Working full time, organising your family and juggling lots of commitments means that many people who would like to experience overseas volunteering are unable to do so. Here's an opportunity to volunteer your skills and knowledge to help run a photo and arts project at a childrens education centre.   You'll  be actively contributing towards the  sustained  future of the people who live in this region through supporting their community projects and by visits to small  income generating initiatives on this photo holiday to Rwanda. It's a beautiful area for walking and you can even trek to see Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat (optional extra - must be booked 3-4 months in advance).  For photographers and artists the early morning light across the volcanoes is amazing - so be prepared to get up very early! 

Itinerary   

Day 1      Arrive from UK and transfer from Kigali airport. Overnight and Dinner.
Day 2      City tour of Kigali, visit the Aegis Trust Memorial and drive to Ruhengeri.     
Day 3    Today we introduce you to the photo and art project - making sure responsibilities and expectations are understood by everyone involved. There's a walking tour of the local area  and a visit to the market. In the evening hear a first hand account of life in Rwanda, Past, Present and Future.   During the next days we combine visits and activities with the photo and arts projects. 

• on Sundays there is an opportunity to attend a local church service.
• Visit a Womens Co-operative to meet a group of enterprising women. Watch and participate in weaving, visit banana plantations and see banana beer brewing.                               
• Childrens education centre -  photo and arts projects
  
• Walk in the National Park with a traditional healer
  
• Visit a community projects to support their initiatives
  
• Meet the local dance troupe and enjoy their music, song and dance
  
• Optional trek to see the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat (must be booked + paid for at least 4 months in advance approx)
• Visit tea and coffee plantations
  

* Option to extend for 3 nights to visit Nyungwe Forest - refer to the Nature, Forests and Wildlife Photo Holiday for further info. Cost on request.
     
Full Details on request. Dates and availability are detailed on the Photography Holidays Calendar.


This is a 'hands on' holiday experience! You'll need to be reasonably fit as there's quite a bit of walking. The national park is steep,hot, sticky and often wet, but really beautiful.  Day 3 - 10 we stay in a guesthouse -  commodation is shared in twin rooms. There is 1 shower room / lou. Everyone helps with cooking and washing up, and it is a relaxed, flexible, informal  and rewarding holiday. All meals included which we help prepare, except for 3 lunches and 3 dinners. We'll talk to you about the photo project before you travel so that you can bring anything you specifically need.   Joining us in Rwanda will  introduce you to the challenges  faced by children and adults everyday. Many people are working very hard,  developing their potential and sustainable livelihoods. Our visits to these projects are important to help generate income.   This holiday will be a rewarding experience, raising questions and challenges. You will no doubt learn just as much about yourself as the people whose lives you contribute to.  References /CRB checks may be required for this holiday.

Need to know. What to think about when planning a holiday to Rwanda - British nationals don't need a visa for a short holiday, but allow time for the vaccinations that are required, and malaria tablets are a necessity.  Please check with your Doctor and please buy your malaria tablets from a reputable source, preferably your Doctor.  There is lots of info on the Fit for Scotland NHS website  and the FCO website.  We have a comprehensive list of things we suggest you take and are on hand to answer any questions/share our own experience.   Please note that you are not allowed to take plastic bags into Rwanda, and any that you are using will be taken from you on arrival at Kigali Airport. We suggest cloth bags, drysacs or waterproof bags.  We have based this holiday on the Brussels Airlines schedule which operates from East Midlands, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and London Heathrow.