JUNE 12 - 20, 2027
Rwanda
The Power of Community
Join Samantha Reynolds for an intimate exploration of Rwanda, a country that has profoundly shaped her understanding of community, resilience, and what's possible when we lead with intention.
This program connects you to self, people, and nature, returning home with insights and practices to become a more effective leader in your own community.
About
Why Rwanda?
Because Rwanda changed me.
In 2012, I traveled to Rwanda for a human rights program. A year later, I moved there because I fell in love with the people and their extraordinary warmth, and I simply wasn't ready to leave. I spent a year at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village as a fellow, mentoring 16 girls alongside 500 orphaned and vulnerable teens. It was the most profoundly transformative experience of my life. Every day was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. And when I finally came home, after six years abroad and 39 countries, Rwanda had changed me in ways I'm still discovering.
What I found on the other side was yoga, community, and a deep understanding of what it means to truly belong somewhere. That journey is the foundation of everything Cafe Namaste stands for and the reason this program exists. This is my invitation for you to experience what I experienced. Not the hardship, but the awakening. The warmth of the people. The breathtaking beauty of the Land of a Thousand Hills. The living proof that communities, and people, can rebuild themselves into something extraordinary.
Rwanda didn't just change me. It made me who I am. I hope I can show you the same beauty and depth that Rwanda and its people have to offer. I invite you to journey home with me.
Read the full story in Yoga International Article →
-Sam Reynolds, Founder, Cafe Namaste
RWANDA - JUNE 2027
Leadership, Wellness and Impact
Kigali · Akagera · ASYV
8 nights / 9 days
up to 13 people
led by Sam Reynolds & Rwandan Team
Through the lens of well-being, growth, impact, and joy, the core themes of Cafe Namaste, you’ll experience proven practices for creating community. Visit the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village where Sam, founder of Cafe Namaste, lived and worked, witnessing firsthand how intentional community design creates belonging and transforms lives. Learn the importance of nature and well-being on safari at Akagera National Park. Engage with genocide survivors who chose renewal. Practice yoga (including meditation) as tools for personal and collective healing.
This journey is designed for leaders, community builders, wellness professionals, and those ready to expand their vision of what community can be.
RWANDA
program highlights
COMMUNITY
3 nights at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
Where Sam lived and worked. A model of belonging that proves intentional community design transforms lives.
PRACTICE
Yoga with Rwandan teachers
Learn transformation as a collective practice. Daily movement, meditation, and reflection woven throughout.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
One Cup Coffee + Nyamirambo Women's Centre
Two of Kigali's most purposeful social enterprises. See community-led growth up close.
SAFARI + NATURE
2 nights at Akagera National Park
Full-day game drives, a boat safari, and sunset yoga overlooking the savannah. Africa's most restored ecosystem.
RESILIENCE
Kigali Genocide Memorial and Nyanza.
Bear witness with intention. Rwanda's story of renewal is the most powerful leadership lesson on the trip.
ALL COVERED
All meals. 4-star stays. Expert Rwandan guides.
Pre-departure Zoom calls, airport transfers, all activities and entrance fees included.
RWANDA
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1
Kigali - Welcome to the land of a thousand hills
Arrival, Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Kigali - Remembrance and Renewal
Genocide Memorial, Nyanza Memorial, Mille Colline, Niyamirambo Women's Centre, Yoga with Local Rwandan Teacher
Day 3
Kigali to Akagera National Park - Economic Development and Nature Reset
One Cup coffee tour, scenic drive to Akagera National Park, afternoon boat cruise, mediation overlooking the savannah
Day 4
Akagera National Park - Wildlife Immersersion
Full day game drive: lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras
Day 5-7
Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village - The Power of Community
Stay at ASYV, home to 500 orphaned youth, group discussions, tours, and learn from the students. Participate and share. Option to learn from departments based on interest. Group project.
Day 8
Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village - Farewell and Reflection
Group reflection, drive back to Kigali, souvenir shopping, group dinner at Envision Cafe and Gallery - alumni run with live music. Note: Flights can be booked from 10:00 PM onward on Saturday evening through Sunday.
Day 9
Kigali - Departure Day
Morning rest, check-out by 11am or optional extension for gorilla trekking.
