By registering for the Impact Africa Cultural Trip to Rwanda, you acknowledge and agree to the following: Assumption of Risks: You understand that travel involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to accidents, illness, and unforeseen events. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with participating in the trip. Release of Liability: You release Africa Cultural Trip, its directors, employees, and affiliates from any and all liability for personal injury, property damage, or any other loss that may occur during the trip, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Impact Africa, its directors, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses, including attorney fees, arising from your participation in the trip. Insurance: You understand that you must obtain adequate travel insurance to cover any unforeseen expenses or medical emergencies during the trip. Your Payment: To secure your spot, we'll need a non-refundable, non-transferable, per person, per trip deposit. This deposit helps cover the costs we've incurred to make your trip unforgettable, like booking accommodations and planning activities. The remaining payment is due by August 15, 2024. Your Travel Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport and any required visas before traveling. Your Conduct: During the trip, please be respectful and considerate of others. Changes to the Plan: Sometimes, things go differently than planned. If we need to change the itinerary or activities due to unexpected events, we'll let you know as soon as possible. Cancellation Policy: Your deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. 10. Using Your Likeness: We might take photos or videos during the trip, and we'd love to share them on our website or social media to show others how awesome our trips are. By participating, you agree that we can use your likeness this way.

You will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity and a visa, which can be obtained upon arrival for most nationalities.

The most common routes involve transiting through major hub airports in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa before continuing on to Rwanda. Here are some of the main countries and their airports that serve as common transit points for flights from the US to Rwanda: 1. Europe: France: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) Netherlands: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) Belgium: Brussels Airport (BRU) Germany: Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Munich Airport (MUC) Turkey: Istanbul Airport (IST) 2. Middle East: Qatar: Hamad International Airport (DOH) United Arab Emirates: Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) 3. Africa: Ethiopia: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). Ethiopian Airlines, the flag carrier of Ethiopia, operates direct flights between Addis Ababa and Kigali, Rwanda. When booking your flights, consider the airlines that operate routes between the US and Rwanda and the available flight schedules. Additionally, factors such as layover duration, airline reputation, and ticket prices may influence your decision on the best route for your travel needs.

Transportation will be arranged for you as part of the Cultural Exchange Impact Trip.

Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm weather Casual attire such as button-down shirts (no t-shirts unless in a group) Long-sleeved shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes and sunburn Skirt or dress below your knees Comfortable walking shoes for outdoor activities Hat or cap to shield from the sun Rain jacket or poncho for unexpected showers Scarf or shawl for cooler evenings

Avoid wearing revealing or provocative clothing, as Rwanda is a conservative country with modest dress customs. Avoid clothing with offensive slogans or graphics that may disrespect the local culture. It's best to refrain from wearing camouflage clothing, as it is reserved for military personnel and may be illegal in some countries.

You will stay in a 3-bedroom apartment with Western-style amenities, including electricity, running water, and internet access. Enjoy: Fully contained rooms with private bathrooms Full-size beds Locks on the bedroom door Common dining and living area Balcony Full-size refrigerator Stove, microwave, and kettle AC in each bedroom (fan in living room) Daily housekeeping

Yes, Rwanda is known as one of the safest countries in the world! Still, it is recommended that you exercise common sense and take standard precautions, especially in crowded markets.

When it comes to traveling to Rwanda, there are no vaccination requirements. However, these are recommended: Malaria- Highly Recommended. These prescription pills are crucial to your travel preparation. To ensure your health and safety, start taking them 3 days before travel and continue for 7 days after returning. Check with your medical provider. Typhoid vaccine Hepatitis A&B vaccinations are recommended, with 2 shots. Also, monkeypox (mpox), is a disease that is spread through contact with infected: people through touching, kissing, or sex; animals during hunting, skinning, or preparing them for food; materials such as contaminated sheets, clothing, or needles. The smallpox vaccine is available. Check with your medical professional. Remember also to practice good hygiene, wash your hands and use sanitizer, drink safe water, and eat safe food to further protect your health during your trip.

Drink bottled or purified water and eat cooked foods.

There are medical facilities in major cities like Kigali, but it's best to have travel insurance covering medical evacuation in emergencies.

Contact the program leaders or local authorities immediately and follow their instructions.

When preparing for your trip to Rwanda, you should bring over-the-counter medications that you commonly use, such as Benadryl. Local stores in Rwanda may not carry specific brands or medications you're accustomed to, so having your own supply ensures you're prepared for unexpected needs during your stay.

When it comes to traveling to Rwanda, there are no vaccination requirements. However, these are recommended: Malaria- Highly Recommended. These prescription pills are crucial to your travel preparation. To ensure your health and safety, start taking them 3 days before travel and continue for 7 days after returning. Check with your medical provider. Typhoid vaccine Hepatitis A&B vaccinations are recommended, with 2 shots. Remember also to practice good hygiene, wash your hands and use sanitizer, drink safe water, and eat safe food to further protect your health during your trip.

The Africa Cultural Trip includes cultural activities, language lessons, and interactions with local communities to immerse you in Rwandan culture.

The official languages are Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Swahili, but Kinyarwanda is the most widely spoken.

