow milking (Interpretation)
Local food and drink
Traditional dancing or traditional wedding
About the Organizer
Kivu Belt Village Tours Ltd is a community-based enterprise founded by the native and tourism experts of the Kivu Belt Destination. The enterprise mainly offers historical, traditional and nature tourism activities. Its products and services include agricultural and cattle keeping experiences, cultural experiences, hiking, biking and boating experiences, camping, fishing, bird watching, home stay experience, etc. in the Kivu Belt Destination.
To be different from others, Kivu belt Village tours, ensures that its tours and experiences are:
100% safety guaranteed;
Offered with Reliable and safe transportation by e.g. bus, 4×4, bicycles, boats, canoes, etc.
Provided with respect of the Rwandan cultural values
Offered with Good knowledge of the environmental issues, what will be our footprint.
In different package deals including special activities for the different target groups available such as age categories and other special groups (all-in package deals).
Kivu Belt Village Tours share all profits with the Kivu Belt destination communities
Extra info / What to bring
Hiking Shoes
Sweater & wind/rainproof jacket
The sun can be strong bring a hat & sunscreen
This Experience includes hiking over uneven and hilly terrain for about 6 kms.
Add-ons: Pick up and drop of at any hotel in Rubavu or Rutsiro Districts can be organized at an extra fee
Adults 30,000 RWF Children & Students 10,000 RWF Discounts for groups
Highlights
Experience real rural life in Rubavu
Get the best view of Mt. Nyiragongo in Rubavu
Try locally grown, traditional food
Includes
Bottled water
Lunch (traditional food)
Local Experiences
English Speaking Guide
More information
Full day
Suitable for children
Departure in the morning from the parking at Rubavu Public Beach near Serena Hotel
Meet at the office on the main road at the Rubavu-Nyabihu Border Your guide will meet you at the Ibere rya Bigogwe office on the main road. The office is easily located by the arch which marks the border between Rubavu and Nyabihu Districts.
Hiking to Ibere rya Bigogwe Your guide will start with a briefing about the day ahead. After the briefing you will start your hike towards Ibere rya Bigogwe. Ibere rya Bigogwe is a large rock formation and a famous land mark in the area. The start of the hike takes you through the villages around Bigogwe. After 20 minutes of hiking you will reach the bottom of the rock. The hike continues up the hillsides towards the top of Ibere rya Bigogwe. This part of the hike is a bit steeper and more challenging but passes through a forest. After another 1 hour of hiking you will reach the top of the rock. From here you have a splendid view over the surrounding landscape and you can see Mt. Karisimbi in Volcanoes National Park and Mt. Nyiragongo and Mikeno in DRC. If the weather is clear you will see all the way to Gisenyi town. There is also a meditation point at the top commonly used for praying by locals. Enjoy some cheese and fruit while listening to the story about how this rock got its name. Your guide will also introduce you to some local plants and their traditional uses. Return by hiking to Bigogwe town.
Travel by moto to the farms (by car if you have your own) After the hiking to Ibere rya Bigogwe it is time to set off for the farms. The same way as locals in the area, you will travel on the back of a motorbike to the farms. The views of the landscape are breathtaking as you leave the main road behind and travel up the hills. A photo stop is usually made at one of the best view points. The trip takes around 30 minutes. Helmet is provided.
Explore the green hills of the farmlands Once you reach the farms, your guide will introduce you to the cows and cowboys. You will dress in a colorful shuka or rumbiya, the traditional attire of cattle keepers and get a Inkoni, a stick carried by all cattle keepers. Learn about the history of the green hills of Bigogwe, stories about cows and the traditional Rwandan life connected to cows. The hills at the farms are some of most lush and green hills in Africa.
Lunch A traditional lunch is served outside on the hillside of the farms at Bigogwe.
Milking the cows and tasting of fresh milk Milking in Bigogwe is done by hands in traditional cans or ibyansi like inkongoro in wood, and Ingare made in bamboo. Get a lesson in milking by hand by the cowboys and try milking on your own. After milking you will taste the special “Bigogwe Cappuccino” as fresh as it gets straight from the cows.
Take the cows to drink water The cows need lots of water. Twice daily they make their way to the river for a drink. Join the cowboys and use your inkoni (stick) and gentle whistles to move the cows down to the river for a drink. Watch the cowboys as the sing and whistle for the cows as they drink.
Cowboy games The cowboys spend their life watching the cows. While the cows graze the cowboys have lots of free time. Many games and traditions have been invented by the cowboys. The most common games are URUKIRAMENDE or high jump, Kunyobanwa or stick fighting and Igisoro, a traditional game played with dried seeds on a wooden board. Watch the cowboys master these games and try on your own.
