Rwanda, Africa

12 Days. An Experience of a Lifetime

Step into a bucket-list journey that goes beyond sightseeing. Over 12 days in Rwanda, you’ll trek through lush hills, encounter majestic silverback gorillas in their natural habitat, go on safari, and engage in meaningful service through Kids Play International, where sport is used to empower girls and educate boys in Rwanda for over 15 years. This isn’t just volunteering — it’s about real connection, learning from the people you meet, and truly experiencing a culture from the inside. You will be staying at safe and comfortable accommodations along your journey starting with the Park Inn by Radisson, and moving to the Quiet Haven Hotel in Nyanza. From there you will end up at Five Volcanoes Lodge and end at Ruzizi Game Loge and Karenje Bush Camp. The pricing is based on shared accommodation, however if you prefer a room to yourself, that is no problem! 

This journey is designed for individuals ready to step out of their comfort zone and are willing to experience and delve into a new culture. This trip includes:

1. Pre-trip introduction- you’ll connect with fellow participants, explore what you hope to gain from this experience, and I'll be there to answer any questions you have.
2. During the trip- adventure, trekking, and cultural immersion will challenge your perspective, while intentional moments of rest and reflection create space for self-discovery, curiosity, and renewed vibrancy.
3. Post-trip integration- After the journey, we'll connect again on how you want to show up fully in your life and apply what you’ve learned to step fully into the life you want.

This isn’t just travel. It’s a journey that inspires personal growth, meaningful connection, and inner strength. This journey is a transformative travel experience designed to blend conscious leadership, cultural immersion, service, adventure, and reflection.

Here’s what makes this trip unique:

1. Full-Body Yes Approach
   This isn’t just about seeing Rwanda — it’s about feeling it. Every step, every encounter, every reflection is designed to engage your mind, body, and heart. 

2. Intentional Integration of Growth Edge Work
   I structure the journey to stretch your edges safely: stepping into discomfort, noticing your habitual patterns, and choosing conscious responses. By practicing leadership in real situations — from trekking the hills to immersive service projects — you learn not just about the world, but about yourself.

3. Cultural Connection, Not Tourism
   You'll engage in a meaningful service project, creating a lasting impact in Kids Play’s local community and learn and experience their way of life. By being in genuine relationship with others, you’ll see the impact of your choices, and the ways you show up in your own life.

4. Reflection and Integration Built In
   Transformation only sticks when there’s space to process it. Each part of the trip includes intentional rest, reflection, and journaling — and post-trip integration ensures the lessons come home with you.

After leading 15+ expeditions I've witnessed beautiful transformations. Some 'souvenirs' you may come home with:

• Greater clarity about what you truly want

• Heightened self-awareness and the ability to tap into your feelings

• Confidence in your choices, voice, and presence

• Stronger communication skills

• An authentic connection to yourself, your values, and your community

• A lived experience of leadership, resilience, and curiosity

Itinerary:

DAY 1 - DEPART, USA

DAY 2 - ARRIVE KIGALI, RWANDA

• Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
• Transfer from airport and overnight in Kigali at the Park Inn by Radisson
• Check into accommodation to rest/relax
• Dinner on your own

DAY 3 - INTRODUCTION AND LOCAL EXPERIENCES

• Breakfast included at Radisson

• We'll take the day to settle in, get to know each other and experience some of the local areas around Kigali. We'll have meaningful conversation around conscious living and how to make the most out of this experience.

DAY 4 - RWANDAN HISTORY

• Breakfast included at Radisson (or similar)
• Introduction and welcome to Rwanda by KPI staff and Safeguarding Meeting
• Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Museum: Opened in 2004, the Memorial became the starting point for peace and values education now built into Rwanda’s national schools curriculum. Strengthening community resilience against division is ripe for adaptation and use internationally
• Lunch 
• Free time to Relax and Visit Local Markets
• Welcome dinner
• Overnight in Kigali at the Park Inn by Radisson

DAY 5 - INTRO TO KIDS PLAY INTERNATIONAL

• Breakfast and Checkout 
• Depart Kigali to Gatagara
• Arrive Kid's Play Rwanda Site 
• Lunch at KPI Guesthouse
• Service Project 
• Play Fair Community Day Stations
• Parent Education Session
• Depart for Nyanza for Accommodation at Quiet Haven Hotel
• Dinner

DAY 6 – KIDS PLAY EVENT

• Breakfast
• Visit Kings Palace and Gatagara Pottery
• Lunch at KPI Guesthouse
• Opening Ceremonies begin at 1:00 pm: Cultural Dance 
• Kids Play events 
• Depart Gatagara to Nyanza  
• Dinner
• Overnight at Quiet Haven Hotel

DAY 7 – WRAP UP KPI & DEPART FOR VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

• Breakfast
• Depart Nyanza to Gatagara
• Community project 
• Lunch at KPI Guesthouse
• Depart for Volcanoes National Park
• Overnight at Five Volcanoes Lodge 

DAY 8 -VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK- GORILLA TREK

• Breakfast 
• Gorilla Trekking
• Lunch
• Afternoon Visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum and the Women's Co-op
• Dinner
• Overnight at Five Volcanoes Lodge 

DAY 9 - VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK - GOLDEN MONKEYS & DEPART FOR KIGALI

• Breakfast
• Visit endangered Golden monkeys that call the Volcanoes National Park home 
• Head back to Kigali 

DAY 10 - AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

• Breakfast
• Head to Akagera National Park 
• Enjoy a morning game drive in the south part of the park
• Check in to Ruzizi Lodge 
• Afternoon boat ride on Lake Ihena to see crocodiles and hippos
• Dinner at the lodge 
• Overnight at Ruzizi

DAY 11 - AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

• Breakfast at the Lodge 
• Enjoy a morning game drive driving to the north
• Lunch along the way
• Afternoon game drive in the north
• Check in to Kerenge Bush camp 
• Dinner at the camp
• Overnight at Karenge

DAY 12 - AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

• Experience the animals before anyone else in the park as you gaze out onto the open plains 
• Breakfast at the camp
• Enjoy a relaxing morning of reflection before heading back to Kigali 
• Depart for home in the evening

Details and Logistics:

• Dates: June 8-19, 2027
• Locations we will be visiting: Kigali, Gatagara, Nyanza, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park
• Duration: 12 days

Cost:

Cost Includes:

• Pre-trip introduction calls
• All Accommodations (3 star +) - Based on double occupancy (Individual accommodation by request)
• In-Country Private Transportation
• All Meals (except 1st night)
• Expert Local Guided Experience 
• Hands-On Volunteering
• Cultural Immersion of Rwanda’s rich culture and traditions
• Engagement in a Kids Play Program and Play Fair Community Day Celebration
• Sponsorship of a Kids Play Player for a year
• Community Project
• Support, Guidance, and Coaching Conversations in country
• Gorilla Trekking Permit and Golden Monkey's Permit
• Akagera National Park fees, game drives, boat ride.
• Post-trip integration call
  

Not included:

• Airfare: Flights to and from Rwanda.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance (participants are required to obtain their own insurance)
• Visa Fees: Fees for visas (if required) - $50 upon arrival in country
• Personal Expenses: Costs for personal items, souvenirs, extra transport needs, and extra meals not specified in the itinerary.
• 1 Meal: Arrival night dinner.
• Vaccination Costs: Costs associated with required vaccinations (if applicable)
• Additional Expenses: Any additional expenses incurred outside of the planned itinerary.
• Tips

Deposits: 

• $750 to hold spot (Non-refundable)
• $1500 to Reserve Gorrilla Trekking - Due upon sign up (Non-refundable)
•