Our Lady of Kibeho Shrine
Our Lady of Kibeho Shrine
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JanaiTravelsSometime
Washington DC, DC8 contributions
Mar 2014 • Business
Let me begin by saying that I am not Catholic, but arrived from America with a team reflecting on the Rwanda genocide and one of our team leaders is Catholic. Secondly, although there are a small but quite significant handful of attractions that id would behoove you to spend time on while you're there, you will definitely want to make this a day trip---if for no other reason but the long driving distance to Kibeho (remote, up a mountainside) from everything else.
We actually stayed on Kibeho grounds as pilgrim guests on a Saturday evening, and stayed until Sunday after mass. But the trip itself is an experience. You drive up GORGEOUS, hilly countryside to get there. We hired a rough-terrain safari vehicle (the ONLY way I suggest you make that trip, if you can pool funds with your team to rent it for the day), and we had a teammate who served as our guide and resident history buff (you'll need one of those too). Driving up the hills, you can SEE how the hills couldn't hide anyone from the slaughter... and as he told us history and anecdotes to connect the significance of Kibeho to the genocide, we drive up and see these rolling hills on the road to Kibeho that fell right in the thick of the heavy story, making our arrival to, the stories of, & the landmarks in Kibeho all the more weighty & poignant.
As another reviewer mentioned, you should read up on not only the genocide to appreciate this place, but more importantly on the famous story of how Mother Mary appeared in a vision to some school girls in Kibeho, and foretold of what would happen if the people in the country did not repent and change their ways---essential prophesying the genocide with alarmingly accurate descriptions. One of the visionaries, Natalie, still lives there as a nun. She is one of only two Vatican-approved visionaries alive in the entire world. We attended & waited after Sunday Mass to meet her, and she graciously talked with us for about 10-15 minutes. SWEET lady!! Made the trip worth it. Also, the church in which mass was held was a major genocide memorial where many, many people were slaughtered. You will see the purple marks on the side walls, marking where the grenades had burst through the walls to gain access to those seeking refuge inside. Very sacred place.
Also, make a definitive point to put on your hiking shoes and have a guide take you to Mother Mary's Spring---said to be a supernaturally produces fresh water spring that appeared out of nowhere during Mary's visitations, in an area where there is very little water at all. Truly a miracle in this area, with many coming to drink and be healed of illness, since there is nothing in the way of medical insurance in this remote area. Truly an experience to have visited this place.
We actually stayed on Kibeho grounds as pilgrim guests on a Saturday evening, and stayed until Sunday after mass. But the trip itself is an experience. You drive up GORGEOUS, hilly countryside to get there. We hired a rough-terrain safari vehicle (the ONLY way I suggest you make that trip, if you can pool funds with your team to rent it for the day), and we had a teammate who served as our guide and resident history buff (you'll need one of those too). Driving up the hills, you can SEE how the hills couldn't hide anyone from the slaughter... and as he told us history and anecdotes to connect the significance of Kibeho to the genocide, we drive up and see these rolling hills on the road to Kibeho that fell right in the thick of the heavy story, making our arrival to, the stories of, & the landmarks in Kibeho all the more weighty & poignant.
As another reviewer mentioned, you should read up on not only the genocide to appreciate this place, but more importantly on the famous story of how Mother Mary appeared in a vision to some school girls in Kibeho, and foretold of what would happen if the people in the country did not repent and change their ways---essential prophesying the genocide with alarmingly accurate descriptions. One of the visionaries, Natalie, still lives there as a nun. She is one of only two Vatican-approved visionaries alive in the entire world. We attended & waited after Sunday Mass to meet her, and she graciously talked with us for about 10-15 minutes. SWEET lady!! Made the trip worth it. Also, the church in which mass was held was a major genocide memorial where many, many people were slaughtered. You will see the purple marks on the side walls, marking where the grenades had burst through the walls to gain access to those seeking refuge inside. Very sacred place.
Also, make a definitive point to put on your hiking shoes and have a guide take you to Mother Mary's Spring---said to be a supernaturally produces fresh water spring that appeared out of nowhere during Mary's visitations, in an area where there is very little water at all. Truly a miracle in this area, with many coming to drink and be healed of illness, since there is nothing in the way of medical insurance in this remote area. Truly an experience to have visited this place.
