2025 Learning Trip: Rwanda and Burundi

Witness Hope, Transformation, and Joy at work

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 their work and African Road partnership.

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.

Each Learning Trip is a unique combination of deep conversation, great joy, challenging learning, meaningful 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.

Care is taken to provide expertise, comfortable lodging, fantastic food and a safe and enjoyable experience. 

You are invited to join the African Road team for an unforgettable trip 2025 to Rwanda and Burundi.

About African Road

African Road is built on the foundation of friendship with Changemaker partners & their local communities in Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania, with impact across East Africa. The  Changemakers’ grit, 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, African Road takes time to listen to our Changemarker partners and communities. Together, we invest in change that equips communities to lift themselves up to thrive.

Itinerary

Departures from US on July 10th. Team members will meet in Amsterdam  and travel to Kigali, Rwanda together, arriving on the evening of July 11th.

This represents typical activities Learning Trip + 3 optional days. Activities and locations are subject to adjustment and moving parts.

Days in Rwanda

Welcome to Africa + Togetherness Youth Cooperative

• Arrive in Kigali and settle in.
• Meet the Changemaker – walk Togetherness cooperative with Steven Turikunkiko and hear his story.
• Learn from the All Souls Ebenezer Women’s Cooperative. Hear about and see the impact of VICOBA Plus training in Rwanda, with introduction by Changemaker David Clemy.
• Visit local markets, shop for souvenirs, and experience basket weaving.
• Make bread at the Togetherness Women’s Bakery.
• Join in at the Togetherness Preschool and appreciate their groundbreaking early childhood education program.
• Join the neighborhood fans to cheer on a youth soccer match
• Meet the Changemaker – Penina Mukashema, Togetherness President.
• Eat dinner at a range of culturally interesting, local restaurants including Mille Collines aka Hotel Rwanda and world renowned ‘Heaven’ social enterprise.
• Traditional drumming and dancing at Togetherness Youth Cooperative.

• Learning from Rwanda – Hope in Unexpected place

• 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 Genocide Memorial Centre in Kigali.

• Hear profound stories of reconciliation and healing from genocide survivors and perpetrators.

Days in Burundi

Honoring Indigenous Leader, ASSEJEBA + the Batwa

• Arrive in Bujumbura, orientation to the Batwa peoples’ story with Changemaker Evariste Ndikumana, and followed by dinner with his team, ASSEJEBA.
• Be inspired by these devoted indigenous leaders.
• Visit three Batwa indigenous villages, Gahombo, Ndava, and Mwendo, where you’ll see tangible transformation and hear stories of an historically unique partnership.
• See what is possible with steady community-led development and supportive partners who are committed to funding and working for lasting change.
• Visit the Batwa preschool and primary school in Mwendo Village, which offers access to education for the village children and children from the surrounding communities.
• Experience traditional pot making from the women in Ndava Village, and witness the ceremonial construction of a traditional Batwa hut.
• Hear testimonies from the people in Gahombo Village, who have been equipped to build a future with hope – Gahombo is the site of a brick house pilot project, bringing security and stability to families. 
• Be moved and amazing by a one of a kind Burundian drumming performance.

Optional Days: Eco-Lodge Safari at Akagera National Park

• Drive to Akagera National Park and enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema.
• Dinner under the stars.
• Full day Wildlife drive – Zebra, giraffe, warthogs, baboons, monkeys, impala, and more if you’re lucky! (Elephants, lions, rhino!)
• Special bush dinner celebration.

Trip Costs (per person)