As travelers seek more authentic and immersive
experiences, community-based tourism initiatives have become increasingly
popular. These initiatives not only offer visitors an opportunity to connect
with local communities, but also provide economic opportunities for those
communities. One such initiative is the Virunga Homestay in Rwanda.
The Virunga Homestay is located in Musanze, near
the Virunga Mountains and Volcanoes National Park. The homestay was established
in 2017 as a way to provide visitors with an authentic cultural experience and
to generate income for the local community.
The homestay is run by a local family who have
been trained in hospitality and tourism. Visitors to the homestay can stay at
their home and experience daily life in Rwanda, including cooking traditional
meals, farming, and participating in cultural activities such as dancing and
drumming.
The impact of the Virunga Homestay on the local community has been significant. The income generated by the homestay has helped to improve the standard of living for different families, including funding for education, healthcare, and community development projects.