Not at all! Most people speak English, but picking up a few basic phrases in Kinyarwanda could add fun to your experience. 1. Use language learning apps. Prior to your trip, use user-friendly apps like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, or Babbel. These apps provide interactive lessons and practice exercises, making your Kinyarwanda learning journey a breeze. 2. Language Learning Websites: Explore websites dedicated to language learning, such as Memrise, FluentU, or Kwiziq, which offer interactive lessons, quizzes, and vocabulary drills to reinforce your Kinyarwanda skills. 3. Language Apps with Offline Mode: Download language apps with offline mode functionality to access lessons and practice materials without internet connectivity while traveling in Rwanda. This ensures you can continue learning on the go, even in remote areas.

The program typically lasts eight days, arriving on Tuesday and leaving the following Tuesday.

We cater each trip to the group, but activities may include visits to cultural sites, community engagement projects, language lessons, and more. Refer to the Itinerary page.

We recommend bringing comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable, insulated water bottle, a camera, and a notepad to jot down lessons and memories.

Activities are planned as part of the program itinerary, and we suggest you participate in them to get the most out of your time in Rwanda. However, you are welcome to opt-out any activity.

This trip is ideal for churches, civic organizations, businesses, campus ministries, and extended families. We recommend groups of 6 to 12.

When giving gifts to individuals in a village, it's essential to prioritize fairness, respect, and sustainability. Here are some suggestions for appropriate gifts: Essential Items: Consider providing practical items that can improve daily life for individuals without creating inequality or dependency. These might include blankets, clothing, shoes, cooking utensils, or hygiene products. Educational Opportunities: Invest in gifts that promote learning and skill-building, such as books, school supplies, or vocational training materials. Empowering individuals with knowledge and skills can have a lasting positive impact on their lives and the community. Healthcare Support: Offer gifts for better health outcomes, such as first aid kits, mosquito nets, or hygiene kits. Access to essential healthcare resources can significantly improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of illness in rural communities. Sustainable Resources: Provide gifts that support self-sufficiency and sustainability, such as renewable energy technologies like solar lanterns. These resources empower individuals to meet their needs and build resilience against external challenges. Cultural Exchanges: Consider gifts that foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding, such as traditional crafts, musical instruments, or cultural artifacts. Encouraging appreciation for diverse cultures can strengthen community bonds and promote harmony.

Rwanda's demographics reflect a predominantly young population, with the average age estimated to be around 20. Despite historical challenges such as the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has made significant strides in areas like healthcare, education, and economic development. Villages in Rwanda often face issues related to access to clean water, healthcare, and education, but efforts are underway to address these challenges and foster sustainable progress.

Primary industries and occupations in Rwanda include agriculture, which employs a significant portion of the population, particularly in subsistence farming crops like coffee, tea, and bananas. Additionally, Rwanda has been focusing on developing its service sector, including tourism, finance, and information technology, and promoting industries such as construction and manufacturing. The country's economy is diversifying, with a growing emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Rwandans are known for their diverse cuisine, including staples like ugali (a maize-based porridge), beans, and plantains. Other popular dishes include brochettes (grilled meat skewers), ibirayi (fried potatoes), isombe (cassava leaves with peanut sauce), and matoke (cooked green bananas). Rwandan cuisine also features a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as avocados, mangoes, and pineapples. In terms of beverages, Rwandans enjoy traditional drinks like urwagwa (banana beer) and ikivuguto (fermented milk), as well as tea and coffee, which are important export crops for the country.

Most international cell phones will work in Rwanda, but you must check with your service provider about roaming charges and global plans. If you plan to use your phone extensively or want a local number, purchasing a local SIM card is a convenient option. SIM cards are available at airports, local shops, and mobile network service centers.

Yes, you can exchange money in Rwanda, either at banks or authorized foreign exchange bureaus. It's advisable to exchange a small amount upon arrival for immediate expenses and use banks for larger transactions. Rwanda's currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF). As of January 2024, approximately 1 USD is equivalent to around 1000 RWF. So, for example, if you exchange $100, you would receive approximately 100,000 RWF.

Yes, mobile money services are widely available in Rwanda. You can use platforms like MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, and Tigo Cash to send and receive money, pay bills, and purchase items at various merchants.

Please refer to the Registration page, which explains your options.

We accept various forms of digital payment through our website for your convenience: Major credit cards Apple Pay Google Pay After Pay PayPal CashApp ($GreatSuccessLLC) To secure your spot, we require a non-refundable deposit after you register and receive a confirmation from us (See the Registration page). The balance is due by August 15, 2024.

Budget for a night of fine dining and *entrance fees to the Memorial Museum and Gorilla Guardians Village. *Entrance fees are roughly USD 50.00 The African Safari Tour is optional and costs approximately $250.00

Cancellation and Refund Policy: We maintain a firm no-refund deposit policy, which we believe is fair due to the upfront costs we incur, such as room deposits and logistical arrangements. When a cancellation occurs, filling the vacant slot is challenging, impacting our planning and commitments. However, If you cancel your trip before July 1, 2024, we will offer a 50% refund minus the deposit and a $100 administrative fee.

In addition to clothing suitable for the weather and cultural norms, consider packing essential items such as a universal wall adapter to charge your electronic devices. Rwanda uses Type C and Type J electrical outlets, so having a compatible adapter will ensure you can charge your devices without any issues. Remember to pack any necessary medications, toiletries, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small first aid kit for minor emergencies.