Traditional songs for the cows When the cows rest after eating and milking, the cowboys sing to them. These traditional songs are called Kwivugira inka and have been passed on for generations. The songs repeat the names of the cows and include stories from legendary cows.
Making of traditional ghee Leave the farms by motobike (or car if you have your own). Watch the traditional way women make Ikimuri or ghee by hand. Ikimuri is traditionally made by moving a large calabash or Igisabo back and forth. Learn how it is done and try making your own Ikimuri.
Return to main road and departure It is time to say goodbye for now. Before you depart you may visit the shop and café where traditional crafts souvenirs and snacks are available.
About the Organizer
This experience is organized by Alex Ngabo and Ibere rya Bigogwe. Ngabo grew up with cows on the green hills in the area and is passionate to share this wonderful place with as many as possible.
Good to know
Extra info / What to bring
Hiking Shoes
Sweater & wind/rainproof jacket
The sun can be strong bring a hat & sunscreen
This Experience requires that you can do an uphill hike for 1-2 hours
Add-ons: Pick up and drop of at any hotel in Rubavu or Musanze can be organized at extra fee of 30,000 Rwf
Meet at the office on the main road at the Rubavu-Nyabihu Border Your guide will meet you at the Ibere rya Bigogwe office on the main road. The office is easily located by the arch which marks the border between Rubavu and Nyabihu Districts.
Hiking to Ibere rya Bigogwe Your guide will start with a briefing about the day ahead. After the briefing you will start your hike towards Ibere rya Bigogwe. Ibere rya Bigogwe is a large rock formation and a famous land mark in the area. The start of the hike takes you through the villages around Bigogwe. After 20 minutes of hiking you will reach the bottom of the rock. The hike continues up the hillsides towards the top of Ibere rya Bigogwe. This part of the hike is a bit steeper and more challenging but passes through a forest. After another 1 hour of hiking you will reach the top of the rock. From here you have a splendid view over the surrounding landscape and you can see Mt. Karisimbi in Volcanoes National Park and Mt. Nyiragongo and Mikeno in DRC. If the weather is clear you will see all the way to Gisenyi town. There is also a meditation point at the top commonly used for praying by locals. Enjoy some cheese and fruit while listening to the story about how this rock got its name. Your guide will also introduce you to some local plants and their traditional uses. Return by hiking to Bigogwe town.
Travel by moto to the farms (by car if you have your own) After the hiking to Ibere rya Bigogwe it is time to set off for the farms. The same way as locals in the area, you will travel on the back of a motorbike to the farms. The views of the landscape are breathtaking as you leave the main road behind and travel up the hills. A photo stop is usually made at one of the best view points. The trip takes around 30 minutes. Helmet is provided.
Explore the green hills of the farmlands Once you reach the farms, your guide will introduce you to the cows and cowboys. You will dress in a colorful shuka or rumbiya, the traditional attire of cattle keepers and get a Inkoni, a stick carried by all cattle keepers. Learn about the history of the green hills of Bigogwe, stories about cows and the traditional Rwandan life connected to cows. The hills at the farms are some of most lush and green hills in Africa. Your campsite for the night has been set. The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring the green hills of Bigogwe or if you wish, take a rest in your tent.
Campfire, dinner and storytelling A campfire is lit in the evening for everyone to gather around. A traditional dinner is served by the fire. Locals from Bigogwe join and share traditional stories and songs. After dinner, stories, songs and tea you will overnight in tents at the campsite.
Breakfast by the fire Hot milk and tea is served for breakfast by a campfire.
Milking the cows and tasting of fresh milk After breakfast it is time to milk the cows. Milking in Bigogwe is done by hands in traditional cans or ibyansi like inkongoro in wood, and Ingare made in bamboo. Get a lesson in milking by hand by the cowboys and try milking on your own. After milking you will taste the special “Bigogwe Cappuccino” as fresh as it gets straight from the cows.
Take the cows to drink water Cows need lots of water. Twice daily they make their way to the river for a drink. Join the cowboys and use your inkoni (stick) and gentle whistles to move the cows down to the river for a drink. Watch the cowboys as the sing and whistle for the cows as they drink.
Cowboy games The cowboys spend their life watching the cows. While the cows graze the cowboys have lots of free time. Many games and traditions have been invented by the cowboys. The most common games are URUKIRAMENDE or high jump, Kunyobanwa or stick fighting and Igisoro, a traditional game played with dried seeds on a wooden board. Watch the cowboys master these games and try on your own.
Traditional songs for the cows When the cows rest after eating and milking, the cowboys sing to them. These traditional songs are called Kwivugira inka and have been passed on for generations. The songs repeat the names of the cows and include stories from legendary cows.
Making of traditional ghee Leave the farms by motobike (or car if you have your own). Watch the traditional way women make Ikimuri or ghee by hand. Ikimuri is traditionally made by moving a large calabash or Igisabo back and forth. Learn how it is done and try making your own Ikimuri.
