Emmanuel Ahishakiye, Manager Virunga Lodge, welcomed guests to the 20th anniversary celebration. He led a minute's silence for the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against Tutsi. He also mentioned some of thecommunity projectsthat Virunga has supported.
Praveen Moman, Founder Volcanoes Safaris, hosted an informal panel conversation on gorilla conservation and ecotourism with Prosper Uwingeli the Chief Park Warden of Volcanoes National Park and key partners.
Felix Ndagijimana, Country Director of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Julius Nziza Rwanda, Head Veterinarian of Gorilla Doctors Rwanda;
Jean Paul Hirwa, Deputy Director of International Gorilla Conservation Programme;
Manzi Kayihura, Executive Chairman of Wilderness Rwanda;
Fidel Ruzigandekwe, Deputy Executive Secretary of Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration;
James Byamukama, Executive Director of Jane Goodall Institute Uganda.
The panel recorded their thanks to the government of Rwanda for the enormous progress made in gorilla ecotourism and conservation over the last twenty years.
Topics included the successes and challenges of tourism; managing pressures of human population and development and increase in gorilla population; disease control; research on gorilla behaviour; livelihoods for communities; adherence to tourism protocols; transboundary issues; perspectives on Great Apes in the Albertine Rift.
The Mayor of Burera and local government executives spoke about their long relationship with Virunga Lodge.
Yves Ngenzi from the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism and Rwanda Tour and Travel Association highlighted Volcanoes Safaris’ role in leading tourism development.
Marissa Knupp from the US Embassy spoke about cooperation between the US and Rwanda.
Michaella Rugwizangoga, RDB Chief Tourism Officer closed the celebration
by laying the first bricks of the new Virunga Community Carpentry and Tailoring Centre, which will offer apprenticeships to local youth. Michaella commended Volcanoes Safaris for two decades of excellence in ecotourism in Rwanda.
The day was concluded with donating sheep to the local people and dancing by the Intore.
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.
