journey to Rwanda

Embark on a transformative 8 day/9 nights trip to explore, learn and grow in the heart of Africa, Sam’s former home.

June 22-30, 2024

Join Samantha Reynolds, the visionary guide behind Journeys for the Soul, on an immersive 9-day educational and cultural journey to Rwanda. Delve into the heart of this remarkable country, where transformation has shaped the landscape since the tragic events of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. With Sam's extensive knowledge and personal connection to Rwanda, having lived and worked there in advocacy and development, you'll gain unique insights into the nation's journey of resilience, growth and transformation.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Embark on a 9 day/8 night journey to Central Africa

  • Yoga classes and discussions led by local Rwandan teachers and with Sam.

  • Deepen your understanding of Rwanda's history through visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and other historical sites.

  • Explore modern artistic expressions during an art center tour in Kigali.

  • Experience a coffee tour in one of the premier global coffee regions.

  • Support local and learn about the Niyamirambo Women’s Centre with a guided walk and tour of how they empower women in business.

  • Watch a traditional dance performance and show.

  • Learn about modern development initiatives in the country with various non-profits and guest speakers from Gardens for Health.

  • Spend two nights in Akagera National Park to experience our version of eco therapy, immersing yourself in the wonders of Rwanda's wildlife with a full day safari, boat cruise, sunset yoga sessions and picnic lunch.

  • Witness transformation during a three-day stay at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, located one hour outside of Kigali. Gain insights into this non-profit holistic residential community and school, dedicated to empowering 500 orphaned and vulnerable teens through a site tour, discussions on sustainability, an introduction to their solar panel project, and witnessing empowerment initiatives firsthand. Includes comfortable accommodation with wifi access.

  • Enjoy shared or single luxury accommodation throughout the trip (outside of ASYV)

  • Savor delicious meals (excluding snacks, alcohol, and select evenings out) that offer a taste of local and international cuisine (veg/vegan options available).

  • Pre-departure orientation (online or in person for Miami participants) and post-trip follow up and discussion

DATES

June 22 - June 30, 2024

WHO IS THIS TOUR FOR?

  • Historians, Humanitarians, & Philanthropists

  • Professionals in wellness, development, government, and medical

  • “Nat Geo” enthusiasts, travel and photo journalists, photographers

  • Adventurers and those looking for a more meaningful, “off the beaten path” experience but still with comfortable accommodation

  • Yoga teachers and students with an interest in broadening their global perspective

Support Local & Contribute for Good

Your trip fee includes contributions to the following local non-profit initiatives: Agahazo-Shalom Youth Village, Gardens for Health, and Niyamirambo Women’s Centre

ITINERARY

Fly into Kigali Airport KGL

Day 1 Official Arrival Day

  • Pick-up and Transfer to Hotel, check-in & rest

  • Dinner on own at the hotel or in-room

Meals: none | Accommodation: Kigali Marriott (or similar)

Day 2 Learning about the Past

  • Welcome + Orientation

  • Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and pay respects to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Learn about the UN’s failure to protect Rwandans at the Nyanza Memorial.

  • Learn about modern Kigali and support a local women’s development initiative at the Niyamirambo Women’s Centre with a local neighborhood walk and tour

  • Lunch at the Hôtel des Mille Collines, made famous by the film, a chance to pause and reflect.

  • Panorama city view

  • Restorative yoga in the afternoon with Sam and local Rwandan teacher

    Meals: B, L, D | Accommodation: Kigali Marriott (or similar)

Day 3 Rwanda Today: People, Culture and Development

  • AM Yoga with Sam

  • Coffee Experience; engage and participate in the entire process from Crop/farm to Cup & tasting (2hr)

  • Envision Gallery Art Tour: Learn from & interact with young artists, paint it & take it experience (1hr)

  • Gardens for Health (non-profit) local community engagement and learning experience

    Meals: B, L, D | Accommodation: Kigali Marriott (or similar)

Day 4 Restore and Renew at Akagera National Park

  • AM Yoga

  • Morning Scenic drive to Akagera National Park (2.5 hours)

  • Afternoon Boat cruise on Lake Ihema to search for hippos, crocodiles, birds & more!

