One other tourist’s experience in Rwanda - Visiting Gorillas, Akagera, Kigali

Similar to how St. Augustine put it, ‘the world is a book,’ and those who do not travel read only a page of it. Most people travel not to go anywhere or learn any thing, but simply for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.

The tropical climate of Rwanda is praised for its medicinal benefits in relieving stress, which draws foreigners searching for the dry, warm weather.
The magnificent attractions in the country have contributed to the increasing number of tourists that are enchanted by this undiscovered paradise; the same tourists return year after year together with other friends who have heard of the country’s history.

Today, Rwanda has a fabulous fusion of French and English culture, customs and cooking. The languages that are spoken almost exclusively by the local population include French, English and Kinyarwanda, which are three official languages in Rwanda.

Most tourists who visit the country jet in at Rwanda’s main air gateway which is Kigali International Airport, located at Kanombe, a suburb of Kigali city.

People, who have the will to do a lot of traveling in as many countries as possible, should strive to spend at least a week in Rwanda.
While here, one can opt to use many different modes of transport depending on the destination and how fast one intends to travel. 

As you move around the city, you discover that Kigali is made up of three districts: Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge with a population of approximately 1million.

The main form of public transport within Rwanda is the Toyota Taxis or small omnibuses locally known as Twegerane, which is a Kinyarwanda word meaning ‘let’s sit together.`
Express taxi companies are also operating within the city centre and up country. These run to a set timetable (usually hourly) between major towns, generally Kigali and a major regional centre.

The taxis which are ran by express companies such as Sotra Tours, Atraco, Stella, Volcanoes Express, Virunga, Trans2000, Omega Car and Muhabura Travel, issue tickets in advance with a set price and time of departure short of which you risk a loss of the amount paid.

Speaking to Oliver Nizeyimana, the Managing Director of Volocano Express, which is one of the many transport companies in Kigali, it is hard to monitor the transport vehicles operating within the city.
“It is convenient for me to operate up country because we have only two parks one in Kigali and another in Butare where we operate,” he said.
Volocano Express has 14 mini white coaches that operate on only one route which is between Kigali and Butare.
But he says things are changing with the city council planning to prohibit taxis from operating within the city centre come 2008.
“Next year, I hope to start a Volocano town service, I know this time in six months; the city will have better transport services because transport companies which understand better transport services will have come on board,” Nizeyimana said.

For other express taxi companies, more destinations are being added with time, and most routes sell out their tickets considerably in advance of the departure time.
Passengers wishing to alight before the end of the taxi’s destination can do so, but have to pay the full ticket price anyway. The price of tickets on Express taxis is similar to the price of a stopping taxi over the same distance.

Those who have moved extensively around the country have had memorable experiences because there are numerous places to visit, all with exciting background stories.
There is a road that continues from Kayonza running to the far northeast of the country to Kagitumba via Nyangatare.
If one takes this route, they will see the beautiful and magnificently shaped Lake Muhazi along the main road.

Some years back, the biggest part of this road would twist through Akagera National park but today it is mostly a settlement area for returnees especially from Uganda and Tanzania.
Most tourists who come to Rwanda never miss the opportunity to travel to Akagera National Park, which is in the far off bushes of Kayonza district.
It is set in the Eastern Province where tranquility can only be provided by the wildness that stretches to Tanzania.

Akagera National Park boasts of a game lodge set off in the southern part only two hours drive away from the capital Kigali.
It has grown to prominence ever since its re-opening and now it attracts masses of tourists like never before.

One can be assured of the travel needs at this lodge – from climbing the endless hills of the picturesque landscape to passing through to other cities efficiently.

While in Rwanda, one cannot miss out on visiting the mountain Gorillas; these rare species are now a trade mark to Rwanda’s tourism industry that even the locals are excited at their site.
The amazing creatures which are facing extinct in other parts of the world, found a peaceful home in Virunga Mountains where the Rwandan government have showered them with a human love than ever before.

They even have special naming ceremonies for their new born as in accordance to Rwandan culture, so they are considered part of the many Rwandan families.

Whether visiting Rwanda for a week or a few months, the many modes of transportation available will certainly allow you to experience the best of the culture and all that the country has to offer. 

NewTimes

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Will the Congo War/ Fighters Care About the Mountain Gorillas?

With the fighting in eastern Congo, I fear our gorillas and wildlife in general are being put at risk.

These animals have those forests as their only home yet rebels invade them and launch wars against their governments from forests.

I urge the fighters to be mindful of the rightful inhabitants of those forests and spare the animals’ lives.

