Hello
Welcome to our wedding website!
Welcome to our wedding website!
The beginning of our adventure; starting in the land of a 1000 HILLS
We decided to get married “off the beaten path” and go somewhere that reflects our spirit of adventure, and also allows you have an experience you otherwise might not have.
Full Adventure
TUESDAY SEPT 9TH - SUNDAY SEPT 14th
Scenic exploration of the beauty of the land of a 1,000 hills including excursions in Kigali, Akagera, Kibuye, Lake Kivu, the Volcano National Park and a trek to see the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda!
(Oh, yes, also the small matter of our wedding)
Wedding
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th
We would love for you to join us in Rwanda. Please inform us if you are able to attend as soon as possible.
Love,
Affi & Tayo
P.S Regret no children
Our perspective
Rwanda is a land-locked country located in Central Africa. It borders Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda. Rwanda is landlocked, Lake Kivu being its largest body of water, in the country’s western region. Rwanda is affectionately known as “The land of a thousand hills.” When you arrive in the country, either by road or by air, you’ll understand why. The lush green hills are dotted with villages, banana plantations and eucalyptus forests, while the valleys are home to rice paddies, cornfields and climbing beans. Rwanda is especially known for its world-class tea and coffee and these crops make up most of the country’s agricultural exports (something dear to the budding farmer in our relationship).
Most people know of Rwanda because of its civil war and genocide of 1994. The Rwandan genocide led to the slaughter of Tutsi and moderate Hutu in Rwanda by members of the Hutu majority in one of the most violent genocides the world has ever seen.. During the approximate 100-day period from April 7, 1994 to mid-July, an estimated 500,000–1,000,000 Rwandans were killed, constituting as much as 20% of the country's total population and 70% of the Tutsi then living in Rwanda.
Beyond the story of devastation of war, and terror, is an even more amazing story of triumph. In 20 short years since the genocide, Rwanda has been transformed; Rwanda has built a collective nationhood that embodies the spirit of “oneness,” of a Rwanda that says “Never again” to war and violence. Rwanda is one of the safest and cleanest countries we have visited in Africa. The government has invested heavily in infrastructure and developing the country, while highlighting its natural beauty. Every part of the country is connected by high speed Internet via a fiber network. This country is nothing short of a success story in Africa. A quaint, beautiful, peaceful, hopeful country that has come out from its darkest times and is emerging into what will undoubtedly be a bountiful period for this land, its people, and its hills! We couldn’t think of a more fitting place to celebrate our union.
Our exploration of Rwanda will kick off in Kigali, the capital, on Tuesday the 9th of September for those who can come for the full period.
On Wednesday the 10th, we will go on a city tour of Kigali, including exploring Rwanda’s past in the Genocide Museum. In the evening we will celebrate Tayo’s birthday at one of Kigali’s many fine restaurants, Republika Lounge.
On Thursday the 11th, the brave and adventurous will set out at the crack of dawn to experience Rwanda’s most unique attraction – the Mountain Gorillas! On the way, we will stop for quick tours of the beautiful Volcano region, and have lunch at Virunga Lodge, a breath taking mountain lodge located between two lakes. At the end of the day we will make our way to Gisenyi – where the wedding will take place.
Friday the 12th will be a leisurely day, you can explore beautiful Gisenyi, enjoy an eco bike tour, various water sports or relax by the lake. In the evening we will have a welcome reception for all our guests.
The "W" day - The wedding will commence at 1pm on Saturday the 13th.
The day after - For those who can make it, we will have a farewell brunch at 10am.
*Note, To ease our planning we kindly ask that all guests plan to arrive Kigali no later than 3pm on Friday 12th. There is a two hour drive from Kigali to Gisenyi where the wedding takes place.
Anyone arriving on the 12th will go straight to Gisenyi
*Please confirm your arrival dates in the following RSVP section.
Click to the button below to add these dates to your Calendar automatically
Please fill the short form below.
It will help us plan adequately for you.
Note: For those flying RwandAir we are negotiating a discounted group booking and we will communicate the discount code shortly.
What you need to know before you travel to Rwanda.
Wedding Attire Wedding Theme: Rustic/Vintage. Colors: Purple and Ivory Please dress as you wish, however we encourage everyone to wear comfortable shoes on the wedding day and to also have a light sweater or jacket.
Airport Pickup Guests will be met at the airport by our wedding protocol. Please look out for your name on a placard or "Affi & Tayo Wedding".
Visas
Nationals from the East African Community, Democratic Republic of Congo, Canada, South Africa, United States of America, Germany, Mauritius, Great Britain, Sweden, and Hong Kong may visit Rwanda without a visa for a period of up to 90 days.
If there is no Rwandan Embassy or Mission in your vicinity, an entry facility can be requested online on www.migration.gov.rw. This facility can be used to obtain a visa at any official point of entry into Rwanda. The Visa-On-Arrival service at the airport is quite efficient.
When Packing
Do not forget a windbreaker or a light raincoat and a light sweater for the evenings. The weather in Rwanda year round is Temperate (¬70 degrees) but there is a higher chance of rain during this period of the year.
For those going on the gorilla hike, it is recommended that you come with suitable hiking gear, and a hat. Garden gloves, to avoid stinging nettles, and gators, are also recommended.
If you swim, please bring along your swimming costume, the main hotels in Kigali all have swimming pools. If your itinerary includes Lake Kivu at either Kibuye or Gisenyi you will have the opportunity to swim in the lake.
Voltage Voltage is 220V.
Drinking Water It is NOT advisable to drink water from the taps. You will be able to get bottled water wherever you go. Also make sure you carry bottled water on the actual tracks.
Hotels:
All ask that all our guests stay at our selected hotels to allow for smoother logistics - we have also negotiated the best rates possible.
Please note we have done a group booking so it is not necessary to book the hotels separately. However, guests will pay on arrival.
Kigali Hotel:
Guests arriving before Friday, the 12th, will spend at least one night in Kigali. We have booked the Hotel Des Mille Collines ("Hotel Rwanda") - https://www.millecollines.net/
Room cost: $220 per room including breakfast
Gisenyi Hotel:All guests will be staying at Hotel Serena Lake Kivu - http://www.serenahotels.com/serenalakekivu/default-en.html
Room cost:
Double Bed: $185 per room including breakfast
Single: $140 per room including breakfast
Credit Cards The unit of currency is the Rwanda franc. There are adequate bureau de changes available for currency exchange. Very few establishments in Rwanda accept credit cards or traveller’s checks. Only the major hotels in Kigali and Kivu Sun Hotel in Gisenyi plus a few airlines accept them, so make sure you have sufficient cash on you at all times. Only Visa cards are accepted.
Camera and Film Don’t forget your camera Also bring spare batteries for all your equipment. There is no charge for private filming in the Parks but there is a fee for commercial filming and prior arrangements have to be made.
Vaccinations The major vaccination you need for Rwanda is against Yellow Fever. We strongly suggest that you see your doctor at home about malaria precautions. For more information about Rwanda, feel free to visit the links below:
Should you have any questions or need help during the wedding period you can always reach someone on:
Phone: +234-803-830-4737