Rwanda Traditional Cooking Experience

Discover the heart of Rwandan culture through its community and cuisine.

Discover the heart of Rwandan culture through its people and cuisine. Join Judith Safaris for an unforgettable cooking experience that encapsulates the warmth and richness of Rwandan life. From bustling markets to the vibrant kitchen of a local home, you’ll learn the secrets of traditional Rwandan dishes while connecting with a welcoming community. Share laughter, stories, and culinary skills as you cook alongside your hosts, creating lasting memories.

This isn’t just a cooking class; it’s a journey into the soul of Rwanda.

Ready to embark on this cultural and culinary adventure?

Gallery

Play Video about A group of participants stirring food in clay pots during a traditional Rwandan Cooking Experience in Kigali, Rwanda.

Play Video about A scenic aerial view of Kigali City, Rwanda, highlighting the location where the traditional Rwandan Cooking Experience takes place at Judith Homestay.

Play Video

The Itinerary

Welcome & Market Visit

Begin your journey with a warm welcome and a briefing session at Judith Home. From there, we’ll head to the vibrant Kimihurura market in Kigali to shop for fresh, local ingredients. Guided by expert chefs, you’ll select the raw materials for the day’s traditional Rwandan dishes.

09:00AM

Cooking at Judith Home Stay

Return to Judith Home Stay, where you’ll be greeted by our local chef. After a brief introduction and essential kitchen safety tips, you’ll dive into the first phase of your culinary adventure. Learn about the traditional meals you’ll be preparing before rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on in the kitchen. This immersive experience lets you explore the rich flavors and techniques of Rwandan cuisine.

10:00AM

Commune, Feast, & Relax

Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you savor the delicious meals you’ve prepared, served on traditional plates. Relish the serene surroundings of Judith Home Stay while indulging in the unique tastes of Rwandan culture. After the meal, unwind by the swimming pool, engage in painting activities, and immerse yourself in the scenic views and melodious Rwandan songs.

01:00PM

Departure

02:00PM

Client Testimonials

    
 
 
        
   Jennifer Lin 
 2024-02-27
 
 
  Judith Safaris is very professional, punctual, and powered by women. We were very happy to work with them and our driver Alice for our two week cross the country customized tour. They provided useful recommendations to help us to make our itinerary more enjoyable, and Alice made sure we were comfortable and happy throughout the whole trip. Their price is very reasonable as well. Please consider to work with them!
  
 
       
   Rodrigo Guerrero M 
 2023-10-30
 
 
  Excellent experience !!!
Excellent service of Judith Safari.
  
 
       
   Marie Heber 
 2023-08-08
 
 
  We did a 2-day safari tour with Judith and her staff who are all very nice! It was a girl's trip so there were only female participants and all of Judith's female staff. It was pretty well organized, they took care of all the food, the tents, sleeping matresses and bags... We went there by bus, visited a Women Center on the way and had a short game drive on saturday while Judith and the rest were already setting the tents. There were a lot of snacks already in the bus, then we had our own chef who cooked a delicious dinner saturday night! On Sunday, we did an early morning game drive, then had a nice breakfast with fruits and rolex, and after that continued the whole day driving up north to the park exit. Apart from the delayed departure on saturday, it was a very nice trip! We really liked Judith and her team, thank you so much for all the organisation!
  
 
       
   Sandra A. 
 2023-08-08
 
 
  I feel very lucky to have spent these 2 days in Akagera with Judith's team! This woman safaris trips are such a good idea! Apart from the stunning landscapes of the park, camping in the park is a game changer! (Rollex of the cook and best mangos ever at breakfast too ;D)
It's also a great opportunity to meet inspiring women.
Icing on the cake : excellent value for money!
  
 
       
   Gili Bean 
 2023-08-08
 
 
  We did camping in Akagera park, so we had 1.5 days there. A girls only trip. The staff made it their mission to make the preparations, the journey and the stay as convenient as possible. First, they addressed all of my questions and concerns, including offering a complementary one night stay in Kigali the night before the trip, so I would be able to join.  The journey there was well organized, we had all the camping equipment that we needed, the supplies of food and water was taken care of, and meals were prepared by a chef(!). All we had to do is to enjoy the experience. We had a night of camp fire and slept in tents. In the safari itself, we saw a lot of animals (unfortunately no lions), had a guide, and were given time to take photos. I felt that the girls and the staff really bonded. On the way back, since I wasn't going back to Kigali, they drove a little out of the way to bring me to my guest house.
  
 
       
   Sahar Khyabani 
 2023-07-23
 
 
  Such an incredible experience. Paid 250$ per person for 7 people and had room for one more but we paid for a park guide so there was a spot for her to sit in our vehicle. Included hotel pickup and drop off, park entry fees, boat ride, and some snacks for the safari. We saw so many animals in the park. Three of the big five and many more! Unfortunately the cats are nocturnal so we were unable to see lions and leopards but gives me a reason to come back!

Judith is a female owned and operated safari business which is why we went with them. Jeanisse was our driver and she was great. Super knowledgeable and engaging and not only cared about our experience but was respectful of the wildlife. If you find yourself in Rwanda and want to go on a safari I highly recommend them!
  
 
       
   Lorraine Penduka 
 2023-06-14
 
 
  I met the lovely all-girls team. Experienced Fika Café. I would highly recommend for a place to work whilst enjoying the aromatic smell and taste of coffee.

Budget rooms also available. Spacious and in a central location.
  