We cannot afford to lose our precious gorillas at the hands of human conflicts they know nothing about.

The poachers have done enough damage that we cannot afford having more animals dieing at the hands of political insurgents.

Kibuye

My Day In Company with Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas

Hidden high among the forested volcanoes of central Africa, the mountain gorilla was unknown to science until 1902, when two were first encountered by a German explorer -- and promptly killed.

It set the tone for the relationship. For much of the time since, due to deforestation and poaching, it has seemed the mountain gorilla was swiftly destined to be lost to the world again. Not long after the species’ greatest champion, the American zoologist Dian Fossey, was killed in Rwanda in 1985, there were fewer than 300 of the giant primates left in the wild.

the endagered mountain gorilla in Rwanda's Virunga National Park

These days, however, while the species remains endangered, their numbers have grown to nearly 800. This is due to the efforts of conservationists such as those working in Volcanoes National Park, in northwest Rwanda, where Fossey established a research center which continues to run in her name today.

Efforts to change attitudes towards the mighty animals have seen them become an important source of income for the local economy through the tourists they bring, and turned poachers into vocal advocates for conservation.


The world’s largest mountain gorilla population, thought to number less than 500 animals, is found in a mountainous region known as the Virungas, incorporating Volcanoes, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A second, smaller population can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in another region of Uganda.

The Karisoke Research Center, operated by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and located in Volcanoes National Park, is the world’s most important facility for studying the mountain gorilla. 
Veronica Vecellio, its gorilla programme coordinator, said she developed the desire to work in her field after seeing “Gorillas in the Mist,” the 1988 film which popularized Fossey’s story.

“Studying Dian Fossey, it’s really clear how one person can really make the difference,” said Vecellio. “It’s what inspired me.”

Staff at Karisoke, which have observed the animals for more than 40 years, study the behavior of 10 groups of gorillas -- including those initially named and studied by Fossey, and their offspring.

Vecellio said the center focused on new research topics every year -- it had been able to learn, for example, that the life expectancy of a mountain gorilla was 35 years, as the animals had been under observation for their entire lifespan.

Fossey had believed in preserving the gorillas’ isolation by keeping tourists away. But today the tourism generated by the gorillas is essential to the local economy, and the organization that carries Fossey’s name is in favor of the visitors.

“It’s thanks (to) gorilla tourism that the gorillas are so well protected here in Rwanda,” said Vecellio. “I’m sure that if she was still there now, she would just appreciate the fact that thanks to the tourists, the gorilla (gets) to be alive. Before it was her keeping the gorillas alive, and now it’s the tourism.”

Fossey was found murdered in her cabin in the Virunga Mountains in 1985, and is buried in the park. Her killer has never been found.

Mountain gorillas are not frequently hunted for their meat, but can be maimed or killed by poachers leaving traps or snares for other animals. They have also been killed for their body parts to be sold to collectors.
Francois Ndungutse grew up in the area and used to hunt in the park. The former poacher says the last animal he killed was about eight years ago -- these days he urges people to protect the park’s animals as part of their livelihood.

“We used to live near this volcanic park, depending on it,” he said. “At that time, we were very poor ... we were relying on the park to get the meat.”

He said he and fellow poachers were persuaded to change their ways due to education programs from government agencies.

“In order to stop all this ... poaching, deforestation or any other illegal activities, it was a combined effort of the former Rwanda National Parks and Tourism Office and the current Rwanda Development Board (RDB),” he said.

“The RDB met us and gave us a plan of action and showed us how we can live without poaching in the parks.”

Vecellio said one of the amazing things about studying mountain gorillas was how close the primates let observers come to them, compared to other species she had studied.

“I started with western lowland gorillas, and the top distance was 50 meters to have them doing their activities,” she said. “But here you can approach a gorilla very close, and they ignore your presence ... you can be there and just be a natural part of the forest and collect your data.”

CNN

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Rwanda tourism ‘not affected by DRC conflict

the endagered mountain gorilla in Rwanda's Virunga National Park

The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has not hindered tourism sector as mountain gorillas remain secure in Virunga National Park, their habitat.

The assurance was made by Rica Rwigamba, the head of tourism and conservation in Rwanda Development Board (RDB), reacting to reports that the conflict that has pitted the DRC armed forces against mutineers commonly known as M23 could harm the world’s rare species.

“Gorillas on the Rwandan side are regularly monitored on a daily basis and are all fine. We have put joint patrols on hold and are following up the situation with our counterparts in DRC,” she said.
The Virunga habitat is a trans-boundary park that cuts across Rwanda, DRC and Uganda, and it’s the only home for the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.

