About Intore Expeditions
Intore Expeditions Rwanda is a small family-owned tour company based in Kigali Rwanda. The company was inspired by Paul Karemera who had years of experience in Rwanda tourism and loved the work. When he met Shelly, it was usually in passing when she was in Kigali. They went for dinner and hit it off as fast friends.
Shelly hired Paul to take her to his favorite spots to photograph. Later that year, the plan was to return to Rwanda with her to be 15-year-old twins. The original month-long itinerary changed to a six month stay which offered her the desired time she wanted in Rwanda, and an opportunity for the boys to experience living abroad and an international education. For the six months they were there Paul was her most trusted friend. Always reliable and available to help.
Their shared passion for Rwanda, education, conservation, culture, and people and each other grew. Paul knew he could do the groundwork in Kigali, and Shelly could do all the communications from Seattle. He proposed creating a tour company of their own. In January of 2009 they opened the doors and their hearts to Intore Expeditions & Business Tours. They have been working hard to create opportunities that showcase Rwanda as more than the place of genocide, but one of history, rebuilding, beauty, and growth. For Paul there is a deeper commitment to actively participate in the rebuilding of his homeland.
The name Intore comes from the historic and powerful dancers of Rwanda. The men that dance, Intore are strong and powerful. Traditionally they were CHOSEN as the Umwami’s (King’s) guards. They both love the tradition and the dance. They love how the meaning of Chosen/Intore, is shared across both of their cultures.
Our logo is the Agaseke / Peace basket and represents the traditional woven baskets of Rwanda. These baskets come in wonderful colors and sizes.
Our Mission
Intore Expeditions mission is to help expand the tourism industry in a manner that is meaningful and sustainable for both our guests and Rwanda. While also supporting local communities and projects by bringing guests to new places that will help them to understand the whole of Rwanda. By supporting a variety of local projects, schools, we will be making a difference, creating change for a more sustainable self-reliant Rwanda and a tour destination that is accessible for a wide variety of guests.
Our Vision
Intore Expeditions vision has always been to be a company known for its hospitality and willingness be flexible and transparent. Putting the guest and the development Rwanda first is the key to growth, one cannot happen without the other. This means Intore Expeditions, is continually exploring new opportunities for their guests that contribute to interesting experiences and promotes local Rwandan business in a meaningful way.
Why Choose Intore Expeditions?
Intore Expeditions and Business Tours has been in business for over 15 years and is dedicated to assisting in the growth of Rwanda. It is the belief of Intore that being a part of the countries number one industry we must pay attention and collaborate with all kinds of business. Looking for businesses that are home grown and who share the ideal of promoting sustainable opportunities for people and the environment. Healthy tourism that uses local business’s; hotels, vehicles, drivers, guides, restaurants, arts, markets, and the staff for all of these businesses promotes a healthy economy and community. Intore’s provides a service that is professional, transparent and friendly. As their guest you will not feel like a stranger to the land or the team.
The Intore Expeditions Team
Meet the Intore Expeditions Team. This small group for like-minded individuals loves the work they do and are thrilled by every opportunity they have to tell the story of Rwanda, her history, culture, wildlife, tradition and hospitality. What Intore has created and built together is not only a quality product but also a team that they like to call family.
Paul has been in the tourism industry for decades. His training comes from other well-known businesses in Rwanda and from his love of the business, people, nature and his commitment to assist in the rebuilding of Rwanda. His dream of having his own business was able to come true when he and Shelly decided to partner in their Intore endeavor. Paul knows every corner of the country and the people that live and work in each community. He also makes communicating easy both in Rwanda and in the neighboring countries since he speaks eight languages including English and French.
In 2018, Paul while living in Seattle he enrolled in school at Seattle College where he has since graduated with both his Associates of Arts in Business and bachelor’s degree in international business and Shipping. He is American Red Cross Certified, CPR, 1st Aid and AED instructor and a certificacte in remote wilderness safety. He is active in the Seattle Rwandan Community and is now a public speaker for Seattle’s Holocaust Center for Humanity, telling his families story from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He is an avid tennis player and loves to watch both live and televised tennis, basketball and American Football.
Shelly has had a lifelong love of traveling and learning from other communities and cultures as well as wildlife. She gives credit to her mother and grandmother for teaching her to not just look but to see, to look for the small details, and how to take a photograph. She was excited when Paul floated the idea to partner with him to build a tour company. Though she knew nothing about how tourism really worked, she felt confident that her understanding of American thinking she would provide valuable input into tours and would be able to be the communication touch stone for the business. The other strength she felt would help them was her Jewish insights could help frame conversations about Genocide and build itineraries that engaged cross cultural communication and Tikkun Olam – repairing the world.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences focusing on women’s history and master’s degree in communications both received from Antioch University Seattle. She is American Red Cross Certified, CPR, 1st Aid and AED instructor and a certificate in remote wilderness safety. She loves volunteering as a museum educator at the Holocaust Center for Humanity in Seattle and Northwest Harvest Food Bank. When not working she loves spending time with her family and Paul on their own travel adventures, playing tennis, and compulsively knitting while watching movies or listening to books. She is grateful she trusted her gut and dove into the deep end.
Eric Bizimana – Head of Operations & Guide
Eric came to Intore with years of experience working with hotels, development organizations like UNDP and tourism. Eric is the on the ground Head of Operations. He came to Intore shortly after their opening and has been a loyal part of the team. He has a bachelor’s degree in social sciences. His education has helped him balance our needs and his ability to think on his feet. As a people and nature enthusiast his skills working with communities has been invaluable and at times have been able to offer our guests a special stop and unexpected experience along the way. Eric loves hiking, nature and videography and being with friends especially for a good meal.
“I believe in the ‘Power of Teamwork’, continuous learning, and being a bridge to my country, fostering connections and opportunities for growth and development”. ~ EB.
Emmanuel (Emma) Mutabazi – Financial Officer
Emma is Paul’s older brother and a wonderful contribution to this family business. As the Financial Officer his training in accounting and taxes has been invaluable. He is also very good and communicating with the team should they have any questions. Emma’s passion for business and entrepreneurship shows through in all of his work and conversation. He is a great team player and always willing to listen and be helpful when anyone needs a bit of help. Emma also helps others with their accounting and tax needs. In his spare time, he loves to learn more about global politics, entertainment and sports – Especially Premiere League Football.
Christian Kayiteshonga – Marketing Director & Guide
Christian was another wonderful addition to the team from the beginning. Intore needed another driver guide, and he fit the bill. His love of Rwanda, guiding and photography was a wonderful fit. Shortly after his start he left Rwanda for Full Sail University in the U.S. where he honed his skills beautifully in both photography and cinematography. After graduation he lived in Main where he was able to work on some wonderful projects which include Nature Conservancy, Atlantic Salmond Federation, Maine Coast Heritage trust and more.
Christian and his wife have returned to Rwanda post pandemic. He is working with Intore as the Marketing Manager and when he has time also helps with guiding. Christian, is using his education in photography and videography not only by helping Intore but also with his own producing company, CK.ART productions LTD.