Written September 9, 2014
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.
sofmen7
Buenos Aires, Argentina255 contributions
Dec 2016 • Solo
You can travel to Kibeho by public transportation (Horizon), from the bus station in Kigali. You have to take 2 buses: Kigali-Huye, 2.5 hs (2500) and Huye-Kibeho, 30m (850). Buses are regular, every each hour (departing from each of the 3 places). The travel from Huye to Kibeho is not on paved road, so expect to finish the trip with your body and hair covered with red earth.
The Sanctuary is located 5m walking from the bus stop of Horizon. You will find the main church, the chapel of the apparitions and the square/garden of roses. On a hill nearby, there’s the Calvary road.
If you are a foreigner, expect feeling as “weird” (foreigners are uncommon) and locals approaching you to ask for money.
I lodged with the pallotine sisters that are 5 minutes walking distance from the sanctuary. They have dedicated one of their buildings to lodge visitors. The rooms are basic and with private bathroom (soap + towel + hot water). They also provide breakfast (jam, butter, bread, omelette, coffee, milk and tea) and meals. Bring a torch, because electricity cuts are common. If you are not from Africa, you will be charged double (I’ve payed 25.000 for the room, 2 meals and breakfast, instead of 11.500 that the Rwandans payed). Sisters are kind and helpful. Reservations are made by phone.
If you are looking for peace and a praying place, this is not definitely not the one. Families with children are noisy and completely reluctant in asking their kids to be quiet. The main building is a construction with thin walls, noisy doors and no rules about how to behave in the place.
2 kms away from the sanctuary (20m walking), there’s the Cana Mission, from the pallotine fathers. The place is more isolated and it seemed better for a retreat (more buildings, rooms separated from one another, bigger garden, and the chapel is outside). Prices were similar than the one of the sisters, but they can keep a lower rate for foreigners if they go to pray.
Kibeho is a small village in the middle of the hills, so don’t expect markets nor restaurants. The lodging options of the fathers and sisters, with meals provided, seem the better ones regarding the environment conditions.
The Sanctuary is located 5m walking from the bus stop of Horizon. You will find the main church, the chapel of the apparitions and the square/garden of roses. On a hill nearby, there’s the Calvary road.
If you are a foreigner, expect feeling as “weird” (foreigners are uncommon) and locals approaching you to ask for money.
I lodged with the pallotine sisters that are 5 minutes walking distance from the sanctuary. They have dedicated one of their buildings to lodge visitors. The rooms are basic and with private bathroom (soap + towel + hot water). They also provide breakfast (jam, butter, bread, omelette, coffee, milk and tea) and meals. Bring a torch, because electricity cuts are common. If you are not from Africa, you will be charged double (I’ve payed 25.000 for the room, 2 meals and breakfast, instead of 11.500 that the Rwandans payed). Sisters are kind and helpful. Reservations are made by phone.
If you are looking for peace and a praying place, this is not definitely not the one. Families with children are noisy and completely reluctant in asking their kids to be quiet. The main building is a construction with thin walls, noisy doors and no rules about how to behave in the place.
2 kms away from the sanctuary (20m walking), there’s the Cana Mission, from the pallotine fathers. The place is more isolated and it seemed better for a retreat (more buildings, rooms separated from one another, bigger garden, and the chapel is outside). Prices were similar than the one of the sisters, but they can keep a lower rate for foreigners if they go to pray.
Kibeho is a small village in the middle of the hills, so don’t expect markets nor restaurants. The lodging options of the fathers and sisters, with meals provided, seem the better ones regarding the environment conditions.
Written January 2, 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.
Clare N
Kampala, Kampala, Uganda77 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
I travelled with other Pilgrims from Uganda to Visit Our Lady of Kibeho Shrine, Devine Mercy Statue and amphitheatre and Cradle for Baby Jesus. They are all in Kibeho - Rwanda
Kibeho is a village in Rwanda most known for a place where the Virgin Mary appeared to 3 adolescent girls with the name "Nyina wa Jambo" (meaning Mother of the World). One of the 3 girls that the Virgin Mary appeared to, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka is still alive and can still be seen in the Shrine or Apparition Room or the Shrine's compound.
