About Kibeho
Kibeho is a small town on the hills of Nyaruguru District, in the far south of Rwanda. On 28 November 1981, Alphonsine Mumureke, a student at Kibeho College, said the Virgin Mary appeared to her and called herself Nyina wa Jambo, the Mother of the Word. Two more students, Anathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie Claire Mukangango, later reported the same. The messages they shared asked for prayer, sincere conversion and reconciliation.
Church approval. After years of study, Bishop Augustin Misago of Gikongoro approved the apparitions to the three visionaries on 29 June 2001. Read the full story of the apparitions.
The holy sites
These are the ten places and moments of prayer we guide pilgrims to. Most are close together and can be reached on foot within minutes. You don't need to do them all; choose what matters to you and stay as long as you need. See them in more detail on our pilgrimages page.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Kibeho
The main church and the heart of any visit. Come for Mass, then stay a while on the grounds.
Chapel of Apparitions
Built by the old school grounds where the visionaries reported the apparitions from 1981. Small and quiet; people pray here in turns.
History of the apparitions
Your guide tells the story where it happened: the three visionaries, their messages, and the Church's approval in 2001.
Meeting Anathalie Mukamazimpaka
One of the three recognised visionaries sometimes receives pilgrims. It is never guaranteed; tell us early and we will ask.
Personal prayer and Adoration
Time for your own prayer and intentions before the Blessed Sacrament. Nothing is rushed here.
Bible Centre
Displays that walk through the stories of the Bible. A good stop for families and groups between times of prayer.
The spring
Pilgrims collect water to take home. The path down can be steep and slippery after rain, so bring a clean bottle with a lid.
Way of the Cross, Sinai Hill
The Stations climb the hill on a dirt and gravel path. Go early, before the midday sun.
Rosary of the Seven Sorrows
The devotion Marie Claire asked people to pray. You can pray it along the devotional path, with a guide if you are new to it.
Jesus of Mercy, Nyarushishi
A short drive from the sanctuary, and usually quieter than Kibeho itself. A good place to end the day.
Getting there from Kigali
The road runs about 160 km south through Muhanga, Nyanza and Huye (formerly Butare). It is paved and scenic, with hills and bends most of the way.
Where to stay
When to go
Kibeho welcomes pilgrims all year. 15 August (the Assumption) and 28 November (the anniversary of the first apparition) bring the biggest crowds, with Masses from early morning. If you prefer quiet prayer, come on an ordinary weekday. The long dry season (June to September) keeps paths easier; in the rainy months, expect some mud on the paths.
Mass times change, especially around feast days. We check them with the parish for you before you travel. We are an independent guiding service and do not speak for the sanctuary.
A sample plan
This is only an example of how a first visit can start. It does not cover every place or activity, and it is not a limit: you can stay one day or many, and we build the days around what you want to do.
- Day 1
Arrive in Kibeho
- Leave Kigali early; the drive takes 3.5 to 4 hours
- Stop in Nyanza or Huye for lunch
- Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your room
- Evening prayer at the sanctuary, if you are not too tired
- Day 2
A day of prayer
- Morning Mass at the sanctuary
- Time in the Chapel of Apparitions while it is still quiet
- The Way of the Cross on Sinai Hill before midday
- The spring in the afternoon, or any other place you choose
Staying longer gives time for the other places: Adoration, the Bible Centre, the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows, Nyarushishi, the story of the apparitions with your guide, and a meeting with Anathalie when possible. Many pilgrims also add Nyungwe forest or the King's Palace in Nyanza. See our Rwanda tours for ideas.
Practical tips from our guides
Money
Carry some cash in Rwandan francs for candles, offerings and small shops. You can withdraw money from cash machines in Kibeho, and mobile money is widely used.
Phone and data
A local SIM card from Kigali is cheap and useful. Mobile money is widely used in Rwanda, even in small towns.
Weather
Kibeho sits in the hills and the weather is mild most of the year: not hot, not cold. A light layer is enough for early mornings, and rain can come quickly in the rainy months.
Walking
The sites are close together but the paths are uneven, with some steep sections. Tell us in advance if someone in your group has difficulty walking.
Photos
Ask before photographing people, and keep your phone away during Mass. Your guide will tell you where photos are not welcome.
Food
Kibeho has simple local restaurants. On feast days they get very busy, so bring a snack. For water, you can also drink the holy water from the spring.
What to bring
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees
- Shoes with a good grip for dirt and gravel
- A light layer for early mornings
- A rain jacket in the rainy months
- A clean bottle with a lid for spring water
- Your rosary, and some cash in Rwandan francs
Let us plan it with you
Airport pickup, rooms, transport and a local guide at the sanctuary. Tell us your dates and group size, and we will reply with a simple plan.
Questions pilgrims ask us
How far is Kibeho from Kigali?
About 160 km by road, through Muhanga, Nyanza and Huye. Allow 3.5 to 4 hours, and a little more in heavy rain or on feast days.
When are the biggest pilgrimage days?
15 August (the Assumption) and 28 November (the anniversary of the first apparition in 1981). Very large crowds come on both days, so book transport and rooms early.
Are the Kibeho apparitions approved by the Church?
Yes. On 29 June 2001, Bishop Augustin Misago of Gikongoro approved the apparitions to three students: Alphonsine Mumureke, Anathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie Claire Mukangango.
Can I get to Kibeho by public transport?
Yes. Buses run from Nyabugogo in Kigali to Huye, and from Huye you can take local transport to Kibeho. It takes longer than a private car, especially with luggage.
How many days do I need in Kibeho?
One full day is enough to see the main sites. Two or three days are better if you want quiet time for prayer, or if you are coming for a feast day.
Is Kibeho safe for pilgrims?
Kibeho is a calm town, and Rwanda is generally considered a safe country for travellers. Take the usual care with valuables in crowds on feast days, and follow the advice of the sanctuary staff.
Which languages do your guides speak?
Tell us your language when you write. We will tell you honestly which guide can accompany you.