U18 Rwanda Cricket School Festival 2028
Experience an exciting cricket festival in Rwanda at the U18 Rwanda Cricket School Festival in February 2028. Taking place in Kigali, the festival gives young players the opportunity to compete against new opposition and test their skills. With a minimum of one fixture at the iconic Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, the leading venue for T20 international cricket in the world, cricketers can experience the game in one of Africa’s emerging cricket destinations.
Rwanda's Wildlife
Alongside quality fixtures, your team will have the chance to discover Kigali, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and enjoy a day safari in Akagera National Park, where you can search for Africa’s Big Five. Combining competitive cricket with culture, history and adventure, this is a tour that offers your team an experience to remember.
Full Itinerary (Example):
DAY 1:
- Arrive at Kigali International Airport in the morning, where you will be met by a local Smile representative and welcomed to Rwanda.
- Transfer to The Kim Hotel (or similar) and settle in after your journey.
- Begin your adventure with a Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and reflect on its journey.
- Enjoy lunch at the Hôtel des Mille Collines.
- Head to Gahanga International Cricket Stadium for a warm-up and a welcoming BBQ dinner.
- Return to the accommodation to prepare for the exciting days ahead.
DAY 2:
- Enjoy breakfast at the accommodation before getting ready for the day’s action.
- Head to Ntare School for the first fixture of the tournament (MATCH DAY 1).
- Refuel with lunch at the cricket grounds / accommodation.
- Return to the accommodation for a well-earned rest.
- Enjoy pizzas and a movie at Lavanna Restaurant+.
DAY 3:
- Start the day with breakfast at the accommodation.
- Continue the tournament action at Kicukiro University Ground (MATCH DAY 2).
- Refuel with lunch after the fixture at the cricket grounds / accommodation.
- Return to the accommodation for dinner, relax and settle in for the night.
DAY 4:
- Enjoy an early breakfast at the accommodation before setting off for an unforgettable day in Rwanda’s Eastern Province.
- Head to Akagera National Park for an action-packed Big Five safari with a special "behind the scenes" experience.
- Spend the afternoon on a guided game drive, looking out for "the Big Five" and other incredible wildlife along the way, with lunch beside one of the park's stunning lakes.
- Head back to the accommodation and round off the day with dinner.
DAY 5:
- Start the day with breakfast and spend the rest of the morning at leisure.
- Enjoy an early lunch at the accommodation.
- Transfer to a local school or hub to help coach the next generation of Rwandan talent.
- Enjoy a Rwandan-themed dinner and cultural experience+.
- Return to the accommodation for an overnight stay.
DAY 6:
- Enjoy breakfast at the accommodation before getting ready for another day of tournament action.
- Head to Gahanga International Cricket Stadium or Kicukiro University Ground for MATCH DAY 3.
- Refuel with lunch after the fixture at the cricket grounds / accommodation.
- Relax before dinner at the Sundowner for the city's best grill and a team-by-team quiz+.
- Head back to the accommodation for an overnight stay.
DAY 7:
- Start the day with breakfast at the accommodation and spend the rest of the morning at leisure.
- Enjoy an early lunch at the accommodation.
- The tournament reaches its exciting finale at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium or Kicukiro University Ground for the final fixture (MATCH DAY 4).
- Enjoy a closing dinner in the evening, with trophy presentation and other awards.
- Transfer back to the accommodation for rest.
DAY 8:
- Enjoy breakfast at the accommodation.
- Get involved in Umuganda, Rwanda's monthly community service, supporting the community (date dependent).
- Try out other sports such as padel or golf, visit the Fazenda Country Club for activities and painting+.
- Check out of the accommodation and transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight home.
- Depart Rwanda on an evening flight and begin your journey back to the UK.
Package Includes
- 7 nights' accommodation at The Kim Hotel or a similar 3.5-star accommodation, on half board basis (breakfast and lunch each day, plus four extra dinners).
- Return flights and all ground transfers in Rwanda included.
- 4 fixtures with at least one at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium with match balls and officials (lunch, filtered water and fruits included).
- 1 x Kigali City tour.
- 1 x day safari to Akagera National Park with a special "behind the scenes" experience.
- 1 x visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- School / cricket hub coaching day.
- Services of a local Smile representative in Kigali.
A minimum of 7 nights (additional nights are available on request).
A minimum of 14 players in 3.5-star on a half board basis (twin rooms) 2 staff FOC.
Items marked with a '+' are optional extras (not included in package costs).
What our customers say about us
"An unforgettable week."
“Another incredible visit to Antigua thanks to Smile Group Travel. Cricket in the Sir Vivian Richards stadium was unforgettable and local legends Sir Richie Richardson and Kenny Benjamin dropped in too! Richie even signed a miniature bat for every student as a souvenir! Big thanks to Graeme and the team for ensuring staff and students had an unforgettable week!”
"Excellent experience."
“It was my first time in Barbados and for me, it was a fantastic tour from start to finish! Superbly organised by Don Topley and his team, it provided the right balance between the cricket, organised events, socialising and personal relaxation time. Don's intimate knowledge of the island was a real plus with his island tour being an excellent experience. Well done Smile Group Travel!”
"Many thanks to Smile for giving the boys their first opportunity at recognising what is involved in a rugby tour!"
"The boys had two great fixtures against tough opposition. They were hosted in true Irish style! The hotel was perfect for what the boys needed, we were very well looked after. Many thanks to Smile for giving the boys their first opportunity at recognising what is involved in a rugby tour!"