Review the link for a complete day-by-day schedule
COMMUNITY-FORWARD
What You'll Learn
· Learn proven practices for building thriving communities
· Deepen your leadership capacity through witnessing transformation in action
· Connect with like-minded individuals committed to growth and impact
· Integrate wellness practices that support sustainable leadership
· Return home ready to lead differently.
ELEVATED COMFORT, 4-Star +
Accommodation
Meet your Rwanda Guides
Get to know who you'll be traveling with.
SEPT 12 -20, 2026
Program Fees
All meals included. Spaces limited to 13 participants.
Fee
Early Access (by December 1, 2026)
Standard Fee
Single Supplement
Shared Accommodation
$5,200
$5,500
$800
Includes:
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Elevated 4-star accommodation as per itinerary
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Airport meet & greet service and all transfers
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All Meals, except drinks and snacks
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In-country private transportation with professional driver-guides
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Bottled water in vehicle throughout the trip
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All mentioned activities, museums and entrance fees
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2-night safari with boat excursion at luxury lodge
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Yoga session with Rwandan teachers and Sam
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ASYV orientation, tours, and programming
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Expert in-country support and guides
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Pre-departure meetings via Zoom
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Welcome packet & gift
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All applicable taxes
Excludes:
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International airfare to/from Rwanda
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Rwanda visa fee ($50 USD per person, obtained upon arrival, check website for latest)
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Meals and drinks not specified as included
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Personal shopping and souvenirs
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Optional activities (massages, etc.)
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Gratuities for guides, lodge staff, and hotel staff
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Travel insurance (required)
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Optional extensions for gorilla trekking
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Extra hotel stays if flying in early or departing later
Fundraising Option ($500 program credit)
Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village offers our participants the opportunity to create an individual fundraising page. Funds raised go directly to ASYV in support of their mission. We will match your contribution and reduce your program fee by the amount you raise, up to $500. This is entirely optional. If you're interested in inviting your community or company to support ASYV's transformative work with Rwandan youth, we'll set up your individual page once registered via ASYV. ASYV is a registered 501c3 non-profit with HQ in New York City.
Fundraising pages close July 1, 2026 (final payment due date). The amount raised up to 500 will be applied as a credit toward your program fee. Donations are non-refundable and no credit will be applied if you cancel your participation.
How to Register
To reserve your spot, please e-mail hello@gocafenamaste.com. Non-refundable payment of $850 is due at time of booking to reserve spot. Payment plans may be available. All payments can be made by check, bank transfer (zero fees) or by credit card with 3% extra processing fee.
Note, no pay later payments, such as Klarna, are accepted. Details will be sent by email along with Tour Agreement and Participant Form. All tours are non-refundable, unless the tour does not meet a trip minimum of 5 at specified date of March 1, 2027. Tour may run with fewer participants at discretion of tour operator. Travel insurance is essential and required due to possible missed flights, passport issues, and events beyond control.
Travel for Good
This journey is an investment in Rwanda's people and economy. Every dollar you spend here matters. By traveling to Rwanda you are directly supporting economic development in one of Africa's most remarkable countries. Our entire in-country team is Rwandan-owned and operated, ensuring your investment stays within the local community. Your three nights at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, a registered US and Rwandan nonprofit, directly support orphaned and vulnerable youth. Simply being present in Rwanda as a traveler contributes to the tourism economy that the country depends on to grow. This is purposeful travel. You will leave having given something, and having received far more in return.
Corporate Travelers & Volunteer PTO
Is your company looking for meaningful team travel or impact programming ? ASYV is a registered nonprofit in both the United States and Rwanda, headquartered in New York City. The three nights we spend at the Village may qualify for Volunteer PTO through your employer. We encourage you to check with your HR department before booking.
For corporate groups or custom programming inquiries, contact us directly at hello@gocafenamaste.com.
