Cricket Builds Hope Cup 2027
The Cricket Builds Hope Cup (Rwanda Cricket Invitational) is set to take place in Kigali from 18-25 September 2027. It brings together teams from around the world for an incredible celebration of cricket and community. The trip combines four matchdays with a minimum of two fixtures at the iconic Gahanga International Cricket Stadium alongside a carefully curated Rwandan experience, while supporting the continued development of cricket in the country.
Akagera National Park.
During this tournament, you can also add an unforgettable Big Five safari in Akagera National Park, with the chance to encounter Africa’s iconic lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.
Example Itinerary.
Day 1:
- Arrive at Kigali International Airport.
- Transfer to your accommodation at Kim Hotel or a similar 3.5-star property and check in.
- Enjoy a guided Kigali City tour with a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- Transfer to the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium for a warm-up session followed by a memorable welcome dinner.
- Transfer to your accommodation to prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2:
- Breakfast at your accommodation.
- Kickstart the cricket experience with Match Day 1 at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium (lunch included).
- Transfer to your accommodation for rest.
- Free time to discover Kigali's bars and restaurants.
Day 3:
- Breakfast at your accommodation.
- The action continues at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium or Kicukiro University Ground for Match Day 2 (lunch included).
- Transfer to your accommodation for rest.
- Unwind with a drink and dinner at the hotel or explore one of Kigali's great restaurants and bars at your leisure+.
Day 4:
- Depart early with a packed breakfast for Rwanda’s Eastern Province for a spectacular action-packed Big Five safari in Akagera National Park.
- Big Five Adventure: Explore Akagera’s wild landscapes in search of Africa’s iconic lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, while having lunch overlooking one of the park’s stunning lakes+.
- Leave Akagera behind and travel back to Kigali after an incredible day of wildlife and adventure.
Day 5:
- Breakfast at your accommodation.
- Enjoy a leisure morning, playing a round at the lush Kigali Golf Course+.
- Share your passion for cricket by coaching young players and supporting the growth of the game in Rwanda.
- Return to your accommodation to unwind after a rewarding day in the community.
- Enjoy a night of pizza and a movie at Lavannah Rwanda+.
Day 6:
- Breakfast at your accommodation.
- Step back onto the pitch for another thrilling day of cricket at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium or Rwanda Polytechnic Cricket Ground. Match Day 3 will see teams compete in the final round-robin fixtures to determine the teams that will advance to the finals (lunch included).
- Transfer back to your accommodation.
- Head to Sundowner for the city's best grill+.
Day 7:
- Breakfast at your accommodation.
- End the tournament in style with the final Match Day 4 at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, where teams will compete for position in the playoffs or battle for the coveted trophy (lunch included).
- Transfer to your accommodation.
- Closing dinner at the Eagle View Lodge with stunning views overlooking Kigali.
Day 8:
- Breakfast at your accommodation.
- Roll up your sleeves and join the community for Umuganda (Rwanda’s nationwide community workday), a unique opportunity to give back and connect.
- Check out of your accommodation.
- An afternoon of shopping at the local market+.
- Transfer to Kigali International Airport, departing with memories of an incredible Rwandan cricket adventure.
What teams say
"We have toured Rwanda twice and it's incredible. The Gahanga International Cricket Stadium is beautiful, the cricket is challenging and there is so much to do and see in the country that makes it a unique and memorable destination. The tour experience was seamless from start to finish."
— George Dean, Chairman of Cambridge to Casablanca Cycling Cricket Club.
"It was just the most extraordinary week. We had a wonderful time and learnt a huge amount — and there is some serious, raw talent in Rwanda!"
— Quinton Newcomb, Tour Captain of The Grannies Cricket Club
Package Includes
- Seven nights at Kim Hotel Kigali or a similar 3.5-star accommodation.
- Return flights and all ground transfers in Rwanda included.
- Four fixtures with at least two at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium with match balls and officials (lunch included).
- A Kigali City tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- Opening and closing of tournament dinners.
- Involvement in community work and coaching (optional).
- Support of expert local Smile tour leaders.
Items marked with a '+' are optional extras (not included in package costs).
Based on a minimum of 14 players in 3.5-star bed & breakfast (twin rooms).
What our customers say about us
"I was very impressed with Smile and would recommend to other schools."
"All the representatives from Smile and their team in Cape Town, were excellent. They were very professional, helpful, supportive and all-round good people. They ensured that the tour was fully inclusive and immersive in South Africa culture, including daily information on the areas we visited and the history. Thank you for making it an excellent tour for our students."
"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!"