  • Sunset Flow & Meditation from the Lodge by the Lake overlooking Tanzania

Meals: B, L, D | Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge

Day 5 Safari for the Soul at Akagera National Park

  • Early morning wildlife drive (all-day)

  • Picnic bush lunch within the Park

  • Sunset Flow & Meditation from the Lodge by the Lake overlooking Tanzania

Meals: B, L, D | Accommodation: Akagera Game LodgeDay

6 Transformation at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village

  • Check out of hotel

  • Scenic drive to ASYV, a visionary community that serves 525+ orphaned youth and where Sam worked on-site for a year. (1.5 hour drive)

  • Tour and Site Visit

Meals: B, L, D | Accommodation: ASYV

Day 7 Transformation at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village

  • Optional Morning Yoga

  • Local area tour

  • Solar Panel Project site visit (generates 8% of Rwanda’s electricity)

  • Watch Village Time, the local talent show created by the students

Meals: B, L, D | Accommodation: ASYV

Day 8 Community Day and Celebration

  • Optional Mucaka Mucaka (early morning run with the students) and wellness classes with students

  • Say farewell to ASYV and depart back to Kigali (1.5 hours)

  • Kigali souvenir shopping expedition at a local markets with arts & crafts

  • Rest & Relax at the Hotel 

  • Local traditional Cultural performance with Ikobe Art dancing trouped group dinner

Meals: B, L, D | Accommodation: The Retreat Kigali or Marriott Hotel

Day 9 Departure

  • Breakfast at the Hotel, Checkout

  • Optional morning activities

  • Transfer to airport or depart to gorillas (extra)

PROGRAM FEES

  • Program Fee $5,200 shared accommodation | $6,400 single supplement

  • Early Access $4,650 shared accommodation | $5,850 single supplement (Deposit paid by 1/15/24 to secure early access rate)

    We are able to offer an early access price to secure 2023 hotel rates.

Scholarship Opportunities and Fundraising:

  • Up to $500 credit to raise funds for ASYV Youth Village with fundraising page. ASYV is a 501c3 non-profit with HQ in NYC and Rwanda.

  • Referrals: $250 credit (up to 2) if you refer a friend.

  • Max scholarship amount: $1,000

Timeline

  • By Jan 15 | Submit non-refundable fee of $1,000 for early access pricing

  • Jan 16-April 15 | Regular registration

  • May 19 SUN | Online orientation + introduction (online + in-person/Miami residents

  • June 9 SUN | Pre-departure Q&A (online)

  • June 22 SAT | Saturday, Arrival Day to Kigali International Airport

Notes:

  • Non-refundable and Non-transferable deposit due at time of booking in the amount $1,000 USD.

  • Final balance must be paid by April 15, 2024. Late bookers may book pending on space and may pay in full.

  • Last minute bookings may be available, however, not guaranteed.

  • Payment plans available.

  • Single supplements are on a first available basis.

  • Interested in becoming a program ambassador? Contact us to learn more.

  • Minimum 6 participants needed to operate tour. Please do not book flights until confirmation is received by email before 04/15/2024. If minimum number is not met, full deposit will be refunded.

INCLUDES:

  • Accommodation - 8 nights (shared or single)

  • Arrival and Departure transfer on official days

  • Yoga with Sam and local Rwandan teachers

  • Genocide Memorial entrance

  • Local village walk

  • Local Experiences: Coffee Tour, Traditional Dance Show and Art Gallery

  • Local Support to non-profits, Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village and Gardens for Health

  • All national park entrance fees

  • Safari drives in Akagera National Park

  • Wildlife boat cruise on Lake Ihema and safari picnic lunch

  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • All meals noted in itinerary (except 1st night, last lunch & dinner) - a la Carte with Vegan/Vegetarian options available

  • Bottled water in the vehicle throughout the trip

  • Expert in-country guides

  • All Rwanda government taxes

EXCLUDES

  • Airfare to and from destination

  • Minimum medical and emergency evacuation insurance

  • Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance

  • Visas

  • Any activity not described in What's Included

  • Meals on your own, arrival day dinner and departure day lunch

  • Gratuities

  • Items of personal nature & souvenir shopping

  • Gorilla trekking permit, extension, or trip add-ons

TRAVEL INSURANCE

A minimum level of medical and emergency travel insurance is required in order to travel. Details are outlined in our Terms and Conditions and you may not be permitted to join the group until you have provided evidence of adequate travel insurance.

