Join Souljourn Yoga founder Jordan Ashley, and Chicago based yoga teacher, Alison Riazi, for the adventure of a lifetime as we explore the rich and diverse country of Rwanda, the “land of a thousand hills.” We’ll experience a full cultural immersion on this 9 night/10 day journey, from a game drive in Akagera National Park to Golden Monkey Trekking, hiking in Volcanoes National Park, and enjoying the stunning beauty of Lake Kivu. We’ll also be diving into the local culture (visiting different markets and art galleries including a women's collective in Kigali) and even having a coffee workshop!
For our third year, we will be supporting the students of Komera whose aim is to build self-confident young women through education, community and sport. In Rwanda, “komera” means “be strong, have courage”. We’ll have the chance to spend the day with these strong young women and see first hand how your support can make a true impact.
Join us for this life changing and magical experience! New York Times included Rwanda in their "52 Places to Visit 2018" article
*Please note that the $500 deposit is non-refundable.
* Read and sign our FAQ + Waiver
* Final day for deposit May 22
What’s Included:
All meals + accommodations
Airport pick up/drop off
Guides
Bottled Water
$300 donation tax-deductible donation to Komera
All activities (*Unless otherwise noted)
Not Included:
Flights
Gorilla Trekking Permit $1500 and must be obtained in advance)
Dian Fossey Trek $75
Visa upon arrival $30
Tea Plantation Tour
Gratuity
Travel Insurance(Mandatory)
Welcome to Rwanda! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the Heaven Boutique Hotel. You’ll have the afternoon to settle in after your long journey. Relax, explore, and we will start our journey off with a welcome dinner.
Overnight at the Heaven Hotel Residence
Today we shall wake up with an invigorating yoga practice followed by a walking tour with the Nyamirambo Women's Cooperative. After lunch we will visit the renowned Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the history and give context to present-day Rwanda. We will return back to Heaven Hotel for dinner.
Overnight at the Heaven Hotel Residence
We will begin our morning with yoga and breakfast and then will drive to the Mbyo Village (a reconciliation village where perpetrators and survivors of the genocide live together) in Bugera for a community tour. After lunch we will return back to Heaven Hotel to rest and relax before getting ready for our big night on the town with our visit to the Inema Art Gallery followed by dining at the expat and local favorite dinner spot, Pili-Pili.
Overnight at the Heaven Hotel Residence
Get ready to hit the road as we leave Kigali and head on our next adventure! After breakfast we will visit Question Coffee for a workshop. After we will drive he east to Akagera National Park, known as the “gem of Rwanda." Late afternoon, we’ll take a “boat safari” on the lake to see hippos, crocodiles and water birds.
Dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge
Wake up to our delicious breakfast on the lake followed by a day spent with the young women of Komera. We will return to the park in the afternoon for lunch, yoga, and relaxation.
Dinner and Overnight at Akagera Game Lodge
After an early breakfast, we’ll depart on our epic game drive. Our safari will take us through the beautiful landscape of the park, with the possibility of seeing elephants, spotted hyenas, zebras, buffaloes and giraffes! We will stop for a picnic lunch in the middle of the park to enjoy the sights and sounds of the african bush! From there we will head into the mountains travel to Musanze Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge which will be our home for the next two nights.
Overnight and dinner at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
After an early breakfast, today offers the opportunity for two wonderful experiences:
Gorilla trekking. You’ll have the opportunity of a lifetime today, tracking a family of gorillas. Depending where the gorilla families are, this hike can be arduous, but the experience of being up close to these magnificent animals is well worth it. Additional cost: $1500 (the Rwandan government sets the price of gorilla permits. There are a limited number issued for any given day. If you are planning on going gorilla trekking, please buy your permit as soon as you sign up for the retreat!).
Dian Fossey Hike Additional cost: $75. We will hike through the rainforest along the Dian Fossey tomb trail. We’ll learn about her amazing work in protecting gorillas, as well as seeing a variety of primates and bird species.
Dinner and overnight at the Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Early morning as we head off to the Volcanoes National Park office to meet the park guides and set out for Golden Monkeys trek. We will then embark on our scenic journey to Lake Kivu. Upon arrival we will get settled and have dinner under the stars.
Dinner and Overnight at Emeraude Kivu Resort
Wake up to the singing ritual of the local fisherman spreading their nets in Lake Kivu. Morning yoga and breakfast followed by the thrilling Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Afternoon at leisure or enjoy our tea plantation factory tour (optional). One final yoga session on the terrace before celebrating our journey with our last group dinner!
Dinner and Overnight at Emeraude Kivu Resort
After breakfast, we’ll depart for the airport for our return flights. Safe travels!