Connecting with the People of Rwanda

Your overseas adventure has begun as you travel to Kigali, Rwanda. As you descend, take a look out of your window to see the country’s crystal lush forests, towering mountains, and volcanoes. A local guide will be waiting to transfer you to your safari lodge. 

The afternoon is yours to explore your environment. Spot wildlife on the observation deck, take a dip in the infinity pool or go for a nature walk on a nearby path. In the evening, you’ll meet with your group and guide for authentic Rwandan cuisine — always a great opportunity to get to know your guides and ask questions about your upcoming adventures. 

Start your first day in Africa by touring Rwanda’s capital city, and learning about its people and culture. Drop by a milk bar for a sip of milk, taste fruits at a local market, and enjoy an art walk guided by a local professional artist. Take a moment to appreciate how the Rwandan way of life and culture varies from your own. After you refuel with lunch at a local restaurant, climb to the top of Mount Kigali for panoramic views of the countryside and the city. Next, take a water taxi to the best coffee shop in the city! Your tour will end with a tour of Kigali’s Genocide Memorial. 

Calling all food lovers, because today is for you! You’ll arrive in the morning to a rural community where the resident artisans will welcome you. Now, traditional activities will begin. Assist locals in retrieving crops from their fields to prepare them for lunch. Grind flour using Rwandan tools to bake cassava bread and brew sorghum beer, but no pressure, because the artisans will guide you each step of the way. Enjoy the delicious food you prepared for lunch. Delish! Following this, take time to explore the village and souvenir shop before heading back to your safari lodge. 

You couldn’t visit Africa without a safari! Arrive at Akagera National Park to discover the country’s most famous animals, including giraffes, zebras, lions, antelopes, leopards, and baboons. As you drive along the Akagera River, you will also spot hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. For each of these creatures, their home is the mixed terrain of Rwanda’s savannahs, swamplands, and mountains. Be sure to soak up the incredible landscape views. Enjoy lunch at safari cafe before heading back to your lodge. 

Now that you’ve mastered your cooking skills, it’s time to learn how to drum and dance like the Rwandan people. Learn about the history as to why their dancing imitates cows’ movements. As you enter the village, you will be welcomed by the people with song and dance. Now it’s time to practice the routine with the locals themselves. You’ll be taught how to move your arms, feet, and body. Don’t worry — there will be plenty of breaks and snacks along the way. Once you’ve mastered the dance, prepare yourself for your village performance. Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to drum as the locals join your group in dancing. 

For your final full day in Rwanda, you will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking. Begin the day at Virunga National Park, which is one of the two locations that the critically endangered mountain gorilla can be spotted. Game rangers will accompany you as you trek into the jungle mist. Once you find these rare animals, take some time to soak up the beauty of this majestic animal and take lots of pictures! Your rangers will educate you as to what efforts are put in place to protect the mountain gorilla, as well as what you can do to help. When you return to the base of the mountain, you’ll be awarded a gorilla trekking certificate. 

It has been both an adventurous and educational week. You’ve no doubt had lots of fun, but it’s now time to leave. Enjoy a final breakfast with your group and guides. Talk about your favorite memories and what you have learned. Next, head to the airport for your departure flight home.