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Category: Tourism

  • The Clean walk on Kigali Roads

    Clean roads in Kigali have enabled walking within the city an enjoyable experience. The roads are regulary cleaned by women cooperative groups. Igihe.com Will continue bringing you Photo stories on a daily basis.

  • Tourism sector attracts more visitors in 2011

    {{The Rwanda Development Board’s (RDB) Tourism and Conservation Division has released their latest data on the trends the tourism industry has taken this year.}}

    It came as no surprise for informed observers, for instance, Trip Advisor, a global travel and tourism agency which saw an increase of over 650 percent in visits to Rwandan hotels and lodge reviews compared to 2010, considering the growing popularity of Rwanda as an eco-friendly tourism destination.

    Rica Rwigamba, the head of tourism and conservation at RDB noted that, “Tourist arrivals in 2011, compared with the same period in 2010, were up by an astounding 27 percent already and by the end of the year, the country is expecting a new arrival and spending record”.

    She attributed the trend to sustained marketing, the recognition around the world that Rwanda was not just paying lip service to conservation but actually working hard on re-forestation, maintaining biodiversity and the growing number of airlines and connections permitting visitors to fly in the country from around the world with often only one stop.

    The national airliner, RwandAir has also been singled out for their exemplary performance in linking Kigali with not only the four East African cities but more recently to South Africa, West Africa – new destinations being Kinshasa, Brazzaville, and Libreville – and to Dubai, from where growing interest in investments and also for holidays has driven arrival numbers up.

    Rwigamba further pointed out that easy online travel visa applications are another factor which enables some nationalities to consult the Rwandan government’s immigration website for specifics, which makes entry into the country easy.

    What’s more, the launch of the Nyungwe National Park’s canopy walkway last year, high above the tropical rainforest, and efforts to make Gishwati Forest another national park have also resulted in positive media exposure, raising added interest by adventure tourism magazines, which in turn attract yet more visitors to the country.

  • Former Warzones Attractive to Holidaymakers

    Former Warzones Attractive to Holidaymakers

    {{Former global trouble spots previously disconnected from the rest of the world due to wars and conflicts are currently preferred as interesting destinations by holidaymakers.}}

    Rwanda which was deversitated by the 1994 genocide has since transformed into a competitive touristic destination.

    Exclusively speaking to {igihe.com}, Rica Rwigamba, Head of Tourism and Conservation at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), noted; “in our country there has been a lot of transformation as compared to the past, and today people walk freely in a safe destination, they come and have a great time because of hospitality and that’s why they are more interested in our country.”

    Rwanda has recorded a 656% increase in searches as the country moves on from a traumatic past and this gives it an attractive environment to the holiday makers.

    “Rwanda not only offers safari for a much cheaper price than more mainstream African destination but gorilla watching,” Louise Gray an Environment Correspondent in Britain says.

    Destinations in the Balkan states like Serbia and Montenegro, that were once considered too dangerous because of civil war, are now offering a cheaper alternative to Greece.

    Tourists are advised to always check the security situation before travelling with the Foreign Office.

    Emma O’Boyle a Trip Advisor said British holiday makers are becoming more adventurous. “We’re seeing a rapidly growing interest in destinations like Rwanda and the Republic of Macedonia, showing that British travelers may be becoming more intrepid and looking for something different than the traditional beach holiday,” She said

    O’Boyle added, “As Brits look for their next great travel experience, it seems destinations that only a few years ago would never have been an option are now being considered.’

    Trip Advisor also pointed out that, the world’s largest travel site, has seen an increase of almost 50 per cent in searches

    For Macedonia as holidaymakers seek out lakeside beaches and ancient sites. The main attraction of holidays in previously off-limit destinations is the price.

    Bosnia Herzegovina, that has seen a 39 per cent increase in searches, offers cheap ski-ing holidays.

    There is also an interest in looking at the history of cities like Sarajevo, where tourists can still see the spots where mortar shells landed.

    El Salvador, that has seen a 28 per cent increase in searches as the state becomes safer, offers exotic beaches and surfing for much less that more well known South American destinations.

    Other destinations that have overcome wars in the recent past include Croatia, Cuba and Vietnam.