“The tourism sector in Rwanda is doing well; it’s business as usual,”

Dr Jean Felix Kinani, a wildlife veterinary officer in the Virunga observed that tourism had been stopped in neighbouring Congo since M23 militias have moved their bases in the area.

“Tourism has been stopped in Congo; there are no tourists going there…however, on our part of the park, we are safe and gorillas are secure,” Kinani said

But he added: “There are groups of Congolese rangers who visited the areas and they informed us that gorillas are not harmed despite the rebels being in the forests.”

He however added that the Congolese army sometimes uses military helicopters while fighting which he said was scaring the gorillas, sending them in disarray.

Recently, Cai Tjeenk Willink, who is in charge of tourism and development at Virunga on the Congolese part said that the conflict had hampered their operations.

“We cannot do our job in the area until the war has stopped,” he disclosed to international media.

Last year, Rwanda played host to over 908,000 tourists from all over the world and the industry earned $252 million according to statists from Rwanda Development Board.

Gorillas only last year, generated $9.6 million.

 Fresh clashes between the DRC’s military and a group of mutineers calling themselves March 23 Movement (M23), erupted in mid May as tens of thousands of residents fled to Rwanda and Uganda.

The mutineers accuse the Kinshasa leadership of failing to adhere to a 2009 peace agreement and decided to breakaway after three years.

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Uganda Mountain Gorilla family Visits Bwindi Lodge

A mountain Gorilla Family all of a sudden just decided to visit Bwindi Lodge, sending all visitors into scampers! Here are some of the photos we managed to take from the scene. 

Just remember, Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris Uganda still beats anyone's record in offering the lowest cost gorilla tracking and wildlife safaris. Enjoy!!

Mountain Gorillas entering the compound at Bwindi Lodge - www.gorillasandwildlifesafaris.com

Mountain Gorillas from Bwindi enjoying the compound of Bwindi Lodge, in Buhoma.

Gorilla performing for guests in Bwindi

A silverback mountain Gorilla walking back to Bwindi behind the gorilla family -  www.gorillasandwildlifesafaris.com

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Foreign currency exchange, Using credit cards, Bargaining/ Shopping in Uganda

What is the Currency?

The Ugandan Shilling. This cannot be purchased outside the country.

How do I Exchange Cash?

US Dollars, UK Pounds and Euros are accepted by UWA for gorillas/ chimp tracking  permits and park entry fees. Many larger hotels will also accept US Dollars and Euros – though you should check in advance.

Note: All US dollars notes must be printed post-2003, and should not be damaged in any way. Higher exchange rates are given on larger value notes ($50 and $100). Banks and Forex bureaus will exchange cash, alternatively us can use ATM machines – common in the major towns. They should accept Visa Debit and Credit Cards.

Can I use Credit or Debit Cards?

Visa is more widely accepted in city hotels and stores, followed by Mastercard. Other Credit cards are unlikely to work.

Alert your bank before using you card abroad to avoid it being blocked.

Can I bargain When Shopping

Prices are fixed in shops, but food and craft markets will be more flexible. You stand a better chance of getting a reduced price if you purchase several items from the same seller.

Prices are generally very low – so do consider if what you are asking for is fair.

Agree on charges for minibuses (matatus) or motorbike taxis (boda-bodas) with your driver before hiring.

Uganda Travel Tip -Use a Visa Card for ATM machine-
Americans can use Bank of America Debit Cards at Barclay and pay no fees, you can withdraw at most banks about 190 usd in shillings 500,000 shillings- at Barclays Bank take out 400,000 reinsert card and another 400,000 - 350 360 usd depending on exchange rate given by bank.

Do not use your card at a bar where ATM machines are showing up- you will be a target of one kind or another.

What is the Weather Like in Uganda?

Uganda enjoys a tropical climate, though the heat it tempered by the altitude, as much of the country is more than 1000m above sea level.

Rainy seasons are from March to May, and September to November.

Dry seasons are from December to February and mid- June to mid August.

Average temperatures range from about 16˚C (61˚) in the southwestern highlands to 25˚C (77˚F) in the northwest; but in the northeast, temperatures exceed 30˚C (86˚F).

New bird sightings in Murchison Falls National Park

Goods News reaching us here from a bird guide George Kafu at Murchison Falls is the presence of Pel's Fishing Owl and African Finfoot at Chobe River near Chobe Lodge.

He has just seen the Owl a few minutes ago on a walk around the Lodge area. The records for this bird at Murchison Falls have been reducing and making if very rare. 

Any one going there can give it a try. 

Chobe River is on the eastern part of the Park and is easily accessible.