The Dancing Pots: Batwa Pottery, Music & Dance Day Trip
The Dancing Pots Tour explores the inspiring legacy of Abbé Fraipont and Rwanda’s Batwa community through pottery, music, and dance. Visit three uplifting centers where inclusion, creativity, and cultural pride come to life.
The Dancing Pots Tour offers a deep, immersive experience into Rwanda’s living culture, where resilience, creativity, and inclusion come to life through pottery, music, and dance. This journey celebrates the legacy of Abbé Fraipont Ndagijimana—a Belgian priest who devoted his life to uplifting people living with disabilities and the Batwa, Rwanda’s Indigenous community.Through engaging hands-on pottery sessions, visitors learn traditional techniques passed down for generations, from shaping raw clay to firing pieces in a traditional kiln. The tour connects you with members of the HVP Gatagara, Gatagara Pottery, and the Urumuri Women’s Cooperative—communities transformed by Fraipont’s vision of dignity and opportunity.The empowerment of Gatagara members now extends far beyond cultural sharing or economic gain; they stand as a powerful example of inclusion, fully integrated into the social and cultural fabric of Rwanda. Expect heartfelt welcomes, soulful performances, and an unforgettable connection to Rwanda’s spirit of transformation.
Tour itinerary
- 1
HVP Gatagara – A Legacy of Inclusion
• Start your journey at Rwanda’s first orthopedic and rehabilitation center, founded by Abbé Fraipont in the 1960s. At a time when people with disabilities were shunned, Fraipont opened the doors to healing, education, and dignity. Today, HVP Gatagara…
- 2
Gatagara Pottery Cooperative – Where Clay Tells Stories
Just nearby, explore Rwanda’s first modern pottery cooperative, also established with Fraipont’s support. Here, visitors witness traditional Batwa pottery-making in action — from mixing clay and shaping vessels to firing them in wood-burning kilns. More than…
- 3
3Urumuri Cooperative – Women of Fire and Rhythm
Founded by the wives of Gatagara potters, Urumuri Cooperative is a spirited women-led group that brings together pottery and performing arts. Upon arrival, you are welcomed with the rhythmic beat of drums, joyful dancing, and warm smiles. The women proudly…
Find these places on the interactive tourist map of Kigali.
What's included
- Transport and meals are included in the tour, along with a contribution to the community fund. Each guest also receives a beautifully crafted pottery figurine—a unique gift and meaningful souvenir that reflects centuries of tradition and artistry.
Not included
- Beverages are not included, but you can purchase your preferred drink at coffee shops during stops along the route.
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