SEPTEMBER 12-20, 2026
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.
RWANDA - SEPTEMBER 12 - 20, 2026
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.
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.
Read the full story in Yoga International Article →
-Sam Reynolds, Founder, Cafe Namaste
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.
RWANDA
Program Highlights
Learn about economic development initiatives at One Cup Coffee and Nyamirambo Women's Centre
Experience proven community-building practices with 3 nights at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
Connect with students and alumni building futures at ASYV and Envision Rwanda Alumni Art Gallery
All meals, except snacks and drinks
In-country team and expert guides
4-star elevated accommodation
Practice and learn from Rwandan yoga practitioners on transformation as a collective practice
Learn about resilience and renewal at the Genocide Museum and Nyanza Memorial in Kigali
Reset in nature on a 2-night safari at Akagera National Park: game drives, boat safari, sunset yoga with savannah vistas
Wellness practices: run, yoga, reflection, and integration
Pre-departure zoom meetings
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
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.
Program Fee
Early Access (by May 1, 2026)
Standard Fee
Shared Accommodation
$5,200
$5,500
Single Accommodation
$6,000
$6,300
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 $750 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 4 at specified date of July 1, 2026. 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 July 1, 2026: Full Refund minus $750 non-refundable deposit plus bank charges (if applicable). Cancellation on or after July 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. ST4815
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 Program
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.