Volcanoes National Park: Village walk with local guide

Summary

Walk the villages near Volcanoes National Park & share daily life

You’ll walk through villages near Volcanoes National Park with a local guide, visit family homes, try your hand at wood carving or cooking over an open fire, and share laughs with Rwandan hosts. Expect genuine moments of connection and everyday life you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway down the red dirt path when I realized how quiet it was — just the soft crunch of our shoes and the occasional laughter from kids darting between banana trees. Our guide, Jean-Claude, waved at a woman balancing a basket on her head (she grinned back, didn’t even slow down). He pointed out the volcano peaks in the distance — misty, almost unreal — but honestly, I was more focused on the smoky smell coming from somewhere nearby. Someone was cooking lunch, and it made my stomach rumble.

We stopped at a small house with blue doors. Inside, an older man showed us how he carves wood — his hands moved so fast I could barely follow. The room smelled like sawdust and something sweet I couldn’t place. When he handed me a half-finished spoon to try carving myself, I nearly ruined it (he just laughed and fixed my mistake in two seconds). After that we helped light a fire outside for lunch prep; turns out lighting a fire here is nothing like at home — it took three tries and some gentle teasing from our host before we got it going.

I tried pounding cassava leaves with one of the women (my arms got tired embarrassingly fast), and then we all sat together while she explained each step in Kinyarwanda, with Jean-Claude translating bits for us. There was music too — not formal or anything, just someone plucking at a homemade instrument while kids clapped along. It felt like time slowed down for an hour or so. I still think about that view from their yard: volcanoes behind us, smoke curling up into the sky, everyone busy but somehow relaxed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Village Tour Near Volcanoes Park

• Walk from lodge to nearby villages
• Take photos freely
• Visit local homes
• Observe local food preparation
• Experience traditional music instruments

Top questions

How do you get to the village tour from Volcanoes National Park?

The tour departs on foot from your lodge near Volcanoes National Park or nearby areas.

Is bottled water included during the village tour?

Yes, bottled water is provided as part of your day.

Can you take photos during the tour?

Yes, you’re welcome to take photos freely throughout the experience.

What activities are included in this rural Rwandan village tour?

You’ll visit homes, help prepare local food from scratch, try wood carving or weaving, and listen to traditional music instruments.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes walking from your lodge with a local guide through villages near Volcanoes National Park, visits inside family homes where you can join daily chores like cooking or wood carving, plenty of chances to take photos along the way, plus bottled water to keep you refreshed throughout.