Photo Courtesy of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Gorillas Gift Shop – Kinigi
In the North of Rwanda, nestled in a volcano range, is the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Ellen Campus and inside that campus is the Azizi Life Gorillas Gift Shop.
Not only are the usual high quality handmade fair trade products available for purchase here, but we also have a selection of exclusive items, such as the Gorilla Nose Print Baskets and Imigongo Paintings.
If you would prefer to have a full immersion experience, you can book a full day with the artisans at their home in their village. Just choose from one of the options below.
A Day in the Life of an Artisan
Become part of a weaving cooperative for the day.
The Artisan Day is the very first Experience created by the artisans, and is the heart of Azizi Life Experiences.
Join your artisan hostesses in their village for a morning of family chores, a simple, home-cooked lunch, and an afternoon of learning how to craft. With your translator alongside, you will love sharing life, work, conversation and laughter with the artisans and their families.
Traditional Cooking Day
Select from a simple variety of seasonal dishes for your custom traditional cooking Experience with a rural mama! Your day begins not in the kitchen but in the fields as you learn seasonal planting or harvesting of fresh ingredients for your meal.
Once the ingredients and water have been collected, food preparation begins with washing, peeling, pounding, and grinding the ingredients using traditional methods and tools.
Photo by Claire Elyse Photography
Traditional Drumming & Dancing
Whether you have natural rhythm or not, with our expert instructors everyone can enjoy learning traditional drumming and dancing. Your Azizi Life Musical Experience begins with a mini-performance from a small troupe of traditional performers.
Next, it’s your turn to put on a traditional costume and give it a try. You’ll have fun as the dancers teach you some basic dance steps and share a bit of the history of Rwandan dance.
Photo by World Fusion Art.
Come Visit Us
Directions
The Ellen Campus is about a two hour and forty-five minute drive from Kigali. Take the RN4 to Musanze. Once there look for the righthand turn and head to the little village of Kinigi at the foot of the volcanos. From there you should see the signs for the Ellen Campus.
Contacts
If you get lost or just want a bit more information feel free to call us or whatsapp on +250791476420 or email us on gorillasgiftshop@