INDIVIDUAL ROOM

Sometimes you need a single room all to yourself. That’s why we offer this optional extra.

Accommodation

KIGALI

MARRIOTT KIGALI HOTEL

AKAGERA GAME LODGE

AGAHOZO-SHALOM YOUTH VILLAGE

About Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village

NON-PROFIT THAT EMPOWERS AND HEALS ORPHANED TEENS

We will be staying at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village for two nights, a visionary community founded by the late Anne Heyman in 2008, a model for holistic healing and transformation. Just 1.5 hours outside of Kigali, learn and experience the Village’s profound impact on the youth and community at large. Sam will share her insight and personal experience working at ASYV from 2013-2014, where she was an assistant to the Executive Director, working with foreign dignitaries and large donors and above all, a mentor to 16 teenage girls. This community is a model for all to learn from and take back the experiences and insight to their own communities.

Founded in response to the orphan crisis caused by the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Agahozo-Shalom is a place where "tears are dried" (from the Kinyarwanda word "agahozo") and where vulnerable youth can “live in peace” (from the Hebrew word "shalom"). ASYV was modeled after Yemin Orde, an Israeli youth village established in 1953 to care for orphans of the Holocaust. You can find out more about our history and our founder, Anne Heyman, here.

  • IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO TRANSFORM A CHILD. Through healing, education, and love, the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village empowers orphaned and vulnerable Rwandan youth to build lives of dignity and contribute to a better world.

  • A VISIONARY MODEL FOR HOLSTIC WELLBEING. ASYV is focused on restoring hope and opportunity to teens affected by trauma in Rwanda. The model works because healing, care, family, and education are embedded in all aspects of the Village. Their main pillars rest on the following: Parental Wholeness, Formal Education, Health and Wellness, and Life Enrichment Applied Programs.

  • HEALING HEARTS & MINDS. When teens first enter ASYV, their priority is to heal them by resolving their trauma through "Tikkun Ha’lev,” or repairing the heart in Hebrew. They do this by providing them with love, stability, sustenance, and health care. Once our students' hearts have begun the healing process, we encourage them to develop a passion, take on leadership roles, and participate in the community, so that each teen can further recover from their personal trauma. The students are guided by the principle of "Tikkun Olam," or repairing the world. Through their work improving ASYV and local communities, our kids learn how to be held accountable, build confidence, think critically, and find empowerment and joy in doing for others. Tikkun Olam initiatives include teaching at the local elementary school, providing food and clothing to genocide-survivor widows, and constructing waterproof floors for at-risk community members.

ACCOMMODATION

Visitors stay in Guest Houses or at the new Intore Learning Community (ILC). Each room has simple furnishings with full or bunk beds and shelves. The Village provides sheets, a pillow, a light blanket, a small towel, and a permethrin-treated mosquito net for each bed. You are welcome to bring your own sheets and towels from home — and they always appreciate donations of sheets, towels, and blankets. The shared bathroom has hot and cold water. The Village has free wi-fi throughout, though outages can be frequent.

Optional Gorilla Trekking

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Optional extension after the tour

2 NIGHT / 2 DAY OPTIONAL GORILLA EXTENSION - Extra Fee

Rwanda is the premier destination for the mountain gorillas and we highly recommend adding this part of the trip on to your journey. As an optional add-on, you can extend your trip by two days or more to visit the mountain gorillas, an incredible once-in-a lifetime opportunity to encounter these magnificent creatures found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda.

Gorilla permits are highly limited and only a certain amount are issued per day, meaning you have a greater chance of securing a permit if you book well in advance. Please note that gorilla permits cost an extra $1,500 and are limited and regulated by the government. Your reservation is only guaranteed through full payment and is non-refundable. There are no guarantees that space will be available should you decide to book at a later time. Mountain gorillas are extremely rare and as such, only a handful of permits are allowed each day. The in-country agency we work with will make every effort possible to get the permits in advance.

If you’d still like to visit Volcanoes National Park, there are other hiking tours available including the Golden Monkey trek and the Dian Fossey tour, both of which are significantly less expensive. Details can be found on the Rwandan Tourism Board.