Return to main road and departure It is time to say goodbye for now. Before you depart you may visit the shop and café where traditional crafts souvenirs and snacks are available.
About the Organizer
This experience is organized by Alex Ngabo and Ibere rya Bigogwe. Ngabo grew up with cows on the green hills in the area and is passionate to share this wonderful place with as many as possible.
Good to know
Extra info / What to bring
Hiking Shoes
Sweater & wind/rainproof jacket
The sun can be strong bring a hat & sunscreen
This is an overnight experience, bring extra clothes and toiletries
Toilets are available at the campsite
This Experience requires that you can walk manage a challenging uphill hike for 1-2 hours
Add-ons: Pick up and drop of at any hotel in Rubavu or Musanze can be organized at extra fee of 30,000 Rwf
Spend a full day outdoors around a Rubavu. Hike to the top of Mt. Muhungwe, Rwanda’s tallest non volcanic mountain and relax in the natural springs in Nyamyumba in the afternoon.
In the early morning our guide will pick you at 6:30 am, then we drive to Mahoko a starting point of hiking, the hiking will take 5 to 6 hours to reach the top then after we spend 2 to 3 hours climbing down to the we drive to Nyamyumba Hot spring.
After hiking we will drive to Nyamyumba not spring where you will do hydrotherapy by hot spring and enjoy this natural massage, after exhausting by hiking 2928m of altitude you will enjoy this experience until 3pm.
About the Organizer
Wildlife conservation travels specialize in eco tours featuring Rwanda’s remarkable nature and wildlife
Join a professional bird guide for a half day birding session around Rubavu with.
One day birding in Rubavu gives you remarkable experience to explore beautiful common birds, water birds, endemics and palearctic migrants during period of early August to late May. As you stay in Gisenyi you can walk around and visit nearby hotspot to enjoy colorful birds and birds’ songs as well. One afternoon or morning session is enough to encounter interesting birds and lifers as well, Sebeya Riverside, Lake Kivu Shores, Hotels’ Gardens, Mt. Rubavu, Nyundo Wetlands, Mt. Muhungwe are quite interested place to visit in half day while Gishwati-Mukura National Park one day is recommendable for better experience.
Morning Session
After early breakfast at 6:00 AM birding along Sebeya River and Mt.Nengo gives you chance to see most of colorful birds as well as water birds and raptors such as Black cuckoo shrike, Gray Capped Warbler, Common Sandpiper, Palm-nut Vulture and other many Species.
Afternoon Session
After noon birding session at Mt. Rubavu offer opportunities to see interesting sunbirds, babblers, soaring raptors and Twin Cities panoramic view at the top of the mountain. this incredible experience offers you opportunites to see palearctic migrants during migration periods of Aug-May.
About the Organizer
Wildlife conservation travels specialize in eco tours featuring Rwandas remarkable nature and wildlife
From 50 USD
Highlights
Spend a day birding in several different habitats
Hooded vultures are common sightings
Many different raptors and babblers inhabit the area
Includes
English Speaking Guide
More information
Half day
This can be organized as an afternoon or morning session
This product can be cancelled with a full refund up to 24h before start
The experience starts at the main Rubavu – Musanze Road where your guide will meet you at the Ibere rya Bigogwe office on the main road. The office is easily located by the arch which marks the border between Rubavu and Nyabihu Districts.
Travel by moto to the farms (by car if you have your own) After meeting your guide you will travel to the green pastures of Ibere rya Bigogwe where the cows graze. The same way as locals in the area, you will travel on the back of a motorbike to the farms. The views of the landscape are breathtaking as you leave the main road behind and travel up the hills. A photo stop is usually made at one of the best view points. The trip takes around 30 minutes. Helmet is provided.
Meet the cows and watch them grazing Once you reach the farms, your guide will introduce you to the cows and cowboys. You will dress in a colorful shuka or rumbiya, the traditional attire of cattle keepers and get a Inkoni, a stick carried by all cattle keepers. Learn about the history of the green hills of Bigogwe, stories about cows and the traditional Rwandan life connected to cows. The hills at the farms are some of most lush and green hills in Africa. Spend some time with the cows and cowboys in this peaceful setting
Take the cows to drink water The cows need lots of water. Twice daily they make their way to the river for a drink. Join the cowboys and use your inkoni (stick) and gentle whistles to move the cows down to the river for a drink. Watch the cowboys as the sing and whistle for the cows as they drink.
Milking the cows and tasting of fresh milk Milking in Bigogwe is done by hands in traditional cans or ibyansi like inkongoro in wood, and Ingare made in bamboo. Get a lesson in milking by hand by the cowboys and try milking on your own. After milking you will taste the special “Bigogwe Cappuccino” as fresh as it gets straight from the cows.
