First stop at the women's pottery cooperative Urumuri, before visiting the men's Gatagara pottery. The Batwa members of the Urumuri Cooperative are harnessing their famous traditional skills—historically renowned for their pottery, figurines, and performances as court jesters and entertainers. Be welcomed by vibrantly drumming and dancing women and smiling children in this experience aptly named "the dancing pots" for their infectious energy. You'll join a hands-on pottery class learning traditional craftsmanship as the women demonstrate ancient techniques, all while music and dance fill the air around you.

Then proceed to the men's Gatagara Pottery cooperative to learn modernized techniques from their husbands. Rwanda's first modern pottery establishment offers a unique opportunity to witness this community's transformation from marginalization to empowerment. Your hosts share their historical and cultural background before guiding you through a pottery class where you'll mix clay, form products, and learn about firing in traditional kilns. This exemplary community now stands fully integrated in all areas of social life, proudly sharing both their heritage and their future.

After experiencing the pottery, visit HVP Gatagara to discover the inspiring story behind the man who created what you just witnessed. Father Joseph Fraipont Ndagijimana, known as the "father of people with disabilities" in Rwanda, founded the pottery cooperative in 1977 as one initiative within his far greater mission. His life's work began in 1960 when he established HVP Gatagara on "the hill of hope"—Rwanda's first orthopedic and rehabilitation center. Here, this Belgian priest dedicated himself to providing medical care, education, and dignity to people living with disabilities. Walk through the center where he lived, worked, and ultimately was laid to rest. The pottery project you just experienced was his vision to provide employment and integration for marginalized communities, particularly the once marginalised Batwa. Witness how his compassionate calling continues to empower lives today, as HVP Gatagara remains the cornerstone of disability care and rehabilitation in Rwanda.

Your journey continues to the heart of Nyanza, where the King's Palace Museum stands as a testament to Rwanda's royal heritage. The highlight of your visit will be meeting the magnificent Inyambo—the legendary Long Horned Royal Cows adorned with traditional jewelry. These sacred cattle, trained to respond to their keeper's songs, embody Rwandan culture where cattle represent wealth, status, and social bonds. Watch their graceful ceremonial displays, performed for centuries at royal celebrations. Step inside the meticulously reconstructed traditional palace of Mwami Musinga and explore pre-colonial monarchy customs. Then visit the contrasting Western-style palace of Mwami Rudahigwa, Rwanda's first Christian monarch, where tradition met modernization. Through the majestic Inyambo, royal artifacts, and architecture, you'll gain profound appreciation for how Rwanda's monarchy navigated change while honoring its cultural identity.