Red Rocks Rwanda - Campsite & Guesthouse

Great Stay, quite tranquil Great Stay, quite tranquil

We had a great authentic community stay at Redrocks. There are so many activities to experience. From learning the locals traditions to bird watching and cycling tours. Emma was an amazing host. Thomas my birding guide was extremely passionate and knowledgeable. We saw 24 species of birds including 3 species he said were quite rare to see.

A friend and I stayed at Red Rocks for two nights in March 2023, in the bamboo cabin with two single beds. We had the best time with the staff and activities. We went on the village walk with Thomas (also the bird guide there!) and felt so comfortable and welcome strolling through local people’s fields and village, learning about local agriculture, ways of life, education, and how all of these are developing. We went on a Sunday when school was out, and so we were followed by a troop of excited children, which was actually the highlight of my friend’s entire trip! We also got to see some lovely views! The next day we made banana beer and baskets, two activities that I wasn’t really that excited about, but it was FUN. The demonstrations were carried out by the women’s cooperative with whom Red Rocks cooperates and were translated by Emma, who comes from the area and speaks the best English of anyone I met in Rwanda. There was singing, dancing and drumming to accompany us digging in and mashing bananas and grinding sorghum. It felt very participatory and welcoming—not as though we were just some awkward white people standing around staring. There was lots of laughter on both sides. Red Rocks is in many ways a community project. While the women’s cooperative works on baskets or sewing projects, their kids can come after school and get English tutoring from a volunteer: usually a hostel guest. I’m a bit pushy and asked if we could sit in on a lesson, which they welcomed us to do. Another education initiative was also present that travels around and provides reading materials for schoolchildren. But back to our stay! The beds were comfy and had mosquito nets provided. The bathroom was a bit far, but they’re in the process of building new ones closer to the cabins. Breakfast was inexpensive and delicious. Mountains of fresh fruit, the option of eggs, bread, coffee, various teas. Lunch and dinner were also available, inexpensive, and if you are at all familiar with Rwandan food, it seems they will make just about anything you ask for. It was very plentiful, healthy, and also vegetarian/vegan friendly if that’s your thing. I have a mango allergy, and they made sure to separate food preparation to accommodate for that. All in all, it was a wonderful stay! HIGHLY recommend!