Tours & experiences

Ntarama and Nyamata Genocide Memorials Day Trip with Lake Retreat

About this experience

A historical and political tour will open up travel in a way you’d never expect. This tour gives you an insightful glimpse into the complex issues of the ethnic divisions and the role played by the catholic church and different colonial powers in the events that led to the genocide. The tour also offers hearing first hand from people closely involved and well informed is eye opening.

The second part of the tour is an opportunity to spend a day in the life of Rwandan farmers, artisans and fishermen. We also get the relax at Lake Bugesera where we get to enjoy Rwandan food.

At a glance

  • Duration: 8 hr
  • Private experience

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Ntarama and Nyamata Genocide Memorials Day Trip with Lake Retreat
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour8 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), French (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Private transportation
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Bottled water
  • Tour guide in church memorials

Not included

  • Lunch menu includes beef, goat or chicken brochettes, or grilled fish complemented by a variety of sides, including: green veggies, crispy french fries and many other Rwandan delicacies.

Itinerary and highlights

Our journey begins with a visit to the Ntarama Church Memorial in the Bugesera region. This poignant site serves as a somber reminder of Rwanda's tragic past and offers visitors an opportunity for reflection and remembrance. The memorial, located in a former Catholic church, now stands as a testament to the lives lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

We will visit the Nyamate Genocide Memorial, a church where a tragic event unfolded during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In a single day, tens of thousands of Tutsis were massacred within its walls, transforming this sacred place of worship into a symbol of extreme desecration. The victims were primarily surviving descendants of Tutsis who had been forcibly deported to this region in 1959.

This inhospitable area, once infested with tsetse flies, was chosen as a site for what was intended to be the extermination of the Tutsi people. The memorial serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed and the lives lost during this dark period in Rwanda's history. It stands as a powerful testament to the importance of remembrance, reconciliation, and the prevention of such horrific events in the future.

After exploring the memorials, our driver guide will escort you to the picturesque Lake Bugesera for a well-deserved lunch break. Here, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views of the lake. To enhance your experience, we offer a guided walk around the hotel grounds, providing a unique glimpse into the rural lifestyle of local fishermen and farmers who call the lakeside their home.

During this leisurely stroll, you'll gain valuable insights into the daily routines and traditional practices of the community, fostering a deeper appreciation for Rwanda's rich cultural heritage. After the enlightening walk, you'll return to the hotel to relax and reflect on your experiences. As the day draws to a close, our attentive guide will ensure your comfortable return journey to Kigali, dropping you off at your preferred hotel accommodation.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Our guide will carry a sign with the name of the tour leader or organization.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • French — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • YAMBI Tours & Adventures

Accessibility and practical details

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 8 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Our guide will carry a sign with the name of the tour leader or organization.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), French (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 0–11; Adult tickets: age 12+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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