Here you can learn so much about the Marian apparitions to the massacre during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The is also Holy water to be collected by those who wish in a valley near the Shrine.(I was not able to take pictures of the water points)
There are also 2 memorial grounds near the old Our Lady of Kibeho - Rwanda Shrine. The one shown below is the new shrine.
It is both a tourist attraction and a place of worship.
A few kilometres away is the Devine Mercy Statue in Kibeho as well. An amphitheatre is currently underway around the statue.
Kibeho is a village in Rwanda most known for a place where the Virgin Mary appeared to 3 adolescent girls with the name "Nyina wa Jambo" (meaning Mother of the World). One of the 3 girls that the Virgin Mary appeared to, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka is still alive and can still be seen in the Shrine or Apparition Room or the Shrine's compound.
Here you can learn so much about the Marian apparitions to the massacre during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The is also Holy water to be collected by those who wish in a valley near the Shrine.(I was not able to take pictures of the water points)
There are also 2 memorial grounds near the old Our Lady of Kibeho - Rwanda Shrine. The one shown below is the new shrine.
It is both a tourist attraction and a place of worship.
A few kilometres away is the Devine Mercy Statue in Kibeho as well. An amphitheatre is currently underway around the statue.
Written July 27, 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.
Hman
32 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
Definitely a place for those who know the story of the Lady of Kibeho and the Shrine.
Kibeho however has significant history and is a place that should be visited after gaining some understanding of this to turn a visit into something to remember. It is a long drive from Kigali and the roads while improving make the trip from Kigali about 4.5 hours. So be prepared for a long day if returning or considered booking overnight accomodation in Butare to divide the trip up.
Once there the obvious renewal and rebuilding stands out. The views of the surrounding hills are quite beautiful these days and standing next to the church looking at provides time to reflect.
Take a driver who can guide you as well and help with language if you are and English speaker.
Kibeho however has significant history and is a place that should be visited after gaining some understanding of this to turn a visit into something to remember. It is a long drive from Kigali and the roads while improving make the trip from Kigali about 4.5 hours. So be prepared for a long day if returning or considered booking overnight accomodation in Butare to divide the trip up.
Once there the obvious renewal and rebuilding stands out. The views of the surrounding hills are quite beautiful these days and standing next to the church looking at provides time to reflect.
Take a driver who can guide you as well and help with language if you are and English speaker.
Written August 14, 2019
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.
Roving284273
6 contributions
Dec 2018
This is the place to go for a quiet, peaceful and prayerful experience. The best place to stay is Regina Pacis which is run by the Benebikira Sisters. It is right across from their school where Mary appeared to 3 of their students. They are happy to share their stories. The winter months are a great time to visit unless you want to celebrate with tens of thousands on the major feast days of Mary.
Written May 19, 2019
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.
Kalemba matthias
Kampala, Uganda6 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
Kibeho is a great place to visit.
Miracles immediately happen the moment you step on that holy land.
That place is worth a visit.
Miracles immediately happen the moment you step on that holy land.
That place is worth a visit.
Written May 30, 2019
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.
Marcie G
McHenry, IL63 contributions
Jul 2013 • Friends
Though not easy to get to, this Vatican Approved Marian apparition site is one of the most peaceful places on earth. Read about the Genocide in Rwanda and then see how Our Blessed Mother appeared to some school girls in rural Rwanda and foretold of what would happen if the people in the country did not repent and change their ways. One of the visionaries still lives there today. She is one of only two Vatican approved visionaries alive in the entire world.
Stay: At the Cana Center. Must hire a driver/guide to take you there.
Stay: At the Cana Center. Must hire a driver/guide to take you there.
Written June 19, 2014
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.
Safari60827576022
5 contributions
Aug 2022
The priests are more than happy to ensure that you have the best experience here. Be sure to walk down the Way of the Rosary to the Source of Mary as well.
Written September 2, 2022
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.
Federica S
Erbil, Iraq2 contributions
Does anybody have a contact for the Pallottine sisters or fathers? the phone numbers listed online are not working. Thanks
Clare N
Kampala, Kampala, Uganda77 contributions
I am sorry, I don't have the numbers. I will ask around but this may take time. In the meantime, you may reach them via their main contact address in Rome.
Although, the system doesn't seem to permit contact information. You may have to google then.
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