I have so many vaccinations from travelling all over the world and the most important vaccine to enter Rwanda with has expired. A quick stop at the Antwerp Tropical Institute (http://www.itg.be ) will do. I hate needles…pff…
What else is on the list ?
Guy Callebout, the coordinator for Rwanda Exchangevzw told me to pack a flashlight, umbrella, a rain coat and copy my passports. I ordered an impregnated pop up mosquito net as my hotel has no AC and I can’t live without AC. I ordered a mosquito net for my hat that I can use during the gorilla hike, I bought more mosquito sprays, a first aid kit with emergency blanket, Gopro Hero camera, power bank, trekking boots, backpack, poncho, sleeping bag, towels and A SELFIESTICK! I am also packing a ton of granola bars for the long working hours! My suitcases are jam packed I am ready to experience the best or the worst as I have tons of medication with me.
I am totally ready to leave but afraid at the same time. Afraid that I will love Rwanda so much that it will be hard for me to return from the mission.
The preparatory work with Benevolab and Exchangevzw is done. My research is completed as well. I am ready to pack actually.
I realised that going on a mission will result into 18 hours of a work a day. (I remember how it was like setting up the microStart branch in Antwerp.) So I am pretty sure UCTCCN are going to want me working at 110% which I am more than happy to do. I want them to receive the best support ever. Hence I planned a vacation in a Rwanda after completing the mission.
While working there I am planning on taking a break to see the following:
1. Volcano/ gorilla hike visit Musanze caves
2. Go to Kibuye, relax do a boat ride and visit God’s bed
3. Complete the entire Nile - Congo trail by bike
4. Go to Akagera Safari Park
5. Visit Nyungwe, walk across the canopy and stop at the last Royal House.
Considering Rwanda is about the size of Belgium I looked at the map and figured that with a good SUV this should all be possible in 5 days. Although Rwanda has an extensive road network, I didn’t realise that Rwanda’s rural areas road network hasn’t been completed. Therefore road travel can be slow and complicated.
I had been given the price of 3600 USD that included 3 hotel nights in mid-luxury range hotels/lodging, private driver/car hire 4X4 SUV for 5 days, private guide, food, safari permit, gorilla permits, etc. I was surprised by this price. I knew that the price for a gorilla permit was 750 UD and had a budget of 2000 euro in mind. We are talking almost double now. I thought I was getting conned and decided to contact all the tour operators listed in the Rwandan Tours and Travel Association. http://www.rttarwanda.org/content/our-members I asked them to give me a quotation of the three different itineraries. I received many responses in a very short time. The prices were all between 3000 USD and 7000 USD. Some agencies had slightly adapted the itineraries and had given other hotel options. One tour operator even send me an excel sheet with everything detailed out.
I decided to drop Akagame Park as I am planning to conduct a safari in Tanzania next year. I also dropped the bike Nile Congo river ride as I bike as slow as a snail. I am not in the best shape of my life considering I used to run collegiate track. My friends have seen me bike and wonder each time how come I don’t fall off as my speed is almost at standstill. Many tourists in good shape havent been able to complete the bike ride. Cancelling those 2 activities brings the price down to 3250 USD. I am going to have to dig in my savings but I am convinced it will be worth every penny!
Now I need to start packing!
2 weeks in Gisenyi in the tea plantations, 1 week hiking and a few days visiting Kigali staying with my friend’s mom (Mrs. Anne-Marie Katengwa) who is the owner of Chez Lando in Kigali. As a female entrepreneur in Rwanda, she has a lot of important contacts and arranged for me a meeting to represent Exchangevzw at the Rwandan Board of Development (http://www.rdb.rw)
What do I need to take for a business/holiday trip? I might have to do some online shopping!
