Tucked along the Congo Nile Trail, just 7 km from Rubona (Gisenyi), is a chance to interact with the indigenous people of the Gorilla Highlands: the Batwa, in Rwanda also known as “Twa” and officially termed “Historically Marginalised People”.
Because of the country’s tragic experience with the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi — a huge number of the Batwa were targeted too, perceived to be Tutsi sympathisers — it is not allowed to single out different ethnicities. Still, the activity we are proposing is government-approved and an opportunity to contribute to the Batwa wellbeing. It costs USD 20 per person, and you should know this money will support a truly vulnerable community.
The Batwa, once hunter-gatherers of Gishwati and other forests, have to be celebrated for preserving a culture that stretches back thousands of years. The government has relocated them from the nearby Gishwati-Mukura National Park to several villages, one of them being Busoro. Close to the methane plant, they now share aspects of their cultural heritage with visitors, through pottery, stories, and a heartwarming ceremony.
What exactly is in store at the Batwa Pottery Experience?
Pottery magic: Get your hands muddy with local clay as Batwa artisans teach you to craft a pot, vase, or traditional piece using ancient techniques. It’s a tangible link to their forest roots and village life plus, you’ll have a cool keepsake!
Stories that captivate: The Batwa share tales of their forest days, their traditions, and their journey to village life. These stories reveal their resilience and offer a window into a world few get to know.
Intertwining ceremony: Wrap up with a symbolic ritual where natural fibres are woven around pots or participants, celebrating unity and the thread connecting past and present.
The activity takes only 1-2 hours, and represents a cultural moment that complements Rwanda’s epic landscapes. Come curious and respectful, the Batwa love sharing their world — if you show them they matter!
🖋️ text and 📸 photography by:
Enock Musabyimana is a tour guide from Gisenyi who started his career leading hikers on the Congo Nile Trail. Over the years, Enock has expanded his networks and knowledge of East Africa, becoming comfortable in any environment. A passionate preacher and a proud father of three boys, he lives in Kigali, Rwanda. [bio updated: 2026-03]