 
       
   Amira El Maghrabi 
 2022-12-16
 
 
  We can highly recommend Judith and her team at Judith Safaris. We booked a 9 days tour around Rwanda, visiting Akagera, Vulcano and Nyungwe national park and lake Kivu. First of all, we had the most professional guide (Anaclet) who not only knows everything about Rwanda but also loves his job and truly cares about his clients experience from start to finish. Secondly, Judith and Sharons recommendations on activities were spot on and we had zero issues with all the bookings they made for us, even the ones which were on short notice as we started the tour a day after walking into their office. Thirdly, we loved the fact they are a business which directly creates opportunities for women who want to pursue careers in tourism.

    
 
 
        
   Lin C 
 2024-02-27
 
 
  Female powered, timely communication, professional service
Judith Safaris is a female powered tour company that provides customized tours and packaged tours. We got recommendations from multiple sources (NGO run by a friend, female powered resort…), and didn’t regret to cooperate with them for a customized two week tour throughout Rwanda. Alice our driver is patient, helpful, punctual, and friendly. She is not afraid to take challenges and did her best to make sure we are comfortable and happy during the road trip. She also tried to provide many useful recommendations to make our trip more relaxing and interesting. When we were registering for our gorilla trekking trip in Volcanoes National Park, I was proud but a bit sad to see Alice was the only female guide amongst almost 40 guides that day. The communication we had with their back office when we were planning the details of the itinerary, and during our trip was very timely and helpful as well. Please consider to work with Judith!
  
 
       
   NoosaKings 
 2024-01-12
 
 
  Just like visiting family
During the 2 years of COVID, the gorillas apparently missed the "visitors" so much they wandered down into the local villages looking for them. We felt privileged to visit these primates in their home jungle. Our guide, porters and gunman were exceptional. Our gorilla family was quite a mobile one, which meant we had to walk quite awhile to catch up, helped by porters through dense jungle of the Virunga Mtns. On arrival, our family was sleeping, or trying to without much success due to the antics of the littlest member of the troupe who kept jumping on the other gorillas trying to entice them to play. We visited for an hour watching them play, snooze, eat and interact with each other. Our guide was "speaking" to the family anytime they appeared unsettled which resulted in a spectacular visit for us. We started to leave when the Silverback decided it was time for the family to move on as well, and the entire family trouped past us, nearly trodding on our toes. We got it all on film and video and we were delighted with our experience. Top knotch service by our guides and porters, who helped us over the jungle floor which is littered with vegetation, fall tree trunks and vines. It was a memorable day and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
  
 
       
   Kéviné U 
 2024-01-02
 
 
  Amazing
We had an amazing experience with Judithsafaris. Everything was set according to ours demands et we were more than amazed by the tour. Our guide Paul was wonderful, very Kind and had some fun facts to share with us. We had to chance to do the royal ballon. We were just à little disappointed by the food because we wanted to eat some local specialites but other than that, it was good. Maybe include some binoculars. Thank you for a beautiful safari
  
 
       
   Jan-Joost V 
 2023-11-19
 
 
  Visiting Rwanda & Uganda
Perfect organized, did a lot in one week! From Gorilla trekking in Uganda, to chimpanzee trekking in the south. Thanks for the great experience.
  
 
       
   Chandra G 
 2023-09-02
 
 
  I learned so much about Rwanda
I visited Rwanda as a solo traveler for the first time ever - both Rwanda & solo traveling as a first time. I'm so thankful I chose Judith Safari to book my gorilla & coffee plantation tour over two days. One reason I picked them was because they are woman owned, woman led. We gotta' support each other! They took care of everything. It was so easy! I even had a 4am pickup for the gorillas - which felt a little scary, meeting a stranger from the other side of the planet to take me to mysterious places in the dark. The gorilla experience is like visiting another planet and the coffee tour was incredibly educational. I'll never look at coffee the same! Both experiences were on opposite ends of the country (N & S) so I got to see so much without realizing it when I booked the trip. My guide was fantastic and pointed out things I wouldn't have realized had significance - like crossing a bridge where the Nile originates! I highly recommend this to anyone.
  
 
       
   Gilberte V 
 2023-08-25
 
 
  Kigali and surroundings with Miko
We hired a car with driver who came to pick us up at the airport. Everything was super well organised. Mico was not only a driver but showed himself to be a true tour guide. He came up with good ideas for an initial exploration of Kigali and its surroundings. Thank you Judith Safaris and Mico
  
 
       
   Habibou 
 2023-08-15
 
 
  Fun experience
I contacted Judith Safari tours for a 2 days trip to Kibuye, the Huye Coffee Plantation and the King’s Palace Museum. They arrived on time to pick me up and the guides were very professional and welcoming. 100% recommend the company!
  
 
       
   Edward L 
 2023-06-24
 
 
  Mountain biking in Kigali Rwanda
Had an an amazing adventure with Leandre mountain biking around Kigali city and hills. Leandre is very knowledgeable of Rwanda and excellent guide!

About Judith Safaris

Women Empowerment Based Organization 5% from your booking is donated to support women with personal and economic development.

Our Mission

To empower the women of Rwanda to pursue careers in tourism, providing the highest standard of professional, authentic and memorable experiences to all domestic and international visitors.

Our Vision

Providing excellent tour experiences for travelers who wish to learn more about the culture of Rwanda and experience the beautiful landscapes and natural wonders that this country has to offer, becoming a global market leader in tour and travel services.