Registration open!
In-country dates: June 26th – July 11th, 2019
Learning Trip Packet PDF
What is an African Road Learning Trip?
African Road Learning Trips are thoughtfully designed to give you an opportunity to experience East African culture and witness the power of community led change. You’ll meet extraordinary Changemakers and see the impact of African Road partnership and their work in East Africa.
On an African Road Learning Trip, we don’t just visit projects, we connect with friends. We turn the idea of a ‘traditional trip to Africa’ on its head. Instead of asking you to come and fix, mend or build, we ask you to arrive open in heart and mind and ready to learn from community leaders in East Africa. They are the experts.
No two trips are the same. Each Learning Trip is a unique combination of deep conversation, great joy, challenging learning, team connection and hands on experience which add flavor and meaning to every trip. Activities for group reflection and team building are included each day.
Whether you are an experienced traveler or have never visited the continent of Africa, this trip is not just a new experience, but a new way of looking at the world. We invite you to become part of the African Road story and learn how you can best benefit communities, internationally and as you take your experience home, locally.
The Learning Trip will aim to include at least two East African countries, often Rwanda and Tanzania, with the bonus of three days in amazing Zanzibar and an addition option of a a memorable and fun extension safari at Rwandan Akagera National Park .
About African Road
African Road is built on the foundation of friendship with our Changemaker partners & their local communities in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, & Tanzania and Uganda. Their grit and integrity and sacrificial leadership inspire us. We walk together to seed lasting change and sustainability; community driven development.
Since the work of African Road is based on relationships and friendships, a unique model of partnership has emerged, one that is sensitive to the local culture and is guided by the communities themselves. Instead of offering one-size-fits-all solutions, we take time to listen to our Changemarker partners and communities. Together we invest in change that equips communities to lift themselves up to thrive.
Itinerary
Arrive on the 26th. A typical schedule for a 14 day Learning Trip + 3 optional days. Activities and locations are subject to change.
Amazing Tanzania
Four Days of Inspiration and Joy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Meet the Changemakers Consoler and Eliya Wilbert and the 38 girls of the New Hope for Girls family, a healing home for girls and young women rescued from modern slavery, child marriage.
- Enjoy family games and play, and join in for a memorable family dinner for 42 + our team.
- Be astonished by the powerful work of this young couple.
- Visit the Elimika Women’s Cooperative Vicoba group and see their small businesses.
- Travel by Tuk-Tuk through town.
- See the impact of the Sewing Hope for Girls, AFN sewing supply and tailoring shop. Order a personal African fabric (bitenge) tote bag for yourself or a friend.
Zanzibar for All- a three day adventure
- Travel by ferry across turquoise waters to reach exotic and stunning Zanzibar, an island of tropical cross-cultural fusion.
- Tour Stonetown, a fascinating UNESCO historical site.
- Swim, beach walk, enjoy excellent cuisine and the world famous night market.
- Stay at a beautiful ocean front renovated historic hotel with pool and sea views (as available.)
- We will be joined by Burundian Changemakers Evariste and Grace Ndikumana and learn about Evariste’s remarkable work with his people, the indigenous Batwa.
- One day for optional add-on activities. Visit a Spice Farm, go for a hike in the National Forest and see Columba monkeys, read on white-sand beaches. If you love water sports, sign up to snorkel, sail, para-sail. Book a sunset dinner cruise on a beautiful historical sailing boat.
Seven Days in Rwanda
Welcome to Africa + Togetherness Youth Cooperative
- Arrive in Rwanda & settle in.
- Orientation and traditional drumming and dancing at Togetherness Youth Cooperative.
- Meet the Changemaker – walk the cooperative with Steven and hear his story.
- Learn from the All Soul’s women’s cooperative. Hear about and see the impact of VICOBA training in Rwanda.
- Visit local markets and shop for souvenirs
- Make bread at the Togetherness Women’s Bakery.
- Join in at the Togetherness Preschool, offering groundbreaking early childhood education.
- Enjoy a Togetherness soccer match or, get out on the field yourself.
- Meet the Changemaker – Penina, Togetherness President.
- Eat dinner at a range of culturally interesting, local restaurants including Mille Collines aka Hotel Rwanda and world renowned ‘Heaven’ social enterprise.
Learning from Rwanda – Hope in Unexpected places
- Meet the Changemaker – Philbert Kalisa will guide us through his work leading post genocide peace and reconciliation initiatives.
- Explore the astonishing and beautiful Kigali city.
- Visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Center and a church memorial.
- Hear profound stories of reconciliation and healing from genocide survivors and perpetrators.
Safari!
