Rwanda February 2025

The Fondation Aide Vétérinaire Internationale (FAVI) will be back on the African continent, this time in Rwanda!

From February 22 to March 13, 2025, in collaboration with WAG Rwanda, we’ll start our mission in Kigali with a visit to the shelter operated by WAG Rwanda and a few days at a clinic in one of the city’s neighbourhoods. We’ll then head off to the small community of Rwinkwavu, located near the Akagera National Park. This village is faced with dog overpopulation, leading to numerous human bites. In this area, where rabies is endemic, the situation is particularly worrying.

We want to demonstrate that it is possible to control overpopulation in a humane way by sterilizing hundreds of dogs. An important educational component will complement our actions, as the two are inseparable if we are to achieve lasting results.

Because it’s not just about working with FAVI…

After our stay in Kigali, we’ll head off on a 5-day safari. We’ll start our adventure with a trek through the majestic forest of Nyungwe National Park, in search of the chimpanzees and other primates that inhabit this extraordinary ecosystem. We’ll then head off to meet mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, a unique experience in the heart of Rwanda’s wilderness.

During our mission in Rwinkwavu, we’ll take advantage of our proximity to Akagera National Park to go on safari and observe the “Big Five” and other emblematic species in their natural habitat.

Discovering Rwanda: the land of a thousand hills

Located in the heart of East Africa, Rwanda is nicknamed the “Land of a Thousand Hills” for its breathtaking hilly landscapes. Despite a history marked by major challenges, the country is today a model of resilience, sustainable development and nature conservation.

Exceptional nature and biodiversity

Rwanda is world-famous for its spectacular national parks. Volcanoes National Park is home to the famous mountain gorillas, offering a unique trekking experience through dense forests. Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest forests, is a sanctuary for primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Akagera National Park is a savannah ecosystem where the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros) can be observed.

Commitment to the environment

Rwanda also stands out for its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. The country banned plastic bags in 2008 and is pursuing innovative ecological initiatives, becoming a model of conservation on the African continent.

Participation costs

Option 1: $2850 20-day project with no activities other than the clinic
Option 2: $6350 ($2550 + $3800 exceptional 5-day safari Nyungwe National Park and Volcanoes National Park)

Includes :

• Return transfer from Kigali airport (KGL) to accommodation site
• Local transport on clinic days in Kigali and to and from Kigali to Rwinkwavu
• Accommodation for 18 nights
• Dinners on clinic days

** FAVI cannot provide meals for participants with special dietary restrictions: allergies, gluten-free diet, vegans and others.

• A scrub top
• Accompanying English-speaking/ French-speaking veterinarians
• Practice permit for veterinarians ($100CAN)
• All clinic equipment, so that all veterinary care is provided free of charge.

** FAVI uses only absorbable monofilament sutures (Monocryl® or PDS® type); veterinarians with other preferences must provide their own sutures.
** Gloves provided to participants are all latex. People allergic to latex are responsible for bringing their own gloves.
** Participating veterinarians must use FAVI anesthesia protocols exclusively.

Not included :

• Air transport from Montreal (YUL) to Kigali (KGL)
• Dinners
• Free activities
• Travel and medical insurance
• Passport and visa ($50 USD upon arrival in Rwanda )
• Vaccines
• Tips to staff at accommodation sites
• Tips during safaris

**And anything else not included in the above-mentioned inclusions.

Practical informations

The local currency is the Rwandan Franc (FRW) $1000 FRW = $1.00 CAN as of December 20, 2024.
The US dollar is accepted in some places $1377 FRW= $1.00 US
ATMs are available in Kigali.

Itinerary

Option 1

Day 1 (February 22): Departure from Montreal (YUL) to Kigali (KGL)
Day 2 (February 23): Evening arrival in Rwanda
Day 3 (February 24): Orientation and rest day. Visit to the WAG refuge.
Days 4, 5 and 6 (February 25, 26 and 27): Clinic in Kigali
Days 7, 8, 9,10,11 (February 28, March 1, 2, 3 and 4): Rest, free activities of your choice and meals at your own expense.
Day 12 (March 5): Departure to Rwinkwavu in the morning and clinic set-up in the afternoon
Days 13, 14, 15 and 16 (March 6, 7, 8 and 9): Clinic in Rwinkwavu
Day 17 (March 10): Rest day. Possibility of visiting Akagera National Park at own expense
Days 18 and 19 (March 11 and 12): Clinic in Rwinkwavu, then return to Kigali.
Day 20 (March 13): Departure from Rwanda in the evening.

Option 2

Itinerary identical to option 1 except :
Days 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 (February 28, March 1, 2, 3 and 4): Safari to Nyungwe National Park (chimpanzees) and Volcanoes National Park (gorillas and golden monkeys).

** This itinerary is subject to change.