About this experience
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.
At a glance
- Duration: 10 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 10 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
What is included
- We provide hiking equipment, including hiking sticks, ponchos when needed, and hiking boots for those who require them.
- All Fees and Taxes
- Guiding fees for our expert certified guides.
- You will have lunch as part of the cooking class at the waste-wise demonstration farm. Straight from farm to table, with some prepared in an earthen traditional stove, a truly awesome experience
- Handcrafted Souvenir: You’ll receive a unique souvenir made from recycled materials
- Bottled water is provided throughout the tour, and empty bottles are repurposed in an art class at the Women Environment Action at Dufatanye, turning them into eco-friendly souvenirs.
Not included
- Private transportation
Itinerary and highlights
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.
Meeting and pickup information
- We will pick you up from any hotel or accommodation in Kigali.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- New Dawn Associates
Accessibility and practical details
- 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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