Optional Add-On: Gorilla Trekking
A once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience. Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world where you can trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Encountering a gorilla family in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park is an experience that stays with you forever. A gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 USD per person and can be arranged through our in-country Rwandan tour operator or independently on the Rwanda Tourism website. Availability is limited and permits sell out, we strongly recommend booking early once the tour is confirmed. We recommend 1-2 nights extra for this experience and it's ultimately up to you! Volcanoes National Park is approximate two hours from Kigali. Learn more about gorilla trekking in Rwanda →
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations before October 1, 2027: Full Refund minus $850 non-refundable deposit plus bank charges (if applicable). Cancellations between October 2 - February 1, 75% refund. Cancellation after February 1, 2026: NO REFUNDS. All tour sales are final. There are no refunds for early departure or unused services. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to hello@gocafenamaste.com. Sam Reynolds LLC dba Cafe Namaste is a Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST42185
Read Full Tour Terms and Conditions and Insurance Policy
Sam Reynolds LLC dba Cafe Namaste is a registered Seller of Travel (ST42185). Travel insurance is required for all participants.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) is a residential community in rural Rwanda for orphaned and vulnerable youth. Founded in 2008, ASYV provides family-based care, education, and comprehensive support for young people who have experienced profound loss or hardship, including the loss of one or both parents, displacement, extreme poverty, or unsafe home environments.
What makes ASYV extraordinary is its intentional community design. The village operates on principles of belonging, shared responsibility, and joy, proving that when people feel they belong, they thrive. Students live in family structures with 'Mamas' as heads of household. Everyone contributes through work rotations. Friday evenings bring the entire village together for 'Village Time,' a celebration of student talents.
For leaders and community builders, ASYV offers a living laboratory of what's possible when community is designed with intention. This is where Sam learned that community isn't something that happens, it's something we build.
Through healing, education, and love, the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village empowers orphaned and vulnerable Rwandan youth to build lives of dignity and contribute to a better world. Agahozo-Shalom is a place where "tears are dried" (from the Kinyarwanda word "agahozo") and where vulnerable youth can “live in peace” (from the Hebrew word "shalom"). ASYV was modeled after Yemin Orde, an Israeli youth village established in 1953 to care for orphans of the Holocaust. It is a registered 501c-3 non-profit with HQ in New York City and Rwanda.
LET'S CONNECT
Join the Tour
Spaces are limited for this intimate journey. Reach out to learn more about upcoming dates and reserve your spot.
Get in touch
305-908-2410
A FEW MORE DETAILS
FAQ's
Is Rwanda safe?
Kigali is consistently ranked one of the safest and cleanest cities in Africa. Rwanda has invested enormously in infrastructure, tourism, and security. Solo female travelers visit regularly and feel welcomed. Sam has traveled there multiple times and has deep on-the-ground relationships and a trusted local operator. Ultimately, all travel is at your discretion. Please do your own research before making a decision.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, as a US passport holder, a single entry visa costs $50 USD and is obtained on arrival at Kigali International Airport. No advance application needed for US passport holders.
What vaccinations do I need?
Please refer to the US Department of State Travel website. Yellow fever vaccination is no longer required to enter the country. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised, consult your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before departure. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are also commonly recommended.
How fit do I need to be?
This is not an athletic trip. You'll need to be comfortable walking and standing for periods of time, but no special fitness level is required. The safari, ASYV visit, and cultural experiences are accessible to most people.
Is this trip suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. This is an intimate group of up to 13 people and solo travelers are warmly welcomed. Many people who join Cafe Namaste retreats come alone and leave with lifelong connections.
What is the yoga component?
Yoga and wellness practices are woven throughout the journey, not the focus of it. Expect morning sessions, meditation, and reflection practices. You do not need to be an experienced practitioner to participate.
Can I use this trip for Volunteer PTO?
Possibly. ASYV is a registered non-profit in both the USA and Rwanda with headquarters in New York City. Check with your employer about Volunteer PTO eligibility for the nights we spend at the Village.
What should I pack?
A detailed packing list will be provided in advance along with more details at our pre-departure Zoom meeting. Lightweight layers, modest clothing for cultural sites, and comfortable walking shoes are essentials. Rwanda is a mountainous region with cooler temperatures at night.
What if the trip doesn't reach minimum numbers?
We require a minimum of 4 participants to run the program. If minimum numbers are not reached by July 1, deposits will be fully refunded or the tour may run at operator's sole discretion.
I have more questions, who do I contact?
Email Sam directly at hello@gocafenamaste.com or call 305-908-2410.