Rwanda

Why Rwanda

Rwanda invites groups into powerful reconciliation stories, lush volcano landscapes, and thoughtful hospitality—ideal for donor gatherings, leadership retreats, and alumni learning. Kigali blends Genocide Memorial reflections with entrepreneurial innovation and clean, safe streets. Volcanoes National Park delivers mountain gorilla encounters and conservation insight, while Lake Kivu offers rest and cultural exchanges. Akagera National Park rounds out the journey with savannah safaris. With efficient infrastructure and trusted partners, leaders can focus on storytelling and fundraising momentum supported by our travel commissions guide.

Top Highlights by Theme

• Kigali & Reconciliation: Kigali Genocide Memorial, Camp Kigali, Nyamata Church, and dialogue with reconciliation organizations.
• Faith & Community: Community events and partnerships with NGOs tackling education and entrepreneurship.
• Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla trekking, golden monkey hikes, Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and community cooperatives.
• Lake Kivu Retreat: Kibuye or Gisenyi lakeside stays, boat rides to Amahoro Island, coffee/women’s cooperatives, and sunset views.
• Akagera National Park: Big Five safaris, Lake Ihema boat cruises, and community-based conservation briefings.

Sub-Regions & Routes

Kigali Gateway

• Base in central Kigali for museums, memorials, and partner meetings.
• Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial for guided reflection, then engage with reconciliation leaders and entrepreneurs at Impact Hubs.
• Explore Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, local markets, and art collectives for donor gifting.

Volcanoes National Park & Gorilla Highlands

• Drive 2.5 hrs to Musanze for Volcanoes National Park.
• Participate in gorilla trekking (permits required) or golden monkey hikes with expert guides.
• Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Iby’Iwacu cultural village, and community cooperatives.
• Lodges provide fireplaces, meeting rooms, and quiet sunrise views overlooking volcano peaks.

Lake Kivu Retreat (Kibuye or Gisenyi)

• Continue west to Lake Kivu for boat excursions, coffee cooperatives, and lakeside rest.
• Cultural exchanges, youth outreach, and donor appreciation dinners flourish in calm resort settings.
• Optional Congo Nile Trail walks or kayaking balance the retreat atmosphere.

Akagera National Park

• Return to Kigali then head east 2.5 hrs to Akagera for savannah wildlife and Lake Ihema boat cruises.
• Game drives feature elephants, lions, rhinos, and giraffes; community-run conservation demonstrates transformational development.
• Overnight in park lodges or tented camps with sunset over the plains.

Southern & Eastern Extensions

• Add Huye (Butare) for National Museum and university programs, or Nyungwe Forest for canopy walks and chimp tracking.
• Extend to Uganda or Tanzania for additional safari or gorilla encounters.

Trip Length & Pacing

7 Days

• Arrive Kigali; Genocide Memorial guided experience and evening program.
• Kigali innovation tour, Nyamata Church visit, and donor dinner atop Mount Kigali.
• Drive to Volcanoes NP; community visit and lodge evening program.
• Gorilla trek (or golden monkey hike) with afternoon rest and storytelling circle.
• Transfer to Lake Kivu for lakeside retreat, cultural exchange, and sunset views.
• Return to Kigali; leadership workshop or service project; depart.

9 Days

• Adds Akagera National Park safari with Lake Ihema boat cruise and savannah game drives.
• Includes buffer day for rest in Lake Kivu or Kigali innovation hub meetings.
• Provides additional partner visits or entrepreneur roundtables.

12 Days

• Comprehensive circuit: Kigali, Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, Akagera, plus Nyungwe or Huye extension.
• Adds canopy walk, coffee cooperative workshops, and reconciliation summit with Rwandan leaders.
• Allows a rest morning, donor appreciation gala, and multiple partner engagements.

Best Time to Go

• Dry seasons (June–September, December–February) offer best trekking and safari conditions; gorilla permits sell out early.
• Shoulder months (May, October) bring light rain and lush landscapes; trails can be muddy—plan for flexible pacing.
• March–April sees heavier rain; we adapt itineraries to focus on Kigali programs and shorter hikes if traveling then.
• Temperatures remain mild year-round thanks to elevation; pack layers and rain gear for mornings and evenings.

Group Logistics

• Airports: Kigali International (KGL) is the gateway; charter helicopers available for Volcanoes NP or Akagera transfers.
• Transport: Deluxe coaches for Kigali, 4x4 vehicles for national parks, boats on Lake Kivu and Lake Ihema.
• Typical drives: Kigali ↔ Volcanoes NP ~2.5 hrs; Volcanoes ↔ Lake Kivu (Kibuye) ~2 hrs; Kigali ↔ Akagera ~2.5 hrs.
• Lodging: 4★ Kigali hotels, boutique lodges near Volcanoes, lakefront resorts at Kibuye/Gisenyi, and Akagera tented camps.
• Meals: farm-to-table Rwandan cuisine, coffee tastings, lodge buffets, and curated donor dinners; dietary needs easily accommodated.
• Mobility: moderate to strenuous—gorilla treks require uphill hiking; we arrange porters, walking sticks, and alternative programs for non-trekkers.
• Fundraising moments: memorial reflections, lodge fireside stories, Lake Kivu cruises, and Akagera sunset views.

Extensions & Combos

• Pair with Uganda for additional gorilla or chimp encounters.
• Combine with Kenya or Tanzania for East African safaris.
• Add Israel or Jordan after reconciliation journey to connect biblical narratives.
• Route via Dubai or Qatar for rest and donor meetings.
• Explore Ethiopia for ancient faith stories tied to African pilgrimage.

Safety & Stewardship Notes

FAQs

• Q: Do we need visas and permits? A: Many travelers obtain eVisas; East Africa tourist visas cover Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Gorilla permits must be secured early—we handle applications, payments, and documentation.
• Q: How difficult is gorilla trekking? A: Treks can last 1–5 hours with steep, muddy terrain. We arrange porters, encourage fitness prep, and provide alternate activities for non-trekkers.
• Q: Can we schedule performances in Rwanda? A: Yes—historic and community venues welcome ensembles; we coordinate permissions, sound needs, and joint events.
• Q: What health precautions are needed? A: Yellow fever vaccination proof required; malaria prophylaxis recommended. We manage filtered water, safe dining, and medical contacts.
• Q: How far ahead should we plan? A: Secure 9–12 months ahead for dry-season travel, gorilla permits, and lodge blocks, especially if combining with Akagera or Nyungwe extensions.

Review fundraising ideas in our travel commissions guide, or add Rwanda to your request via the lead form when you’re ready to plan.