Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a spot?
A $500.00 non-refundable deposit is required to guarantee a spot, and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The non-refundable deposit can be paid by cheque or money order.
When is the balance due?
A smaller non-refundable deposit for airfare (est. $100.00) will be required by March 31 to guarantee your flight, with the balance of the airfare being due in the weeks prior to departure.
What is included in the cost?
The non-airfare amount due to the Centre includes twin-accommodations, selected breakfasts (Kigali & Butare), ground transportation, and any admission or performance fees.
How do we pay for airfare?
A group rate will be provided by a travel agency, and participants will be responsible for booking flights - information will be provided in due course - with the travel agency directly. This will more easily allow people to make payment arrangements and possibly redeem any reward miles.
Are extensions to the trip available?
If you want to go to Kenya, for example, on the way back from Rwanda, that is something that you will have to discuss with the travel agent at the time of reservation. Participants are responsible for any extension-related costs.
What other expenses are there?
Participants will be responsible for some breakfasts (Akagera Park & Kibuye) and all lunches and dinners, any tips, and any extra activities, inlcuding a gorilla trek. Participants who wish to participate in a gorilla trek will be required to provide immediate payment for the required permit when those permits are arranged by the Centre.
Are single accommodations available?
Requests for single accommodations may be accommodated. There will be a supplemental fee for single accommodations. Whether single accommodations can be accommodated - and at what extra cost - will not be known for some time yet. And, single accommodations may not be accommodated in all venues throughout the trip.
What are the accommodations like?
Because of the high cost of airfare and the impact that that has on the overall cost of the trip, participants will be staying in budget accommodations - not hotels. The overall cost of the trip would increase markedly if participants were to stay in hotels. Accommodations are dormitory-style rooms attached to churches. Accommodations are absolutely safe and clean but spartan, to be sure. Accommodations are much more luxurious while in Kibuye and Akagera Park.
Can I choose my roommate for twin accommodations?
If you are bringing a partner or other family member or friend, we'll put you together - if you want. If you know someone else on the trip, just let us know, and, if he or she agrees, we'll put you together.
How do the meals work?
A group breakfast is provided while in Kigali and Butare, and breakfast will be the responsibility of individual participants while in Kibuye and Akagera Park, which allows for individual participants to make their own choices. Lunch and dinner will be at restaurants, and participants will be able to order for themselves, and they will need to pay for themselves. There might be a few occassions when it will be necessary to order a buffet lunch for the entire group, as this will make it much easier on the restaruant and much quicker for the group, and, in those cases, participants will be responsible for paying accordingly. Our experience last year is that people enjoyed the opportunity to venture out for food in the evenings, so participants will be free to find their own dinners, and they will need to pay for themselves.
What if I am a vegetarian or have dietary issues?
Each participant is ultimately responsilbe for their own bodily needs, and he or she may need to find additional sources of food to satisfy those needs. Generally, though, bodily needs were met with little problem on the last trip, even if it did mean visits to local grocers.
Do I need a visa to enter Rwanda?
Travelers with a Canadian passport do not require a visa to enter Rwanda. Participants who require a visa are responsible for any resulting costs.
Do I need any shots?
You should consult with a travel physician - only he or she can advise you on your health risks. That being said, however, a Yellow Fever vaccination card is required to enter Rwanda. Participants are responsible for any medical-related costs.
Can I bring a partner or other family member or friend?
We understand that some people may not want to make this journey without a loved-one or that it is a journey that some people may want to share with a loved-one, so guests are welcome. Guests are treated like all other participants - everything that applies to participants will apply to guests.
How can I get even more information?
