The Kibeho pilgrimage tour

The Kibeho pilgrimage tour is a religious and cultural tour that takes place in Kibeho, a small village in Rwanda. Kibeho is known for its significance in the Roman Catholic faith as it is the site of several apparitions of the Virgin Mary, also referred to as Our Lady of Kibeho. The apparitions occurred in the early 1980s and were recognized by the Catholic Church.

The apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Kibeho conveyed messages of peace, repentance, and the importance of prayer. The visions also warned of the impending Rwandan genocide, which tragically occurred in 1994. Due to its religious importance and historical significance, Kibeho has become a popular pilgrimage destination for Catholics and other Christians.

During the Kibeho pilgrimage tour, visitors have the opportunity to visit the sites associated with the apparitions, including the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, where many of the visions occurred. Pilgrims participate in prayer services, attend mass, and reflect on the messages of peace and reconciliation conveyed during the apparitions. Today the site is host to pilgrims throughout the year with two major dates dominating the calendar namely Assumption Day (15th August) and 28th November (the anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s appearance).

In addition to the religious aspects, the Kibeho pilgrimage tour often includes visits to other significant cultural and historical sites in Rwanda, providing participants with a broader understanding of the country’s past and present. The other most visited sites when in Rwanda are the gorilla trekking in Volcanoes, game drive in Akagera to see the big five animals as well as the Chimpanze and canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park.

During peak season, the Kibeho Pilgrimage tour receives between 25,000-30,000 visitors. These include religious tourists and pilgrims flock from across the world, including America, Poland, The Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Italy and India.  During the low season, Kibeho receives approximately 100 religious tourists a week, mostly from Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania.

If you’re considering taking a Kibeho pilgrimage tour, it’s essential to plan ahead and make arrangements through reputable travel agencies or local guides who are knowledgeable about the area and its history. Keep in mind that the availability and details of such tours may vary depending on the current situation and any changes in the region’s travel policies.

Unique Rwanda Vacation Experts are committed to always stay informed about the latest travel advisories and guidelines for a safe and meaningful pilgrimage experience. Are you planning to have a Kibeho Pilgrimage, tour, reach out to our team and let us help you work out a convenient package for your trip including hotel booking, transportation and assignment of a tour guide to take you all along your stay all in consideration of your time, budget and interests.

You are the most welcome to Rwanda.