Rwanda

April 18-24, 2028

Veterinary Continuing Education

Where exceptional veterinary education meets Arctic adventure.

Registration Open

Why Rwanda

Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda is a destination where breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and remarkable conservation efforts come together. From mist-covered mountains and lush rainforests to sweeping African savannas, Rwanda offers the opportunity to experience wildlife in some of the most incredible natural environments on Earth.

Imagine trekking through the forest to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, encountering playful golden monkeys, and exploring the savannas of Akagera National Park in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, and more.

This Beyond Scrubs experience combines veterinary continuing education with unforgettable wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and a deeper appreciation for conservation. Travel alongside a small group of fellow veterinary professionals while discovering the extraordinary connection between animals, people, and the environment.

Experience Highlights

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Golden Monkey Trekking

African Wildlife Safari

Lake Ihema Boat Safari

Dian Fossey Gorilla Conservation Experience

Rwandan Cultural Village Experience

Itinerary

Day 1 — Kigali | April 18
Arrive in Rwanda and meet your local guide for a private transfer to Hotel des Mille Collines. Settle in and enjoy your first evening in the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Day 2 — Kigali → Volcanoes National Park | April 19
Travel through Rwanda's scenic countryside to Musanze, visiting the local market and Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Continue to Mountain Gorilla View Lodge for a three-night stay.

Day 3 — Mountain Gorilla Trekking | April 20
Venture into the mist-covered forests of Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas. Later, visit the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village to experience traditional Rwandan culture.

Day 4 — Golden Monkey Trekking | April 21
Explore the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of endangered golden monkeys. In the afternoon, visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Education Center before returning to the lodge.

Day 5 — Volcanoes National Park → Akagera | April 22
Journey across Rwanda to Akagera National Park, where rolling hills give way to open savannas. Enjoy an afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema, searching for hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

Day 6 — Akagera National Park | April 23
Spend the day exploring Akagera on a guided wildlife safari. Search for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and other iconic African wildlife before returning to the lodge for your final evening.

Day 7 — Akagera → Kigali | April 24
Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable Rwanda adventure to a close.

Continuing Education

TBD… searching for the perfect topic and speaker

What’s Included

6 Nights of Accommodations

  • Kigali – Hotel des Mille Collines (1 night)

  • Volcanoes National Park – Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (3 nights)

  • Akagera National Park – Akagera Game Lodge (2 nights)

Meals & Transportation

  • Daily breakfast

  • Lunches and dinners as specified in the itinerary

  • Private airport arrival and departure transfers

  • Ground transportation throughout Rwanda

  • Professional local driver/guide

Wildlife & Cultural Experiences

  • Mountain gorilla trekking experience

  • Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 value)

    • Subject to increase

  • Golden monkey trekking experience

  • Golden monkey trekking permit ($100 value)

    • Subject to increase

  • Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

  • Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village experience

  • Musanze market visit

  • Lake Ihema boat safari

  • Full-day guided wildlife safari in Akagera National Park

  • National park entrance fees and scheduled activities

Additional Inclusions

  • Coffee, tea, juice, and soft drinks as specified in the itinerary

  • Wildlife conservation and park fees associated with included activities

Trip Excludes

    • International airfare and applicable airline taxes and fees

    • Veterinary CE registration ($1,150 per veterinarian attending CE)

    • Rwanda visa fees

    • Travel insurance - required

    • Meals not specified in the itinerary

    • Alcoholic beverages and drinks not listed as included

    • Optional excursions and activities

    • Additional transportation outside the scheduled itinerary

    • Personal expenses, including laundry, room service, souvenirs, and telephone charges

    • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff

    • Passport fees

    • Any unforeseen increases in government taxes, conservation fees, or national park fees

Trip price

Travel Package
$6500 per person
Based on double occupancy

Single Room Supplement
+$700

Veterinary CE Registration
$1150
12 hours of CE • RACE Approval Pending

Veterinarian attending CE: $7650 + airfare based on double occupancy

Single room supplement (no roommate): $8350 + airfare

Non-veterinary travel companion: $6500 + airfare based on double occupancy

Register Now!

CE registration is purchased separately from the Rwanda travel package. After registering for CE, you will receive an email within 24 hours from beyondscrubsvet@stephtravelsllc.com to complete the booking process.

Is this experience right for you?

This trip is designed for veterinary professionals who:

  • Love wildlife and nature

  • Dream of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat

  • Enjoy adventure and exploring new destinations

  • Are comfortable with moderate to strenuous hiking

  • Appreciate unique cultural experiences

  • Want more from continuing education than a traditional conference

  • Value meaningful connections with fellow veterinary professionals

  • Are comfortable traveling in a small group

  • Can handle early mornings and long travel days

  • Are prepared for uneven, muddy terrain and changing weather conditions

FAQ

  • YES! 12 hours!

  • All Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants along with their adult travel companion.

    Travel companions are welcome and do not pay the CE registration fee.

  • This will be a very physically active trip . You must be able to hike!!!

  • Yes! Please do! They will not be able to attend the CE sessions. All other excursions are for everyone on the trip.

  • I am sorry. All guests must be 18 or older.

  • Yes. Most definitely. Please make sure it is valid for 6 months after date of travel.

  • Kigali International Airport

    If you need help booking flights, please let us know.

  • CE will be an additional $950. Only veterinarians need to pay the CE fee and attend the lectures.

  • Absolutely. Please let us know on the reservation form and we can accommodate you!

  • Not a problem. We want you to be comfortable. You will be placed in a room with a member of the same gender.

  • Yes. We will discuss payment plans if needed at time of book.

  • Travel will be booked and managed by Steph Travels LLC and operated by GoWay travel.

Ready to reserve your spot or learn more?