Our in-country travel company and expert guide, David, will help you tailor your experience as needed, should you decide to upgrade your accommodation, stay longer, or travel beyond Rwanda to visiting countries.

Meet Our In-Country Guide

David R., Expert In-Country Guide to Discover Rwanda

Meet David, founder of D-Guide Travels and our in-country preferred partner. David is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience spanning nearly 15 years in the vibrant world of tourism and hospitality. His dedication to providing exceptional travel experiences is rooted in his impressive credentials. David proudly holds a Special Honors Certificate of Master Class in Incentive Travel Planning and Operations from SITE Africa, a distinguished South African institution renowned for its expertise in Incentive Travel Excellence. In addition, he holds a Diploma in Hospitality Management, with a specialized focus on Tourism and Service Excellence, from the prestigious Cornell University in the United States.

David and his team in Rwanda

David's remarkable journey in the travel industry has garnered recognition from prestigious local and international tourism brands and organizations. In August 2021, he was honored to participate as a distinguished panelist in insightful discussions about emerging tourism trends, sustainable tourism practices, and the industry's response during and post-COVID-19. His role as a representative of the East African Chapter at one of the esteemed We Are Africa Live Webinars underscored his profound insights into the realm of travel.

What truly sets David apart is his exceptional expertise in East Africa's safaris. His vast knowledge extends far beyond the typical realms of African wildlife and cultures. David's engaging personality and knack for storytelling bring these experiences to life in a uniquely captivating way. When you embark on a safari with David, you're guaranteed to be inspired and awestruck, creating memories that will last a lifetime. In the hands of David, your journey to Rwanda promises to be an unforgettable adventure, filled with expert guidance, personalized attention, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and wonder of this remarkable country. Sam has been working with David for the past four years to bring this trip to life.

“In the tapestry of life, I’ve come to realize that our outer adventures pave the way for profound inner journeys.”
— Samantha Reynolds

Register to Attend

Please fill out the details below for the 2024 Rwanda tour. An additional interview may be conducted to determine readiness. We will send you a separate form and deposit link. Please note deposit is non-refundable.

We will be holding several information sessions online before 2024 to address any questions.

Questions?

Embark on this extraordinary educational and cultural immersion with Samantha Reynolds for your own Journeys for the Soul, where you'll gain profound insights, cultivate personal growth, and forge unforgettable connections in the heart of Rwanda. Contact Sam at sam@journeysforthesoul.com to learn more.

FAQ’s

  • Yes, visas may be purchased upon arrival ($50 for US Citizens as of 9/1/23) or three days in advance. Additional information will be provided upon booking confirmation. For the most updated pricing, please visit the Government of Rwanda website. If you are traveling on to other countries, an East African Visa may be required based on your nationality.

  • Yes. We highly recommend speaking with your doctor in advance. All participants will also be required to carry trip and medical insurance overseas, including emergency evacuation coverage.

  • No immunizations are required to enter Rwanda, except proof of yellow fever vaccination for those travelers entering Rwanda from a country that is yellow fever endemic. We advise you consult with your primary care physician or a travel health specialist about recommended immunizations. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control website includes Rwanda-specific information. 

  • Purchase of travel insurance is required. A personal, political, environmental, health, or weather-related incident may arise that can prevent or interrupt your travels. Note that most travel insurance providers require that you purchase coverage within 7 to 10 days of your initial booking.

  • A $1,000 non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required to hold your spot on the trip. If you cancel prior to March 15, 2024, we will refund any payments you have made minus the non-refundable deposit and processing fees. All payments are non-refundable & non-transferable after March 15, 2024. We must strictly adhere to the cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of the trip. Details, terms and conditions are available at booking and listed on the website.

  • You will need to fly into and out of Kigali International Airport (KGL). Transfer to and from the airport is included on the official arrival and departure day. You will be greeted at the airport from our in-country team.

  • Yes, all dining will have vegetarian and vegan a la carte options available. If you have a specific dietary requirement, please consult with your doctor before.

  • ‘Rwanda’ is derived from a local Kinyarwanda verb, which means ‘expansion.’

Photo Gallery

Note: SAM REYNOLDS LLC is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel, Registration ST42185. Please read the Tour Terms and Conditions.