Cowboy games The cowboys spend their life watching the cows. While the cows graze the cowboys have lots of free time. Many games and traditions have been invented by the cowboys. The most common games are URUKIRAMENDE or high jump, Kunyobanwa or stick fighting and Igisoro, a traditional game played with dried seeds on a wooden board. Watch the cowboys master these games and try on your own.
Traditional songs for the cows When the cows rest after eating and milking, the cowboys sing to them. These traditional songs are called Kwivugira inka and have been passed on for generations. The songs repeat the names of the cows and include stories from legendary cows.
Making of traditional ghee Leave the farms by motobike (or car if you have your own). Watch the traditional way women make Ikimuri or ghee by hand. Ikimuri is traditionally made by moving a large calabash or Igisabo back and forth. Learn how it is done and try making your own Ikimuri.
Return to main road and departure It is time to say goodbye for now. Before you depart you may visit the shop and café where traditional crafts souvenirs and snacks are available.
About the Organizer
This experience is organized by Alex Ngabo and Ibere rya Bigogwe. Ngabo grew up with cows on the green hills in the area and is passionate to share this wonderful place with as many as possible.
Good to know
Extra info / What to bring
Hiking Shoes
Sweater & wind/rainproof jacket
The sun can be strong bring a hat & sunscreen
This Experience requires that you can walk for 1 km over uneven ground
Add-ons: Pick up and drop of at any hotel in Rubavu or Musanze can be organized at extra fee of 30,000 Rwf
Ibere rya Bigogwe is one of the greenest most spectacular places in Rwanda. The gentle rolling hills have a lush cover of fresh green grass making them a bright green with an almost dreamlike appearance as if from a fairy tale. Apart from a few walking tracks, the hillsides of Ibere rya Bigogwe are dotted with dairy cows busy munching away on the lush green grass. At the base of each green hill is a gentle stream separating it from the next. Ibere rya Bigogwe is a very gentle and dreamy place which will take the breath away from any visitor on a clear day.
Ibere rya Bigogwe is a cattle farming region established in the 80s for dairy farming. Today it is one of the largest milk-producing regions of Rwanda. Cows have a very special place in Rwanda both as an economic asset and as a symbol of wealth and social status. Traditionally the reddish Ankole breed of cows was widespread in Rwanda but has been replaced by other breeds which produce more milk. Today, black and white Jersey cows are the most common sight on the green hills of Ibere rya Bigogwe.
Drinking fresh milk on the green hillsides after a hike. (Photo, Dan Nsengiyumva)
There are many interesting activities for visitors to do in Ibere Rya Bigogwe. You can visit the green hills on your own, but a pre-booking is recommended to get a better experience. Most activities at Ibere Rya Bigogwe are obviously related to cows, but there are also nice trails for hiking and even a rock face used for rock climbing. Milking cows and tasting various dairy products such fresh cheese or Inshyushyu a pasteurized milk served hot are must-do experiences. Visitors also have the opportunity to take part in the specific Rwandan traditions and culture associated with cows and cattle keeping..
Traditional Stick Fighting (Photo, Dan Nsengiyumva)
Tending cows in Rwanda has always been the job of special cowboys. Rwandan cowboys have lived their lives next to the cows for centuries, watching over them, milking them and making sure that they are safe and healthy. Since cows do little else than eat and sleep, Rwandan cowboys have a lot of free time on their hands. During the centuries, certain games, songs and stories developed amongst the cowboys to pass the time. At Ibere Rya Bigogwe, visitors are welcome to join traditional cowboy games such as high jumping and stick fighting. The cowboys will also recite traditional stories and sing songs as part of the old Rwanda traditions and culture linked with cows
Easy hiking at Ibere Rya Bigogwe (Photo, Dan Nsengiyumva)
There is the possibility to stay over night or over an entire weekend at Ibere rya Bigogwe. Tents are available for hire and you will be served fresh hot food. Nights are spent under the stars in front of the fire with the cowboys telling tales of ancient stories, singing songs and reciting poems while drinking warm milk from traditional wooden gourds. Visitors who stay over several days will can use one of the many hiking trails to explore the green hills. The views are incredible and on a clear day one will see Mt. Sabinyo in the north and Mt. Nyiragongo in the South. The lush short grass makes it easy to move around and in the few hills which are covered in forest have excellent trails for hiking.
Camping at Ibere rya Bigogwe (Photo, Dan Nsengiyumva)
Contact Information and Booking
Ibere rya Bigogwe is an area of green lush hills off the RN4 main road halfway between Rubavu and Musanze with roughly 1 hour travel distance from each town. Visit Bigogwe is a company who organize various tours and activities for visitors.
Pre booking is not always necessary but is strongly advised.
