Learn, Serve & Immerse on a Women's Empowerment Trip in Rwanda

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Learn, Serve & Immerse on a Women's Empowerment Trip in Rwanda

How This Trip Can Change Your Life

You will embark on a journey of cultural enlightenment: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Rwanda’s vibrant culture, from the rhythmic beats of drumming troupes to the serene beauty of tea-planting ceremonies. This immersive exploration will deepen your appreciation for diversity and forge meaningful connections within the global community.
You will ignite change through education and empowerment: Engage with pioneering women-led organizations and initiatives driving the forefront of gender equality and socio-economic development. By witnessing their impactful work firsthand, you’ll be inspired to catalyze positive change, empowering women and marginalized communities both locally and globally.
You will forge personal growth and resilience: Confront Rwanda’s poignant history with visits to genocide memorial sites, bearing witness to the nation’s remarkable journey of healing and reconciliation. These profound experiences will foster personal growth, cultivating resilience, empathy, and a renewed sense of hope. Through your transformative journey, you’ll emerge empowered to overcome adversity and contribute to a more compassionate world.

overview

This 10-day journey through Rwanda, led by African Specialist Kelly McCoy, offers a comprehensive exploration of the country’s remarkable transformation since the devastating genocide of 1994. Focused on learning, service, and immersion, participants will gain insight into Rwanda’s emergence as a global leader in gender equality and empowerment, particularly for women.

The itinerary encompasses diverse experiences, including visits to non-profit organisations to champion women’s rights and community development. Through engaging interactions with representatives, travellers will gain firsthand knowledge of the initiatives and programs driving socio-economic progress and enhancing the standard of living for Rwandans, particularly women and their dependents.

A poignant aspect of the journey involves emotional visits to genocide memorial sites, providing a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history and the process of healing and reconciliation. Participants will witness the resilience of Rwandan society and its commitment to peacebuilding and collaborative movements.

Beyond the urban landscape of Kigali, the tour ventures into rural areas, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in natural beauty and cultural richness. The itinerary offers a multifaceted perspective of Rwandan life, from exploring the lush Nyungwe Forest to experiencing local traditions such as drumming and tea planting.

Throughout the journey, learning themes are woven into every experience, including the history of Rwanda, with a focus on post-genocide healing; women-led initiatives and NGOs driving social change; peace, reconciliation, and collaborative movements; and sustainable development with an emphasis on gender equality.

By delving into Rwanda’s past and present, participants will leave with a profound understanding of the country’s resilience, the pivotal role of women in its transformation, and the enduring spirit of its people. This transformative trip promises to inspire and educate, fostering connections and perspectives extending beyond its duration.

What's Included

Meet and greet at Kigali airport with a private transfer to your hotel
Nine nights of accommodations, based on double or single room rates
All daily meals mentioned on the itinerary as indicated
Transportation with a guide and driver who will be with you all days
A pre-departure packet/welcome kit, preparing trip participants to travel
Local english-speaking facilitator and local bilingual guides
Activities and visits that are detailed in the itinerary including the national park and museum entry fees, unless denoted as optional.
African Expert, Kelly McCoy as your Trip Leader

GOOD TO KNOW

International flights are not included
Travel Insurance is not included
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Personal expenses not included
Extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service, etc.) not included
Activities listed as optional in the itinerary such as the Crop to Cup Tea Tour which is $30.00 and the Huye Ethnographic Museum which is $10.00 not included
Costs associated with changes to your itinerary for reasons beyond our control
Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
Visa fees not included

ITINERARY

Day 1

Arrival into Kigali, Rwanda

Welcome to Rwanda!

As you arrive at Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda, you will be met by our airport representatives at the tarmac, who’ll direct you to the VIP lodge for refreshments as they assist with customs, immigration, and luggage collection.
You’ll be escorted by your driver and transported to your lodging accommodation for the night. Upon checking into your room and getting settled, you will be provided dinner at your accommodation.

