Early December 2021, five Dutch travel agents experienced an incredible adventure when they went on a study trip to Rwanda with Avila Reizen. For nine days they discovered together the green, safe and surprising Rwanda, a travel destination that has no equal.

We look back with the participants, but it immediately becomes clear that they lack superlatives to describe this special study trip. “We still fondly remember this unforgettable journey every day.”
For ten years now, Avila Reizen has stood for extraordinary voyages of discovery, with an eye for the smallest details. They provide tailor made products and a personal service is of paramount importance. Five travel agents had the opportunity to discover Rwanda with Avila Reizen early December. A trip that absolutely exceeded expectations. Tim van der Wel (co-founder Avila Reizen): 'Traveling through Rwanda with Avila means staying in special accommodations, a relaxed travel pace, experiencing the highlights in a different way and discovering hidden gems away from the crowd. Of course, Rwanda is also the ultimate destination for spotting many special primates. We have brought all these ingredients together on this study trip, so that the travel agents can explore Rwanda as we offer it to customers.'

Genocide Memorial Museum
In the capital Kigali, a visit to the Genocide Memorial Museum is a must. This is because it reflects on the tragic events of 1994 that are undeniably linked to the history of the country. A visit should certainly not be missed, but it is not the most enjoyable part of the trip. It makes you understand the country better, which makes the rest even more impressive," says Annemarie Bruil (The Travel Club). ‘It is a real must-see, but it is intense and confrontational. But those who do not know history understand neither the present nor the future. This is equally true for Rwanda, a country with a complex and painful history. But after the visit, you travel through the country with a different perspective,' adds Joan de Haart (Joan Travel).

Natural beauty
Rwanda is known as the country of thousands of hills. It is very green, and certainly appeals to adventurous travelers. Joan: 'It was a study trip to the greenest, cleanest and safest African country! Everywhere, even in the capital Kigali, we were treated to views of endless green hills with villages, mountain rainforests, coffee and tea plantations. We imagined ourselves in a painting, really beautiful! Bridging a long distance was therefore never annoying, especially not with that delicious Rwandan coffee during the stops. And the cheerful, colorful and hospitable population made the most impression!'

The travel agents visited Akagera National Park, the only place in Rwanda where you can spot classic African animals such as elephants, rhinos and lions. But besides these classics, most travelers are mainly interested in the primates and rare mountain gorillas. The travel agents, led by an experienced guide, undertook a trekking in the Nyungwe forest, where no fewer than 13 primate species occur, to see chimpanzees. Karin Klijn (TUI at Home): 'The chimpanzee trekking was tough, but it was more than worth every minute! So wonderful to see the animals in their natural habitat.”

To view the mighty mountain gorillas, the group heads to Volcanoes National Park. The meeting is preceded by a tough walk that requires some fitness. But the reward is indescribable. It is truly one of the most beautiful encounters between humans and animals in the world! Manuela Hafkamp (The Travel Club): 'Meeting the mountain gorillas is one of the most beautiful things I've experienced in my life.' Renata Geurts (Personal Touch Travel): 'Unlike the chimpanzees – who make a lot of noise – the mountain gorillas emit especially rest. It is indescribably beautiful and moving that you are accepted in their living environment. I had to shed a tear there, it really made me emotional. I also notice in my environment that this appeals to everyone's imagination, it is that special. A kind of life-changing experience!'

Joan: ‘Rwanda has risen rapidly and every resident contributes to making the country even more beautiful at a fixed time each month: Umuganda they call this civic duty in Kinyarwanda (the official language). The fare and the high contribution for the gorilla permit are substantial, but a lot of money is used directly for expanding the habitat of the primates, for research and anti-poaching programs. Hotels are required to recruit staff in the local communities. As a tourist it feels good to contribute to improvement, you can't say that everywhere. Customers can thus freely enjoy Rwanda and its cities, mountains, rainforests, lakes, savannas and volcanoes. And of the many species of wildlife, birds and primates, with the mighty beautiful mountain gorillas as USP. All this on a small, manageable surface.”

In a nutshell
Manuela: 'The organization of the trip was very good, Avila Reizen certainly managed to surprise me. The program was well put together and I can recommend all excursions to my customers. I didn't think Rwanda would look so neat. It is the ideal destination for customers who already have some travel experience, who love wildlife but also like to spend the night in style.”

Karin: 'It was my first time in Rwanda, but certainly not the last time. Rwanda is a beautiful, green country with impressive wildlife. It is clean and the people were very hospitable. Everything is within driving distance, the food is delicious and the hotels beautiful. Rwanda is ideal for adventurous customers who also like good, comfortable hotels. Rwanda really exceeds every expectation. And meeting the mountain gorillas is definitely number one!”

Renata: 'The organization was top-notch, down to the smallest detail. Think of a letter with 'nice to have you here', an attention on your bed or a wonderful massage after a long day of travel. The program was of course already planned, but there was room for adjustment where it was more convenient. I noticed from the reception at the accommodations and at the local agent that Avila Reizen is a popular partner. Never before have I experienced such a personal approach during a study trip. Kudos to Tim and Hilda from Avila Reizen. Let it be clear, Rwanda has gained five new ambassadors!'

Annemarie: 'The various accommodations were also top notch! We slept in safari tents where a hippo was grazing right next to my tent. But we also stayed in a lovely boutique hotel in the middle of the capital and slept in a beautiful hotel in the mountains where we had a hot water bottle in our bed in the evening. And after a few hours we got our hiking boots back at the door spotless, they had never been so clean! Unforgettable experiences! And although I was most looking forward to the Gorilla trekking, it is Rwanda itself that surprised me the most. You look your eyes out!'

Joan: ‘Such a special experience automatically creates unity. Be afraid of the hippos at your tent together, sing and dance in a cozy lodge, go to the spa together, take turns practicing the gorilla growl, nice wine and good conversations around the fire, lunch in a tea plantation, on safari in Akagera National Park, get a breath of fresh air in a speedboat on Lake Kivu,… we had a great time and laughed!'

Rwanda according to Avila Travel
Known as 'the country of a thousand hills', because of its many green colored hills, Rwanda is a travel destination like no other. A trip through Rwanda takes you to the rare mountain gorillas and many other primates. Moreover, there are opportunities for beautiful game drives and cultural delights. Traveling through Rwanda offers a very varied, but above all magical travel experience.

Click here to book your holiday to Rwanda with Avila Reizen.