Rwanda

Observing gorillas

Diane Fossey's conservation efforts in the 1970s have made Rwanda the symbol of the endangered mountain gorillas. The Volcanoes National Park is home to a third of the remaining population of this species. The “Gorillas tourism” has recovered impressively after the 1994 genocide and represents an important area of ​​Rwanda´s GDP growth, as well as a source of income for conservation and local communities that receive 5% of the park fees. The prices are high, costing 375 dollars for foreigners, and there is also a limit of eight visitors per group, which must always be accompanied by a park guide. This high-level tourism model is considered successful, however, visitors still do not always respect the minimum distance of seven meters between themselves and the animals. It is very important to avoid getting too close to gorillas in order to prevent the transmission of human diseases that can be fatal to them. If you participate in one of these excursions and see people trying to get close to the animals, it is important to notify the guide immediately to help preserve the life of the gorillas.

More information here.

Wild animal meat

Poaching is one of the main threats to the Albertino Rift valley area and animals, especially large mammals, which are illegally hunted in the three national parks of Rwanda. This has already led to the disappearance of antelopes, buffaloes and elephants in Nyungwe National Park. Currently, smaller animals such as rats and squirrels are the target of hunters, largely due to the reduction of large game fauna. The meat of the largest animals - generally endangered species - is usually sold as a luxury product to restaurants. The consumption of these animals endangers the country's ecological stability, reduces the possibility of income from ecotourism, puts humans consuming them at risk of zoonotic diseases and is illegal.

Fore more information on the topic read here

Souvenirs

One of the consequences of poaching for meat is the sale of objects made from the remains of wild animals, especially to tourists. Particularly in Rwandan markets, in addition to ivory souvenirs, you can find gorilla and chimpanzee skulls, hands and feet loaded with "traditional magical" powers. These species are protected by CITES, so the purchase and transportation of these products outside Rwanda is illegal internationally and involves harsh penalties.

More information here.

National Parks

Nowadays, the country´s tourism is mainly focused on the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, however, thanks to the rich biodiversity and diverse birdwatching opportunities, many efforts are being made to diversify the sector and support conservation projects in the region.

Rwanda offers real treasures for nature lovers, both in Akagera and Nyungwe parks. The latter is the largest protected area in Africa and is home to 75 species of mammals, including the West African chimpanzee and the owl-faced monkey (both endangered species), 285 species of birds and various butterflies and insects.

The Akagera National Park offers very diverse habitats and is home to a great number of large African mammals, such as elephants, hippos and cheetahs.

More information here.

Here is a list of local NGOs that can be contacted in case you want to make a donation, a complaint or find an animal that needs help in Rwanda:​

ACNR-Association pour la Conservation de la Nature au Rwanda