Track mountain gorillas in the misty Volcanoes region, walk among chimpanzees and towering canopy in Nyungwe Forest, and cruise the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu on this immersive Rwanda adventure.

Spend meaningful time in Kigali, from the powerful Genocide Memorial to a vibrant Nyamirambo Women’s Center cooking experience, gaining deep insight into the country’s history and culture. With comfortable boutique lodges, expert local guides, and options like an optional golden monkey trek, village chocolate visit, and community experiences, this journey blends wildlife, culture, and connection in one unforgettable week.

This is an amazing, immersive women’s trip that champions women-forward initiatives, fostering meaningful connection with local women in Rwanda and underscoring the power and importance of women’s stories, leadership, and community.

Because MPE experiences are designed for small groups, each departure requires a minimum number of travelers to proceed. You’ll receive confirmation no later than 120 days before departure. If the minimum is not met, you can choose from several options: receive a full refund, transfer to another departure, convert to a private trip, or apply your credit toward future travel with MPE. We recommend delaying the purchase of nonrefundable flights until you receive your confirmation.

By booking your spot and paying your deposit, you acknowledge and accept the MPE policies listed below.

PAYMENTS, DEPOSITS, AND CANCELLATIONS:

• Deposit: To confirm a booking, travelers are required to pay a non-refundable deposit. This deposit is necessary to secure the reservation. 

• Final Payment: The final payment of the entire balance is due no later than 90 days before the trip departure date unless otherwise specified in the Special Conditions or on the itinerary page for a specific trip. 

• Payment Plans: Payment Plans are available for your convenience if you choose.

• Booking Process: Bookings can be made through the online booking system.

• Booking Confirmation: A booking is considered confirmed only when the deposit has been made. Until that confirmation is received, there is no contract between the traveler and the service provider.  

• Last-Minute Bookings: For bookings made 90 days or less before the trip departure date, the entire trip cost must be paid at the time of booking, and it is non-refundable.

• Cancellation Information: The cancellation policy is applicable to all MASTERFULLY PLANNED EXPERIENCES (MPE) journeys. Written notice of cancellation must be received by certified mail or email.  Cancellation fees are based on the total value of the trip and are as follows, should you, as the traveler, need to cancel your travels:

  • 120+ days prior to departure: traveler will receive 100% refund LESS non-refundable deposit. 

  • Less than 120 days prior to departure: no refund will be provided.

• Transfers: You may transfer your reservation to another traveler, subject to availability, by notifying us at least 91 days prior to the journey, for a transfer fee of $500 per person. After that, our cancellation policy applies. MPE  is not responsible for additional expenses such as airline cancellation fees, visa fees, vaccinations, purchases of clothing or equipment, or other expenses that may occur as a result of the cancellation. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

• Travel Insurance: All travelers participating in MPE Trips are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to have travel insurance before the trip begins. 

• Timing for Insurance Purchase: Many travel insurance companies require the policy to be purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit or payment to any service provider to cover pre-existing conditions or provide "cancel for any reason" coverage.

• Coverage Requirements: The travel insurance must cover specific aspects, including personal injury, medical treatment, repatriation, and evacuation expenses (including international helicopter rescue and air ambulance). Additionally, it is recommended that the insurance also address personal property and trip cancellation coverage.

• Importance of Trip Cancellation Insurance: Trip cancellation insurance is encouraged as it may be the only means of receiving reimbursement for non-refundable expenses (e.g., flights, hotels, tours, experiences, etc.) which are paid in advance of the trip if the trip is canceled, postponed, interrupted, or rescheduled for any reason, whether voluntarily or involuntarily by the traveler or as a result of MPE's actions for an under-enrolled trip, or Force Majeure.

• Understanding Your Policy: Travelers are responsible for understanding the specifics of their travel insurance policy. You should ensure that their policy covers all optional and included activities listed in the trip itinerary and check for exclusion clauses that might limit coverage needed.

• Existing Health Insurance: Travelers are advised to check their existing health insurance policy to see if it provides the necessary coverage while traveling outside their home country.

• Verification of Policy: It is the traveler's responsibility to verify the details of their insurance policy with their insurance provider to ensure that it meets any international coverage and limitations.

• Assumption of Costs: Travelers are responsible for assuming all costs of medical care and transportation provided during the trip, including any minors traveling with them.

TRAVEL AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:

• Passport Copy: To ensure a smooth travel experience, you will need to provide MPE with a color copy of your passport and any other requested identification. This will be requested 7 days after your deposit is received. You will receive an email requesting that you upload your passport (check your inbox!).

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip ends.

• Visa and Entry Requirements: Check the entry requirements for each country on your itinerary. Regulations vary based on your citizenship. 

• Travel Documents: You are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for your destinations. Unfortunately, MPE cannot obtain these documents for you.

• Itinerary Changes: If your travel documents are not in order, you may face delays or changes to your travel plans. Any costs incurred due to these issues are your responsibility.

• Entry Denial: MPE is not liable if you are denied entry to or exit from any country due to insufficient documentation or missing immunizations. 

• For more detailed information on travel requirements, visit: http://www.travel.state.gov/ or https://apply.joinsherpa.com/

• Waiver: If you are paying for yourself and another traveler, each participant must individually agree to and sign the Terms & Conditions Waiver to be eligible for travel. As well as answer all participant questions

TRIP DIRECTOR:

• MPE Experiences offers hosted tours, providing you with both a local in-country tour guide, where applicable, and a dedicated trip director. Your MPE trip director acts as your personal concierge, ensuring that every aspect of your tour runs smoothly. Our experienced trip directors are seasoned travelers who accompany you throughout the entire journey, allowing you to focus solely on enjoying yourself and having fun. Depending on the trip destination and group size, your experience may have both a dedicated Host and a Trip Director.

ROOMMATE MATCHING POLICY:

• If you are booking a double room, you must either book for two people or indicate with whom you are sharing. Each person must book individually for the double room package, which is priced per person.

• If you choose a double room at the time of booking and do not have a confirmed roommate, please be aware that you are FULLY responsible for the full payment if you do not have a roommate 90 days prior to the trip. MPE will not make roommate matches for travelers. If there are two people looking for a shared room, we will offer to connect them with their consent.

• Roommate matching is offered as a courtesy. Most matches result in wonderful friendships, but success is not guaranteed. If you decide during the tour that you no longer want to share a room, you will need to request and pay for a single room at all accommodations. This cost can be shared between both people in the room if it is a mutual decision. If you are a very light sleeper or if you snore, you may want to consider booking your own single room.

FLIGHT INFORMATION:

• MPE recommends booking flexible/refundable air tickets when possible.

• We recommend that if you are planning to book your airfare more than 120 days in advance, or before we have contacted you to confirm the trip is FULLY sold, you understand your airline's cancellation and refund policy and/or purchase trip cancellation coverage.

• If you would like assistance booking international flights for your trip, please indicate that on our client intake form. MPE’s Flight Desk will work with you to arrange the best options. Our international flight management fee starts at USD $100.00 + per ticket.

A full summary of the above policies is included in the Terms & Conditions for travel.

Our pricing is based on a minimum number of guests to provide exceptional benefits from shared experiences. If a trip moves forward with fewer travelers, a Guaranteed Departure Supplement (GDS) may be added to maintain the full itinerary and standard of service. Once the GDS amount is determined, you’ll have the choice to accept it to confirm your departure or cancel under MPE’s standard cancellation policy. If additional travelers join later, any GDS fees already paid will be refunded in full.