    However some countries do not remain popular for long. Libya that was enjoying a boom in tourists coming to see Roman ruins is now off limits again and Syria, that was a popular for short breaks to Damascus, has been hit by civil unrest.

  • 22 baby gorillas christened

    {{All roads led to Kinigi’s Musanze district for the Kwita Izina ceremony which saw the naming of 22 gorilla babies, the foster parents included government officials, diplomats, company representatives, conservationists and community advocates.}}

    The ceremony also aimed to recognize the conservation efforts by local communities, which is also in line with this year’s theme “Community development for sustained conservation”.

    Leading the naming team, Prime Minister Bernard Makuza christened the first gorilla Ijambo meaning action, achievement, determination and dignity that symbolize the country’s efforts towards gorilla conservation.

    Other names chosen were Urahirwa (prospects and future), Indamutso (greetings), Umujyanama (advisor) and Sakaara (known). The twins (only the sixth pair to be born in the last 40 years) were baptized Isangano (meeting-place) and Isango (appointment)

    Since the first Kwita Izina was held in 2005, 123 Gorilla have been given a name. It has since become an international event meant to create awareness on the importance of protecting mountain gorillas as well as the conservation of Volcanoes National Park (VNP).

    The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) which oversees the conservation process recorded a rise in its tourism revenue sharing schemes at the tune of Rwf 460 million in 2008. The amount was used to construct 11 schools and 3 health-centers, as well as other amenities such as water tanks.

    Normally the constructions are part of the Gorilla conservation projects are not only meant to improve the livelihoods of the park’s enclosed communities but also encourage them to protect the parrk , yet prior to this year’s Kwita Izina ceremony RDB launched 52 small household based water collective tanks and 4 large public water collective tanks that were constructed at a cost of 62 million Rwandan francs; raised from the past Gorilla conservation efforts.

    With the local communities being sensitized to the benefits of gorilla tourism, the gorillas are more protected than ever before. A census conducted in April 2010 showed a 26.3% increase of the mountain gorillas over the past seven years, with an average 3.7% annual growth rate. This also means that the gorillas have risen from 380 to 480.

    Commenting on the same, RDB Chief Executive Officer John Gara, said these statistics are very encouraging given that it was predicted in the 60s that the gorillas would be extinct by the year 2000. He credits the steady increase in the gorilla population to the efforts of RDB, local administrators not forgetting the communities.

    In this respect, Rwanda has set a good example by developing several measures that hinder those destroying forests and its inhabitants. Poachers for instance have been transformed and they now have income generating activities while some have even been trained as rangers and guides in the park. What is more fencing of all national parks is underway.

    Similarly, Akagera national park for example has been training its rangers on law enforcement, security, anti poaching and wildlife management. This knowhow contributes to forest conservation.

  • Gorrila conservation projects beneficial to the park’s enclosed community

    Gorilla conservation projects have been among activities improving the livelihoods of communities sorrounding the park.

    Prior to this year’s gorrila naming ceremony which is now taking place in Kinigi, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) launched 52 small household based water collective tanks and 4 large public water collective tanks that were constructed at a cost of 62 million Rwandan francs; raised from the past Gorilla conservation efforts.

    Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Operating Officer RDB said, “by celebrating Kwita Izina, we seek to accrue the merits of conservation to the communities around our National Parks. We seek better livelihoods for our people achieved through the growth in tourism revenues which would not be possible without the active protection of our mountain gorillas and conservation of their habitat.”

    She clarified that, in the spirit of fundraising at Kwita Izina ceremonies and revenue sharing, RDB board and partners have been able to design and implement strategies that would manage the delicate balance between conservation of biological diversity and human development needs.

    The launched household based water collective tanks will facilitate the communities adjacent to the Volcanoes National park have access to water harvested from the rain for their daily activities.

  • Forest conservation favors gorilla welfare

    {{Only two days remaining for the long awaited gorilla naming ceremony (Kwitza Izina) at Kinigi’s Musanze district, campaign to sensitize the public on forest conservation goes on, the aim is to curb deforestation which also affects wildlife.}}

    In this respect, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) organized a conference on forest conservation involving stakeholders with an aim to find solutions that address the threats and reduction of forests. Moreover it was realized that communities neighboring the national parks have a big role to play in terms of conservation.