Accommodation plan: Hotel Chez Lando

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2

Rwanda history session, Kigali genocide memorial and city tour

After a group breakfast, you will be met by your tour guide for a short orientation session regarding your Rwandan program.
Afterward, you\'ll be introduced to a local historian who’ll tell you about the story of Rwanda from each of the key historical eras.
Next, you be taken to the Kigali Genocide Museum for an emotional visit. The Genocide Museum in Kigali is a place of remembrance and the country’s largest Genocide Memorial; a final resting place to over 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis.
Later, you will proceed with a guided tour of the city of Kigali, exploring major parts of the city, from new to old neighborhoods, historical architecture, and landmarks.

Accommodation Plan: Hotel Chez Lando

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 3

Nyamirambo women's center and imbuto foundation visit

This morning, we head out for a walking tour with Nyamirambo Women’s Center in Kigali. Launched in 2007 by Rwandese women, this project was created with the aim of addressing gender-based violence, gender inequality and discrimination. Today, the organization seeks to provide educational and vocational training to women with lower financial means, to give them better opportunities for employment.
Later with a local expert guide, we learn more about this project and immerse in the corridors of the liveliest area of Kigali City, exploring one of Kigali’s oldest residential areas, check-out local mosques, hair salons, tailoring workshops, milk bars, handicrafts shops. We will also have the opportunity to cook, savor and share a traditional, freshly cooked meal with your host family.
After lunch, we will head to Imbuto Foundation for an official visit, where you’ll be taken through the selfless work by this foundation, which is guided by a mission to support the development of a healthy, educated, and prosperous society.
When the tour is finished, you will be transported back to your hotel for dinner and take time to process this impactful day and rest.

Accommodation Plan: Hotel Chez Lando

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4

Visit fawe girls school, sheila's honey and kimironko market

In the morning you will be driven to FAWE Girls School, located in Gisozi, Kigali to hear more about the daily work of the school as well as interacting with students. The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) is a membership-based pan-African Non-Governmental Organization that operates through 34 National Chapters in sub-Saharan Africa to promote girls’ and women’s education. LOWE\'s mission of promoting gender equity and equality in education in Africa, FAWE uses a holistic four-pronged approach.
Next, you will be taken to Sheila’s Honey, an Ubuntu Women’s Farmer endeavor that was founded in 2017. 100% Rwandan, this product is an amazing, innovative gift to the republic of Rwanda, neighboring countries, and the world. You’ll be taken through the work of this organization and its intervention in improving women’s socio-economic development and share a meal with its farmers.
Later in the afternoon, you will visit Kimironko local market, the largest local market in town before heading back to your accommodation for the night.

Accommodation Plan: Hotel Chez Lando

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5

Ingoma nshya drumming troupe while transferingto to nyungwe national park, with stops at nyanza & huye

After breakfast, we will travel southwest to Nyungwe National Park, through Nyanza and Huye. En route, we will visit the traditional palace and seat of Rwanda’s former kings and admire the parade of Inyambo ‘the long horned royal cows,’ famous with their impressive long horns, height and gentle nature.
After, you will resume the journey to Huye, formerly known as Butare. Butare was the country’s capital until independence in 1962 and is home to several academic and research institutions.
Upon arrival, we will enjoy an immersive lunch experience with Ingoma Nshya; an all women drumming troupe; the first ever Rwanda drumming troupe, which works to place Rwandan women at the heart of drumming and to promote the emergence of women’s drumming in Rwanda. You will hear their touching story, practice drumming and local dance rhythms.
Later, you will head to the Nyungwe Forest Reserve, driving past green fields of tea and small wooden houses unique to the area surrounding Nyungwe Forest. Enjoy the winding roads and magnificent scenery along the way.
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a delicious meal and then head to your accommodation for an overnight stay with panoramic views of the Nyungwe Forest.

