1 Day in Nyanza Hiking Big View Trail and Visiting Wastewise Farm
Description
The Big View Trail, as its name suggests, offers breathtaking panoramic views along the entire hike, with an uninterrupted vista extending up to 40 kilometers from the summit. This cultural trail weaves through significant heritage sites, as Nyanza was once the capital of the kingdom, passing through hills once home to various kings. The hike also immerses you in local life, guiding you through farms all the way to the summit. Bird enthusiasts will find this trail rewarding, as the wetlands host over 20 documented bird species, with a guide providing a catalogue. Highlights of the hike include a visit to a local cooperative and the WasteWise demonstration farm at Dufatanye, where you’ll see how waste has been transformed into a tool for restoring dignity, creating the "Village of Hope." At Dufatanye, you’ll interact with women who recycle waste into beautiful souvenirs and learn how to craft using plastic bottles.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The hike begins at the the Kings Court in Nyanza, across from the Heritage Hotel. The Court stands as a significant cultural and historical landmark. Recently restored, it now functions as a key hub for tourist information and a prime destination for heritage tourism. This site has its origins in the reigns of King Mutara III Rudahigwa and King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, symbolizing the first modern royal court of the Rwandan Kingdom. As the former capital, Nyanza places this court at the center of its rich history and cultural identity. Visitors can expect a journey into Rwanda's vibrant cultural past and a deeper understanding of the kingdom's legacy. The Kings Court, with its renewed purpose, has been transformed into a resourceful tourist information center, guiding guests toward meaningful cultural and historical experiences. The venue offers a range of engaging exhibits that are thoughtfully crafted to bring the stories and historical significance of this royal city to life.
Opposite the Nyamagana lake heritage site is the Dufatanye's organization wastewise demonstration farm which is part of the Village of Hope. A visit to this community offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the development challenges faced in Nyanza and see how the Dufatanye organization has successfully addressed them. Cooperative members will take you on a tour of their farms, showcasing innovative agricultural techniques that have improved their nutrition and livelihoods. This inspiring visit lets you experience traditional farming firsthand and even try your hand at preparing fresh, organic food straight from the farm. A highlight of the experience is enjoying a meal cooked on an earthen stove and participating in a cooking class where both guests and hosts share tips, learn from each other, and bond over a delicious lunch filled with meaningful conversations.
The trail concludes at Remera Hill, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views spanning over 50 kilometers of the surrounding scenery. It’s an ideal spot to relax, have a picnic, or simply marvel at the stunning vistas. Along the way to Remera Hill, hikers will come across several noteworthy landmarks, including the Christ-Roi Church, Mu Gakenyeri kwa Musinga, Icyuzi cya Nyamagana, the Girimpuhwe Center, and the natural beauty of Remera Hill itself.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick you up from any hotel or accommodation in Kigali.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Reviews(2)
It's been over a week since I took the tour and I had to return to write a review. I simply can't stop thinking about it. I am a fairly well traveled person and this tour was by far the best that I've done. It is interesting, engaging, and inspiring. I'm not sure but I think my life may be different now. I chose the tour because I thought it was a good mix of physical activity and the chance to learn a little of the efforts of the people at Dufurante. It exceeded my expectations in the best way. I highly recommend this tour and am so grateful that I had a chance to experience it.
You will hike for two hours in the hills of Rwanda with beautiful views of the countryside. Then you will discover the impressive action of the DUFATANYE organization that has accompanied for years, the villagers, in a complete and integrated project of sustainable agricultural development. No waste. Everything is recycled, such as banana fibre, which is processed to make hygienic protections distributed to young girls in the village, thus avoiding school truancy. The tour ends with a shared lunch under a mango tree. Finally, before returning to Kigali, we visit the palaces of the last kings of Rwanda. I recommend 200% this exceptional day trip.