    Talking on the same, Rica Rwigamba the RDB head of tourism and conservation noted that, “this year we seek to accrue the merits of conservation to the communities around of our national parks.”

    Indeed the conference is inline with this year’s international focus towards forest conservation which aims to enhance sustainable management and conservation of all types of forests.

    So far Rwanda has set a good example by developing several measures that hinder those destroying forests and its inhabitants. Poachers for instance have been transformed and they now have income generating activities while some have even been trained as rangers and guides in the park. What is more fencing of all national parks is underway.

    It is due this efforts that led to the increase of gorillas from 380 to 480 in the past seven years. The increase is attributed to better forest environment.

    In addition, Akagera national park for example has been training its rangers on law enforcement, security , anti poaching and wildlife management. This knowhow contributes to forest conservation.

    In regard to curb poaching, participants called for joint effort especially in the region. Currently Rwanda is jointly working with its two neighbors Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda to particularly protect gorillas.

    Each gorilla naming ceremony has always had a theme that focuses on the promotion of conservation and of course this years Kwita Izina ceremony has not been left out and it goes by the theme {community development for sustained conservation
    }

  • zoo comes to kigali

    {{Preparations to the oncoming expo are in full gear as more exhibitors confirm their attendance. What’s unique there will be a zoo meant to showcase wild animals to particularly urban dwellers who rarely visit the parks.}}

    According to sources Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in conjunction with the Initiative for Development Consultant Services (IDECOS) will showcase the first of its kind zoo in Rwanda’s international trade fair scheduled on 28 July.

    Confirming the matter, Ephraim Karangwa the acting director of investments and special projects at Private Sector Federation explained that over 10 different types of animal species will be exhibited. UWA is known to exhibit lions, giraffes’ antelopes and snakes.

    Rwanda also intends to replicate this as a way to encourage locals in tourism. Karangwa further pointed out that that there were in talks with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to find ways of establishing similar zoos in urban areas.

    “So far RDB has shown interests to a start a zoo in the city as a way to promote the tourism sector,” he remarked.

  • Up, close and personal with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas

    {{Rwanda’s tourism sector has continued to register phenomenon growth. And one particular spectacle that has become a must-see for any tourist visiting the country is the now revered Rwandan trademark; the mountain gorilla. The forthcoming Kwita Izina ceremony is just but one of RDB-Tourism’s strategies to draw more tourists into the country. IGIHe.com sampled the adventures and experiences of a New Zealand tourist LOUISE HEALY. The article was first published by the Dominion Post.}}

    “Crouch down and don’t move a muscle,” the guide said with steady unease as the silverback charged towards us, beating his mighty fists against his chest.

    Squatting down in the thick vegetation of the Karisimbi forest in northwest Rwanda with nowhere to run and absolutely nowhere to hide I began to question why I had come here, and paid to come here at that.

    Thankfully, our guide Francis, knowledgeable in the ways of gorillas and particularly the famous Susa family that reside in this massive forest bordering Uganda, made some awkward howling and grunting sounds and averted disaster.

    When we finally got the courage to raise our heads and breathe easy we saw a family of eight gorillas chomping on the greenery ahead of us.

    The sheer size of them was an awesome sight. The 160-kilograms blackback (mother) was nursing her five-year-old twins (Byishimo and Impano – one of only five sets of twins to survive in the history of the Susa family, totalling 41) while their brothers and sisters played on the mounds of leaves and wood as their (now pacified) father glanced between them and us.

    It really was like a throwback to Gorillas in the Mist, the famous film about the life of gorilla conservationist Dian Fossey who went to Rwanda over 40 years ago to work with and protect endangered gorillas from poachers and elements of a corrupt government on a macho killing spree.

    And while the poaching of gorillas has been somewhat curbed, it is just a small part in a bitter past that Rwanda is still trying to recover from.
    Genocide on an unfathomable level hit the country in the early 90s and resulted in the massacre of more than 900,000 people. The core of it was civil, between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes, and stemmed from class warfare, with the Tutsis perceived to have greater wealth and social status (as well as favouring cattle ranching over what is seen as the lower-class farming of the Hutus).

