Q: Have you always lived in this part of Rwanda?
A: I grew up in the Bulera district (located a stone’s throw from Virunga Lodge) and I have lived here my whole life. Before joining Volcanoes Safaris in 2005, I worked as a teacher for children of 12-13 years old in all subjects. I loved the children that I worked with and enjoyed feeling like I was helping them learn valuable life lessons. I still miss them, but I stay in touch with many of them, many of them now have families of their own.
Q: What brought you to Volcanoes Safaris?
A: I have always been very interested in tourism. I used to love maps at school and I would dream about all the other countries on the map that I can only ever dream about visiting. I enjoy sharing with other people, and after teaching children for so many years, I felt like it was time to educate visitors about my country and tell them the truth about Rwandans – that we are welcoming and friendly people.
Q: What was your first job at Volcanoes Safaris?
A: I started training in the service department and then moved to the accounts department, as I am very good with numbers. I am now the lodge cashier and have enjoyed moving through the different departments to gain as much experience as possible.
Q: Have you only worked at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge?
A: In 2010 I went to work at the Bwindi Lodge for one year as a cashier. I much preferred the weather there – I don't like too much heat.
Q: How have things changed at Virunga lodge since you started working there nine years ago?
A: It has changed a lot since it opened ten years ago. The rooms now have flushing toilets and electricity in the rooms. When I started there were none of these things – we used to use paraffin lamps and bush showers. It is much more modern now.
Q: What do you like most about working for VS?
A: I enjoy meeting the guests and talking about their countries and learning about different cultures. I also love working with my team at the lodge; I have worked with many of them since the beginning and I now consider them my brothers and sisters
Q: What do you hope for the future?
A: I want to keep learning and gaining experience. No matter what the future holds, I wish that I can always stay in touch with Volcanoes – they have changed my life.
Write to us on [email protected] or send us a message via the form on our contact page.
Rwanda: +250 (0) 252 502 452
Uganda: +256 (0) 414 346 464
© Volcanoes Safaris 1997 – 2024. All Rights Reserved
Write to us on [email protected] or send us a message via the form on our contact page.
Rwanda: +250 (0) 252 502 452
Uganda: +256 (0) 414 346 464
Tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above the forest floor is nothing short of exhilarating. The chimps effortlessly cross and scamper through the trees above the gorge, and visitors on the other hand must cross the river using natural bridges in order to keep up with the chimps. So although the walk usually lasts only 2–3 hours, descending the steep gorge and crossing the log bridges over the river requires some agility and fitness.
Chimpanzee tracking is also available in nearby Kalinzu, a forest reserve 30 minutes drive from Kyambura Gorge Lodge where there is a community of about 40 habituated chimpanzees.
