Primate Safaris employees visit Kigali Genocide Memorial, pledge to promote Rwanda’s history

The visit, which took place on April 21, 2026, offered employees an in-depth understanding of Rwanda’s history, particularly the planning and execution of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

During the tour, they explored different sections of the memorial and gained insight into the events that led to one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history.

The Genocide against the Tutsi claimed the lives of more than one million people in just 100 days before it was halted by the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA).

As part of the visit, the employees also learned about Rwanda’s journey of recovery and reconstruction in the years that followed.

They paid tribute to the victims by laying wreaths at mass graves where over 250,000 victims are laid to rest at the memorial.

The Managing Director of Primate Safaris, Joseph Birori, emphasized that the company’s role goes beyond showcasing Rwanda’s natural attractions such as wildlife and lakes. He noted that educating visitors about the country’s history is equally essential.

“When we guide tourists, we also teach them about our country’s history and show them where it is preserved,” he said. “This helps them understand that although Rwanda went through extremely difficult times, the country chose resilience and progress.”

Birori further encouraged employees, particularly young people, to deepen their understanding of Rwanda’s history and remain committed to ensuring that such tragedies never happen again.

One of the employees, Phiona Umutesi, highlighted the importance of such visits for young people, noting that they provide a valuable opportunity to learn and reflect.

“The knowledge we gain from places like the Genocide Memorial strengthens our determination to ensure that what happened never occurs again,” she said. “As young people, it is our responsibility to understand our history deeply so that we can pass it on to future generations, rather than leaving it to outsiders to tell our story.”

Founded in 2000, Primate Safaris operates in Rwanda, where it is headquartered, as well as in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company currently employs 110 people.