    But when things got complicated and the government backed the Hutus (with the collaboration of the French, in part), thousands of people were butchered in massacres that plagued the whole country. This climaxed in 1994 and, 17 years on, the country is still getting back on its feet.
    Rwanda has an image problem. Say its name and people instinctively think of two things: genocide and Hotel Rwanda, the graphic Hollywood movie about the events of 1994. Contrary to what people may think, however, Rwanda today is an extremely safe country to visit. Tourism is still being developed, and as a result the Rwandese people still see travellers as a relative novelty, and in turn will give their time and help and impart advice to visitors, expecting nothing in return.

    As part of political efforts to overcome divisions that led to the genocide, the Rwandan Government does not collect data on ubwoko (ethnic groups) and banned its inclusion on identity cards. From the locals I spoke to, it is clear that the effects of the horrendous events that took place almost two decades ago are still at the forefront of most peoples minds, but despite this most Rwandese are trying to put the past behind them. Travelling around the country felt safe and there were definitely no overt signs of ethnic or civil tensions.

    Kigali, the capital, is a hub of activity and is slowly but surely regaining its reputation as Rwanda’s party town. Its main attraction, however, is Rwanda’s genocide museum, the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, which is a must for any tourist as it outlines in detail the events that unfolded to result in one of the most vicious genocides in history.

    The museum is especially worthwhile for those intending to go south to visit memorials at Ntarama, Nyamata or Murambi (the site of one of the biggest massacres – 80,000 people were killed there over two days in April 1994).

    A ride to the museum, which is on the outskirts of town, on a boda-boda (a motorcycle taxi and a tourist attraction in itself) costs about 30 cents. Apart from that there are no other real sights and activities as such to see in Kigali, which makes it an excellent place to soak up the atmosphere and relax before embarking on any trip around rural Rwanda.
    It’s rural Rwanda where the real essence and beauty of the country lies. Known as Les Pays des Milles Collines (Land of a Thousand Hills), Rwanda is a country full of tumbling hills where almost every unprotected piece of land is cultivated; even the sheer mountainsides are edged with countless terraces full of beans, potatoes and millet.
    From a distance, the landscape resembles a large patchwork quilt of deep browns and greens, making it look like something straight out of a Tolkien novel.

    And nowhere are the mountains more vast and stunning than the magnificent Virunga volcanoes in the northwest, where hidden in the dense forests are some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.
    The Parc National des Volcans – a chain of seven volcanoes that border with Congo and Uganda and the definitive place in Rwanda to track these endangered animals – was closed for a time in the 90s due to rebel activity; as a result many travellers chose to see the gorillas at the Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in Uganda.

    It re-opened, however, in 1999 and in the last 12 years the number of visitors coming to see some of the world’s 780 rare mountain gorillas has steadily increased.

    Rwanda is a relatively cheap country to visit, but tracking the rare mountain gorillas is not. The cost of a day trip to see the gorillas in Rwanda is US$500. And while that may sound like a high price to pay, the chance of encountering one of these gorillas in all their glory is a once in a lifetime opportunity which no tourist visiting Rwanda should miss. The bonus of visiting the gorillas in Rwanda rather than neighbouring Uganda is that tours in Uganda have to be booked a couple of months in advance, whereas in Rwanda a gorilla tracking tour can be booked just a day ahead through the local ORTPN, Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks. And that was exactly what I did.
    OUR GROUP managed to catch a glimpse of the Susa family within an hour of trekking into the Karisimbi forest (some tours can take up to seven hours to find the gorillas). After the short but gruelling hike through mucky undergrowth with rain spilling from the heavens, we came across the creatures that became Dian Fossey’s obsession.

    And it was clear to see why. It was a wet day but when the early morning sun finally broke through the clouds and suffused the sky with gold that shimmered against the surrounding landscape, these creatures looked invincible.

    They playfully bounded over the broken trees and thick vegetation, all the time hollering to each other in ambiguous howls and squeals. Gorillas from the pack encircled us from the sides and behind, but mostly just out of curiosity.

    And the silverback that had been so territorial ended up sitting down and covering up his face from the prying eyes and camera lenses in an act of defiance -obviously put out by tourists invading his homestead.
    As we made our way back down the mountain there was a still silence all around as we contemplated the beautiful sight we had just encountered.

    Even sitting at the beachside resort of Lake Kivu at Kibuye, Rwanda’s new Mediterranean, it was hard to get the image of some of the world’s last remaining gorillas out of my head.

