Traditional Rwandan Bee Keeping and Honey Experience

Beekeeping and the traditional production of honey are widespread in Rwanda. Honey is a high-energy food often used as the sweetness in tea or when baking. Honey also has medicinal properties and in Rwanda, it is often used to help cure mild colds, sore throat coughs, and applied on wounds.

The beekeeping experience starts in front of the stone saloon in Rugamba Village where you will meet your guide. You will start by learning about the Rwandan beekeeping tradition. After this, you will learn how to create a traditional beehive using wood, banana fibers, and cow dung. You will join the members of the community while making your own beehive.

After this, you have constructed the beehive you will carry it to replace one of the existing beehives which are ready for harvest. Be advised that you will be expected to carry the beehive in the traditional way on your head if you have not done this before you will get a crash course in this art.

After replacing one of the beehives with your newly constructed beehive you are now ready to harvest honey. You will be provided safety equipment, including headgear, a net, and gloves smoke from traditional woods is used to subdue the bees while the beehive is opened.

After the beehive is opened, the fresh honey is scraped from the honey cakes. You will have the possibility to buy fresh honey straight from the cooperative.

• Learn how to make a traditional Rwandan beehive
• Collect honey from the bees
• Taste fresh honey straight from the beehive
• Experience the daily life of rural