
Home staying experience
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Home staying experience worth booking?
Home staying experience is a 4-hour experience in Kigali, Rwanda, from $72 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $72 per person
An overnight Experience is a unique opportunity to participate in the life of a rural Rwandan and her/his family. Home Stay hostesses live in homes made of mud or bricks, which usually have one larger front room for receiving visitors and a few smaller bedrooms for the family. In the enclosed area behind the house, there is an outdoor kitchen, enclosed pit latrine and bathing outhouse, animal stalls and family work space. Most host families have about four children at home. In Rwandan culture, guests are considered a blessing! Your Home Stay Experience begins with a drive to a nearby village, where you and your BGE guide will be welcomed by your rural community hosts. This experience can be long or short depending on the guest's wishes and it is popular with students that are participating in abroad study programs,internships and researches.
What you get
About this experience
An overnight Experience is a unique opportunity to participate in the life of a rural Rwandan and her/his family. Home Stay hostesses live in homes made of mud or bricks, which usually have one larger front room for receiving visitors and a few smaller bedrooms for the family. In the enclosed area behind the house, there is an outdoor kitchen, enclosed pit latrine and bathing outhouse, animal stalls and family work space. Most host families have about four children at home. In Rwandan culture, guests are considered a blessing! Your Home Stay Experience begins with a drive to a nearby village, where you and your BGE guide will be welcomed by your rural community hosts. This experience can be long or short depending on the guest's wishes and it is popular with students that are participating in abroad study programs,internships and researches.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
Not included
- Private transportation
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kigali
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Full home stay
Pickup included
Home stay without pick up
home stay experience landcruiser Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 3 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Beyond the Gorillas Experience
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos




What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Home staying experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Awesome staying experience with Radisson Red.
It was an amazing experience staying in Radisson Red. The experience started from the reception with very nice and problem solving staffs. I really want to express my heartfelt thanks to one lady named Ansuni for her extended help and hospitality during that 1st day at hotel. I am really enjoyed a lot with their service, housekeeping and breakfast as well. Only one suggestion they should bring more variety of food to bring the interest for long staying guests. My special thanks to Ansuni, Alija, chef Melton, Caitano and all the staff for their service. Wish all a happy and prosperous new year. Thank you.
Response from the operator: We thank you so much for your compliments. We can wait doing more eco-friendly tours with you in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Beyond Expectations. Amazing experience!
My overnight homestay experience in Rwanda was truly unforgettable. The family was incredibly warm and welcoming, making me feel like family. I was so moved by the experience and it was the highlight of my trip to Rwanda. The tours were also fantastic! I visited a stunning lake, tried archery on a private island, and explored the nearby city. There were also other unique attractions that made the trip even more special. Overall, this homestay experience exceeded my expectations. The combination of the wonderful family and exciting tours made it a trip I'll cherish forever. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much Tarika It was a please hosting in Rwanda. Apart from homestay we organize other tours in the whole country.
via Viator
Amazing location, phenomenal family, great experience
My homestay was a phenomenal experience. The family I stayed with were absolutely amazing. Their kindness and generosity is unmatched and I felt very welcomed. I truly enjoyed every moment of the visit and learned so much about the area. The other activities in the area the next day such as the visit to the lake, the city tour, the archery on the private island, and the visit to the gorilla naming statues were also fantastic. The vehicle used was clean and spacious and I would recommend the activity.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the review.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $72 to $100
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Beyond the Gorillas Experience, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.2.
See everything Beyond the Gorillas Experience runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Home staying experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kigali.
How much does Home staying experience cost?
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Prices start at $72 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kigali usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Home staying experience take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kigali is not rushed.
Is Home staying experience worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kigali, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Home staying experience?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Home staying experience suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Home staying experience?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kigali can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kigali and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Home staying experience start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kigali within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kigali?
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On Outty we rank every Kigali experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include One-day Akagera National Park Game Drive with a Choice 4x4, One Day Akagera Wildlife Safari, Kigali City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kigali?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kigali?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Home staying experience?
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Included: Bottled water; Lunch; Dinner; and Breakfast. Not included: Private transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Home staying experience include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Kigali. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Home staying experience offered in?
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It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Home staying experience?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Home staying experience wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Home staying experience if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Home staying experience?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include good for families, small groups, photo opportunities. Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
What booking options are available for Home staying experience?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Full home stay, Home stay without pick up. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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