    Rwanda may still be recovering from a bitter past but a visit there will make you feel, at times, privileged to be one of the few tourists exploring the country for the first time.

    It’s the hidden gem in east Africa that hasn’t yet been exploited by mass tourism.

    Get there quickly.

    {{This article was first published by the Dominion Post}}

  • Waiters’ race key option to improve service delivery in tourism sector

    Both the government and stakeholders are rather optimistic that the waiters’ race is a key option to improve service delivery and customer care in the tourism and hotel sector.

    The race which engages the waiters and waitresses from hotels and restaurants in the country in a five kilometer fast walking race carrying a serving tray with a bottle and two glassful of beer is aimed at helping the participants to be fast and effective while delivering services to customers.

    Rica Rwigamba the head of Tourism and Conservation at Rwandan Development board (RDB) says that such competitions if fully promoted will help improve the service delivery which has rendered difficulty in the fast tracking of the sector especially the hospitality section.

    “Customer service is essential for tourism to grow and prosper; such races improve the service delivery in the industry,” she further added, “in the long run this should be an initiative of all stakeholders to put up such competitions and should not be once a year but regularly and the government is committed to supporting them”, she said while handing over cash and trophies of the winning participants at Top tower hotel on Sunday.

    The tourism boss also noted that waiters and waitresses play a crucial role in the sector and thus a need to be recognized and commended for their efforts.

    “For a person to decide the hotel to go to depends on the service delivery but the hotels are just structures and waiters are the image and the force for their hotels they work in. It shows how important their job is,” she said adding that the race is important to the sector and that’s why RDB is supporting the initiative.

    This race is meant to encourage service providers in hotels for instance to be fast. What is more the competition is also used to recognize the best waiter/waitress in the city,’ said the managing director of Rwanda High Development- RHD, Diana Ramarohetra who is also the organizer of the race.

    Ramarohetra further pointed out that since the competition’s inception last year, progress has been seem among hotel severs especially those who have participated in the race.

    Vicent Nzigira the assistant food and beverage manager at Serana Hotel which won this year’s race trophy said that the competition helps them to rate their staff on efficiency and fastness in serving customers.
    This year, Lemigo hotel’s Sandrine emerged the winner while Mupenzi Ferician from Serena emerged the best waiter with Serena taking it for the second consecutive time.

  • Akagera’s HI-Tec rangers to curb poachers in the park

    Poachers who have been routinely feasting on wild animals in the Akagera National Park now face tough times as the park management equips rangers with state of the art anti-poaching tactics and counter offensive skills. 

    The rangers who are now responsible for guarding the park, have been trained various tactics such as counter defense and offensive rescue and enemy engagement skills. 

    Brian Harris the Chief Executive Officer Conservation Outcomes in Tanzania who presided over the pass out of 17 rangers, noted that the skills rangers have acquired in the three weeks training will help bolster the park’s security which has been porous. 

    “Your work is extremely dangerous, strenuous and risky and therefore you need a lot of skills to be ready to go to the field and challenge this demanding task”, he said noting that the skills they have acquired will help them not only fight poaching but also preserve the diversity which is notable to Rwanda’s economy. 

    Harris said that without skilled and good rangers the objectives of the park’s establishment would not be achieved and urged them to vigilantly put in practice the skills in safeguarding the park while also protecting each other from ruthless poachers.

    The government in partnership with the African Parks from South Africa is pumping a $10m investment to restore Akagera’s biodiversity, improve its long-term financial viability and also increase tourism receipts coming to the national economy. 

    Bryan Havemann, CEO and Project Manager Akagera National Park said,“Poaching has been rife and has had a negative impact on the animal numbers”. He further noted that without good rangers, there is nothing that can be done to protect the park. 

    Dr Tony Mudakikwa head of veterinary unit, research and monitoring said that the government is focusing at improving the park’s management which will eventually be a favorite destination for tourists. “We want to adopt a modern way of managing the park, and training of trackers is one issue. We expect less poaching which has been a problem, reduce human and animal conflict and increase the number of animal species so that we can expect more tourists and increase income”, he said. 

    Havemann said that rangers have been equipped with arms, safety gadgets. In addition a modern communication hub is yet to be established which will facilitate communication during the patrols.