Hostels for the low-budget traveller

The culture of hostel style accommodation is steadily taking root in Kigali in particular, and by extension the country. And with it, gone are the days when hired accommodation was synonymous with high-end luxury and exorbitant bills.Hostels can be defined as low-budget hotels whose primary clientele is the budget traveler. The distinguishing mark of a hostel worth its reputation should always be the basic nature of accommodation, and cheap room/service rates. For obvious reasons, most hostels are to be found situated in busy junctions of the city, or around major tourist destinations.In Rwanda, one of the most popular hostels is the Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel, the oldest such facility in the country. It is known that what makes this particular hostel tick is its central location in a prime area of Kacyiru, Kigali. Located just below the Bank of Kigali Kacyiru branch near the former Shokola Lite, it boasts of easy access to key government ministries, hotels, banks, a hospital, Embassies and High Commissions, restaurants, night clubs etc.The hostel boasts great budget accommodation, a fun atmosphere, excellent customer service, and a wealth of information about what to see and do while in Kigali.In the Northern Province district of Musanze, the Red Rocks Backpackers campsite has curved out a niche as the destination of choice for those in search of an experience in intercultural exchange.Their accommodation comes by way of camping tents, shared dormitories, and the main guest house. Most facilities here are shared, like bathrooms, toilets and kitchen. Their intercultural exchange package entails local coffee tours, basket weaving, local banana brewing, Kinyarwanda lessons, traditional dance, cultural meals, and interaction with members of the local community. Red Rocks also offers excursions to the rare endangered mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, the chief attraction while in Northern Province.Unlike the conventional hotel experience, a backpackers’ hostel tends to front less formal hospitality, going instead for organized group activities and building rapport.Whichever hostel you happen to visit in any corner of the world, the catchphrase is the same; fun, comfortable and safe budget accommodation. It is the reason they are popular with volunteer workers, members of the Peace Corps and low-end group travelers.In the typical hostel, you will find the standard catalogue of amenities; a book collection, a pile of DVDs, pool table, and maybe free internet. The walls are usually draped in photographs and autographs of past visitors to the place.The reception may have a desk computer and an attendant to help with bookings, while the rest of the area will be covered in tourist-related literature and paraphernalia.Otherwise the setting is as basic as it gets; usually two-three rudimentary single beds crammed together in a single, brightly painted room, with a wardrobe here, bathing soap there and maybe a shower. Usually, the showers are communal.

Lifestyle

Hostels for the low-budget traveller