Add on Two nights at the Incredible Ruzizi Eco-Tented Luxury Lodge at Akagera National Park in Rwanda
- Enjoy unique, comfortable and attractively decorated tented lodging and gourmet meals
- Go on a memorable sunset boat tour- see hippo, crocodile and hundreds of bird species.
- Wildlife safari drive. Be amazed by zebra, giraffe, warthogs, impala, gazelle, and more. If we are lucky, we’ll meet elephant and on occasion, spot a lion.
Trip Costs
$3,200 two countries, 15 nights
Main trip to Tanzania, Zanzibar, & Rwanda (subject to change). Cost is per person, based on double occupancy room in Tanzania & Zanzibar, and single rooms in Rwanda. It is possible to upgrade to single rooms for an additional charge.
$900 two nights lakeside luxury tented lodging, stunning sunset boat ride, one day safari drive, gourmet cuisine.
Optional
*All applications require a $50 nonrefundable fee for processing. Upon acceptance, a deposit of $450 is required that will be applied to the total cost of the trip. Purchase of comprehensive travel insurance for trip value of African Road fees and airfare is required upon payment of deposit, Travel Guard recommended
FAQ
What do trip fees cover?
All-inclusive* Lodging, ground and ferry transportation, meals, water and non-alcoholic beverages, host fees and costs to partner communities, cultural activities and entry fees, translation, guides, and coordination, tips, visas for Rwanda and Tanzania are covered! Wow!
*You cover all airfare and personal expenses: travel vaccines (yellow fever may be required for Tanzania. Please consult a travel clinic for all recommended vaccinations) and anti-malarial medication-required, travel insurance-required, any alcoholic beverages, souvenirs. African Road travel agents can be of assistance with booking flights.
What are accommodations like?
The Kiberinka Cultural Center and Guest house in Kigali is our home in Rwanda. Kiberinka is a Social Enterprise supporting our partner REACH Rwanda in their work of reconciliation. You can expect a gated compound and gardens, breakfast served under a mango tree, a great Rwandan-style restaurant and bar, and small simple clean rooms with private bath, double bed, mosquito net and reliable hot water shower.
In Dar es Salaam our accomocations will be air conditioned, clean and pleasant. In Zanzibar, we stay at a fabulous renovated historic hotel with swimming pool and sea front location.
Is it safe?
Yes! Rwanda consistently ranks as the safest country in Africa and the 9th safest country in the world (via Telegraph). Our lodging, and thorough coordination with local authorities are tailored for the best possible safety and security.
Your safety is a top priority.
As with every part of the learning trip, relationships with trusted local partners, and comprehensive cultural knowledge make all the difference.
What is the food like?
Rwanda has some of the best restaurants in all of East Africa. A typical breakfast will include tropical fruit, coffee, tea, toast and eggs to order. While eating with local friends in their homes & communities the food is fairly simple: rice, beans, plantains, cooked greens & stewed meats. Tanzanian food utlizes fresh local spices. Fresh fish, tropical fruit and grilled foods are delicious. Travelers say they enjoy the food & the variety offered. Feel free to bring any snacks you like.
Am I prepared for the trip?
Some of our visitors have never been to Africa before, while others are seasoned travelers. In either case you will be in good company! Upon your application being accepted, you will receive a comprehensive information packet about the trip. In addition, there will be 2 orientation meetings in Portland, Oregon (out of town travelers will meet via Skype), where we will discuss details, itineraries, immunizations, visas, etc. We will even practice some words in the local language!
Physical requirements?
Trips can be physically tiring. Plan for long days, walking in the heat at higher altitude in Rwanda on uneven terrain. Ability to climb in and out of buses & SUVs and up long flights of stairs is a must. Most facilities are not accommodating to travelers with any mobility issues. Jet-lag is a real thing to be considered as well.
Emotional expectations?
Seeing extreme poverty or hearing painful stories from the genocide can be hard. The people you will meet are strong and resilient and these new-found connections with people’s stories may well be life-changing to you. We expect this and we’re prepared to support you in it. As this is a learning trip, we want to encourage you to listen, we are there to meet people with open hearts & minds.
Can children come on a Learning Trip?
Our annual trips are specifically designed for adults 18 and older.
In special circumstances, sometimes a mature teen of 15 or older, who is able to enter into group activities and is accompanied by a parent, might be considered, with references. On occasion, custom group trips with a specific emphasis, can be designed and shaped for families and parents with teens.
What if the trip is filled?
Trips fill up quickly! A maximum of ten travelers (plus team leaders) will be selected. Submit your application for consideration ASAP. Please indicate your first preference of summer or fall or winter trip on your application. Due to enthusiastic interest, return travelers are asked to apply again and have a new adult traveler apply with them. We love our traveling friends but want to be sure we have room so new friends can join in.