Accommodation Plan: Nyungwe Top View Hill

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6

Canopy walk and optional crop to cup ‘tea tour experience

Enjoy breakfast with a view, before being transported to Uwinka, the starting point for the exhilarating Canopy walk. Visitors will get up close with nature and are rewarded with spectacular views, including evergreen mountains and Lake Kivu’s glimmering waters in the distance, amazing birdlife and butterflies.
As an optional tour, you can take part in the ‘Crop to Cup’ tea immersion. The experience gives you delight touring tea plantations with their scenic views, ideal for rewarding photography. Learn about the history of introduction of tea in the region from elders who worked with colonialists.
Interact with the host community and tea pickers, and practice firsthand picking of tea leaves, pounding and drying to make a refreshing cup of local Rwandan tea. Return for lunch ahead of a transfer back to Kigali. Time permitting, en-route optional stop over at Huye Ethnographic Museum; one of the well set-up; if not, the finest ethnographic museum in East Africa.

Accommodations: Hotel Chez Lando

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 7

Ntarama & nyamata genocide memorials & reconciliation village

After breakfast, drive to southeast of Kigali to visit the famed Ntarama and Nyamata Genocide Memorial churches.
Visit the Nyamata memorial, where over 45,000 are laid to final rest in mass graves, including those who were executed inside the church.
Later, visit the Reconciliation village to witness first-hand how Genocide survivors, Genocide perpetrators and returnees live side by side, in the same village.
When this excursion is concluded, we return to Kigali.
Time permitting, you’ll be taken to recently opened Nyandungu Urban Eco-tourism Park, to unwind in a natural setting while also being briefed about the commendable work being done to restore wetlands and other ecosystems.
Later afternoon, retire to your base for rest.

Accommodations: Hotel Chez Lando

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8

Transfer to Akagera national park with stop at Agahozo-Shalon youth village

After breakfast, escape the city for a one-night getaway to Akagera National Park; one of the most scenic game reserves in East Africa.
En-route, we will enjoy a stop for an immersive experiences at Agahozo-Shalon Youth Village, a center set up back in 2008 by Anne Heyman to cater for Youth orphaned as a result of 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. We will be briefed about this community of hope, where traumatized children ‘dry their tears’ (Agahozo) and live in peace (Shalom).
You’ll also visit the Sustainable Growers: Experience and enjoy Rwandan coffee at origin and meet the women behind your favorite cup of coffee with full-day cooperative farm tour. You’ll meet the incredible women coffee farmers who work tirelessly to deliver high quality, specialty grade coffee to consumers around the world. You will tour a coffee washing station with a demonstration at each step of coffee processing, farmers will roast coffee and serve the guests.
Lastly, you will also visit the Urugo Women\'s Opportunity. The Urugo Women center, which was set up by Women for Women International, with the support of U.S. based Bloomberg Philanthropies and other partners. The center provides a safe environment and dedicated facilities where women learn, build new skills, and operate businesses that directly contribute to the local communities. You’ll have a guided tour at the center, interact with women and share lunch.
Afterwards, continue your scenic drive through Akagera park.
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at your breathtaking accommodation.

Accommodations: Akagera Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9

Full day safari game drive in Akagera national park

After an early breakfast, pick-up your lunch boxes and set off 07:00am for a Classic Wildlife Game Drive. You will travel from the south of the park to the northern exit, passing through an incredible array of landscapes home to thousands of species of plants and animals.
During the safari, enjoy the sights of elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.
Return to Kigali in the afternoon for refreshment and evening out. Dinner and overnight.

Accommodations: Hotel Chez Lando

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Packed Lunch

Day 10

Kigali & day of departure or extend your trip with gorilla trekking!

Spend your final day in Kigali.
Based on your flight schedule, optional souvenir shopping.
Later, drop- off at Kigali international airport.
Check-in and departure.
Or extend your trip to experience Gorilla Trekking!

END OF THE TOUR OR GORILLA TREKKING OPTIONAL EXTENSION

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