Azizi Life Experiences
Azizi Life Experiences
5
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About
We offer a unique opportunity to experience life in Rural Rwanda. Come on one of our 2 hour or day long workshops and try your hand at everything from subsistence farming to learning how to weave your own Rwanda craft. If you come for the day then lunch is included and it gives you the chance to chat with your hosts and really learn about their life. You can do one day or more and we can even tailor the experience to meet the needs and interests of your group - just ask us for more details. We also offer guided hike around the beautiful hills and valleys around Muhanga and then during the months of May to September we also offer a traditional coffee experience. We can put the workshop on any day and time that works for you.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
142 reviews
Excellent
136
Very good
5
Average
1
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0
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ShenandoahAmy
Winchester, VA15 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
I just got back from a 10 day trip to Rwanda, along with a group of 10, that Tom McGregor from Azizi Life planned from beginning to end. I started corresponding with Tom about 6 months prior to the trip and initially contacted him about the day-in-the-life experience days -- Tom ended up planning our entire trip on our very limited budget. The two days in the village -- carrying bundles of grass on our heads, buckets of water, making mud bricks, building a pig house, weaving necklaces, learning to use a hoe and talking (through wonderful translators) with the village women over lunch they prepared for us in their homes -- remained the highlight of our trip. That being said, the day trips Azizi Life planned gave all of us an immense appreciation for Rwandan history, culture, and day-to-day rhythms, so it is actually difficult to choose an absolute favorite. Azizi Life made us feel like each part of Rwanda we visited was home - despite the fact that a few on our trip have never left the United States. You will not meet a warmer, more dedicated group of special individuals who think of everything (and I mean everything) and make visitors feel like family. Azizi Life made us feel comfortable going out of our comfort zones -- and left us wanting to come back for more.
Written March 18, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia G
Eastbourne, England, United Kingdom18 contributions
Feb 2013 • Solo
Just exactly what i always look for in a holiday but seldom find - friendly people sharing their daily life, answering all those questions I'd been dying to ask, even showing an interest in where I come from. I took part in a wide range of tasks during a one day visit. Most interesting for me were the weed plants and food plants, how to carry a load on your head, and the astonishing sisal fibres coming out of the leaf. A wonderful idea, well executed by Azizi Life.
Written February 13, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
conniechiles
Ottumwa, IA16 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
We had a good time on our adventure - peeling sweet potatoes, hoeing the ground, feeding cows, hauling water, weaving, and eating lunch with the ladies. I don't think I'd survive their lifestyle. They are very hard workers.
Written December 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JanetFB44
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States8 contributions
Mar 2012 • Solo
Authentic, engaging, eye-opening! Skip the expensive safaris and grasp how PEOPLE really live and work. I've traveled on every continent and the Azizi Life day was the most amazing adventure imaginable. You'll better understand cultures, world economics, education, and truly appreciate the invincible, generous nature of the human spirit!
Written May 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy S
25 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
We visited the Azizi Life Center to learn local drumming and dancing. We were warmly welcomed by our guide who also served as our interpreter. We were dressed in local costumes and proceeded to learn drumming and dancing with our very late Ted teachers and entertainers. The center is about an hour’s drive from Kigali. We went in the morning.So if you go, check to see if they can make arrangements for lunch. Transportation to and from Kigali was arranged by the center for an additional cost.
The highlight of my trip so far.
The highlight of my trip so far.
Written April 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
virendsa
Mumbai, India136 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
From the time I came till the time I left, I have never felt so welcomed and appreciated in all my life. I should send my parents here on camp to learn a few things.... smiles From tilling the land to cooking food and getting water from the lake the tour was both authentic and exceeded my expectations and considering I was solo they did not over charge me like other companies which is an added advantage.
But what stuck me the most were two things: A] when I cut myself while cooking they took care of me not professionally but like i was their own son which deepened the impact.
B] When I was going to miss my bus to the city that would get me to my onward intl flight, they not just drove me to the stand but on realizing that I missed the bus and the next would definitely be way too late, they proactively drove me ahead so that I could catch the same bus and thus save time!!!
DEFINITELY DO NOT DO THIS IF YOU ARE CATCHING A FLIGHT THE SAME DAY but you have to try and spend a night with these guys and it will change your life forever!!
Will definitely come back!!
But what stuck me the most were two things: A] when I cut myself while cooking they took care of me not professionally but like i was their own son which deepened the impact.
B] When I was going to miss my bus to the city that would get me to my onward intl flight, they not just drove me to the stand but on realizing that I missed the bus and the next would definitely be way too late, they proactively drove me ahead so that I could catch the same bus and thus save time!!!
DEFINITELY DO NOT DO THIS IF YOU ARE CATCHING A FLIGHT THE SAME DAY but you have to try and spend a night with these guys and it will change your life forever!!
Will definitely come back!!
