Rwanda · August & September 2026
A celebration in two chapters,
across the country we call home.
Gusaba
8 August 2026
Karongi · Lake Kivu
Wedding
12 September 2026
Kigali
How it began
One day, a man approached a woman and told her, quite seriously, that her phone might get hacked if she used it to tap for her coffee.
She smiled, slightly confused, slightly amused, and went ahead anyway.
What he managed instead was something far less technical. He found a way into her heart.
The celebrations
From the shores of Lake Kivu to the heart of Kigali, our wedding unfolds across two landscapes and two ceremonies. We hope you will be with us throughout.
Thursday 6 August · Kigali
19h00 – 22h00 · Private residence, Nyarutarama
Casual chicAn informal gathering in Kigali to welcome guests arriving from near and far. A chance to settle in, reconnect, and begin the celebrations together.
Family home · Lake Kivu, Karongi
Saturday 8 August · Karongi
13h00 – 18h00 · Private residence, Lake Kivu
Traditional or cocktailBrunch · Lake Kivu
Sunday 9 August · Karongi
11h00 – 15h00 · Private residence, Lake Kivu
Casual & swimsuitsIf Karongi had to be distilled to one word, that word would be serenity. A place of great family significance and memories and it is here on the shores of Lake Kivu, that the Gusaba takes place.
Getting to Karongi. Karongi (Kibuye) is approximately 3 hours from Kigali. Group transport will be arranged for guests travelling to the Gusaba weekend. Pick-up points and departure times will be shared in advance with the option of returning after the Gusaba on Saturday 8 August early evening or Sunday afternoon.
What to expect in August. Karongi enjoys dry, mild weather in August with daytime temperatures around 24–26°C and cooler evenings by the lake around 15–17°C. We recommend light layers and something warm for after sunset.
The wedding · 12 September 2026
What to expect in September. Kigali in mid-September is warm and pleasant, daytime temperatures around 26–28°C with comfortable evenings around 17–19°C. Light, elegant layers are ideal. The wedding reception will be partially outdoors, so a wrap or light jacket for later in the evening is a nice touch.
Your journey
Kigali International Airport (KGL) is well connected from Europe, the Middle East, and across Africa, via RwandAir, Qatar Airways, KLM, Brussels Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. We recommend arriving by Wednesday 5 or Thursday 6 August if you are joining the full weekend.
Kigali, recommended hotels
When booking, please quote: Joel & Kami Wedding 2026
Karongi, for the Gusaba weekend
For those who prefer a fully designed experience, these journeys are arranged with precision and care. Each element, from transport to guiding and accommodation, is thoughtfully coordinated to create a seamless and immersive rhythm throughout your stay. Wilderness specialise in deeply considered East African travel.
For those who prefer a more open and adaptable approach, Sandra and Adelin can assist in organising your travel in a way that allows for greater flexibility. Hotels, airport transfers, private drivers, and local guidance across Kigali and Karongi, these journeys remain attentive and considered, while leaving space for spontaneity and personal pacing.
RSVP
Please let us know which celebrations you plan to attend, so we can prepare with the right care.
Please respond by 15 May 2026
Gift registry
Your presence is the most meaningful gift to us.
For those who wish, we have created a small registry reflecting the life we are building together, at home, in movement, and in the communities we care about.
We are building a home with intention, pieces that hold meaning, last, and reflect who we are. From the table we gather around to the books on our shelves, each chosen with care.
Following the wedding, we will travel the East African coast together. Every contribution, of any size, goes towards building this shared experience.
Two causes close to us, both working with deep commitment in the communities around us. If you would like your gift to reach beyond our home, we would be grateful.
"The most generous gesture you can offer is simply to be there."