Written August 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
prot
Kalmar, Sweden65 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Spontaneously stopped in Muhanga on the way to Akagera to go to Azizi lifes' souvenir shop but ended up with staying one night and went on an experience doing mud bricks. We do not regret it one bit!
First of all, they treated us like royalty at the hostel and made us feel right at home for a more than reasonable price. Felt a bit bad that we couldn't thank them the day after for everything.
Then the experience were way over expectations. Got to meet the women of the Abumurava cooperative. Unbelievable human beings. Welcoming and warm showing us into one of their home and teaching us about their everyday life. Also teaching us about how to make mud bricks and making bracelets out of fibres from a plant. Not only that, we changed experiences through a very good interpreter, Jeanette (i believe her name was, sorry if i am wrong but i'm horrible with names).
After a lot of laughter and fantastic food that they made for us they asked us to join them to sing and dance and it was all that i've ever pictured Rwanda and Africa to be.
I wish these ladies and Azizi life all the best in this world and hope that their work will continue to be able to cooperate as well as it does today and maybe even better (if that is possible)
A thousand thanks from me and my partner! If we ever come back to Rwanda I hope we can come back to Muhanga and visit you again!
To everyone reading this; do not miss this opportunity if you are passing or near Muhanga! It is definitely worth it and more! Look to their web page (or google "Azizi life rwanda" and you'll find it) for more available experiences. They will be more than happy to make the experience adjusted to your liking. Obviously you are as much participant as you like but make sure to partake as much as possible for an ultimate experience!
The money you spend helps the members of the cooperative and the community. It's a win win situation for everyone when you visit! Can't be any better really :)
First of all, they treated us like royalty at the hostel and made us feel right at home for a more than reasonable price. Felt a bit bad that we couldn't thank them the day after for everything.
Then the experience were way over expectations. Got to meet the women of the Abumurava cooperative. Unbelievable human beings. Welcoming and warm showing us into one of their home and teaching us about their everyday life. Also teaching us about how to make mud bricks and making bracelets out of fibres from a plant. Not only that, we changed experiences through a very good interpreter, Jeanette (i believe her name was, sorry if i am wrong but i'm horrible with names).
After a lot of laughter and fantastic food that they made for us they asked us to join them to sing and dance and it was all that i've ever pictured Rwanda and Africa to be.
I wish these ladies and Azizi life all the best in this world and hope that their work will continue to be able to cooperate as well as it does today and maybe even better (if that is possible)
A thousand thanks from me and my partner! If we ever come back to Rwanda I hope we can come back to Muhanga and visit you again!
To everyone reading this; do not miss this opportunity if you are passing or near Muhanga! It is definitely worth it and more! Look to their web page (or google "Azizi life rwanda" and you'll find it) for more available experiences. They will be more than happy to make the experience adjusted to your liking. Obviously you are as much participant as you like but make sure to partake as much as possible for an ultimate experience!
The money you spend helps the members of the cooperative and the community. It's a win win situation for everyone when you visit! Can't be any better really :)
Written February 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnsHopkins
Baltimore, MD2 contributions
Jan 2016 • Friends
probably the most authentic Rwandan experience you'll get! you get to hang out and eat with the villagers!
Written January 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nathyy
Paris, France52 contributions
Nov 2015 • Solo
Far away from the touristic experience one can live in a "local village trip" -which I trully avoid in all my trips-, Azizi life offers a unique experience that I could only recommend. Here, you won't feel like a peeping Tom stranger taking locals into pictures, but rather part of a new family (praying, cooking, eating, making banana juice or dancing together). The joy, smiles, laughts, and day to day activities will fulfill you with happiness and bring a smile on you face for days.
Tips: do not hesitate to stay in Azizi headquarters for the night, the team is amazing and will take great care of you with love and simplicity :)
Tips: If you're staying in Kigali, visit their shop in Heaven restaurant to contribute also throught those little cute gifts or to organise your visit.
Tips: do not hesitate to stay in Azizi headquarters for the night, the team is amazing and will take great care of you with love and simplicity :)
Tips: If you're staying in Kigali, visit their shop in Heaven restaurant to contribute also throught those little cute gifts or to organise your visit.
Written November 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine T
Minneapolis, MN25 contributions
Nov 2015
If you want to see what life is like for the majority of Rwandans, this is the way to do it. We spent a day with women of the village, learning about their way of life - cooking, farming, fetching water, making local crafts. Its an honor to be let into someone's home and see firsthand their way of life. This is NOT for those who just want to gawk, see the "poor people", or take pictures. This is for those who want to experience Rwandan life, to show respect to your hosts, and widen your worldview.
Written November 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are so happy that you and the rest of the group had a great time with our artisans partners. The artisans are a lovely, fun group of ladies, who love to host guests and they try their hardest to make sure everyone feels cared for and included in the day.
Written November 16, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How does the work free /community day effect azizi life hours?
Written September 19, 2017
On Umuganda (that is the community work day which is on the last Saturday in the month) our experiences start from 12noon, after the community work is completed.
Written October 18, 2017
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