Kwita Izina is modeled on a centuries-old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. In 2005, Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature. By giving a name to these majestic animals, we give them the value they undoubtedly deserve. 

The ceremony is an opportunity to thank the communities that live around Volcanoes National Park, our research partners, vets, and the dedicated conservationists, rangers, and trackers who protect the gorillas. Over the last 19 years, 397 mountain gorillas have been named.

The 20th Kwita Izina will be held on Friday, 18 October 2024, and celebrate the country’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.

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First-time Rwanda visitors who participated in this year’s Ironman 70.3 were hugely impressed by the country’s safety and cleanliness.

The tournament, which concluded in Rubavu town on Sunday, attracted athletes from 27 countries who competed in a challenging race at the picturesque beach of Lake Kivu.

The race attracted 200 athletes who participated in a 1.9-kilometer swim in Lake Kivu, a 90-kilometer bike race, and a multi-lap 21.1-kilometer run.

Johan Erasmus, 57, was competing with his wife, Dominique Erasmus, 45, and their daughter Janique Erasmus

The family from Pretoria, South Africa, was in Rwanda in 2023 for the gorilla naming ceremony held in Kinigi Sector, Musanze town, and expressed their admiration for the country’s beauty and tranquility.

The family keeps visiting the country and hopes to woo more friends to come.

“I have to keep coming back because Rwanda is a beautiful country. I mean, you have what we don’t have in South Africa. It’s safe, beautiful, relaxed, and lovely,” Dominique said, smiling.

“Everyone must come to Rwanda once in a lifetime. They should not die without coming to Rwanda.”

In 2023, the family tracked gorillas in Rwanda and indulged in other tourist attractions, such as the chimpanzees.

“All African countries should adopt the installation of trash bins and the ban on plastic bags like you got it here. It will be fantastic if the whole continent draws that lesson from Rwanda,” Janique added.

Joyce Sang from Kenya and Thina Mananyetso from South Africa also shared their positive experiences of Rwanda, highlighting the cleanliness of the area in and around Lake Kivu and the friendliness of the people they encountered.

“I enjoyed the water; it’s beautiful and it’s clean,” said Mananyetso.

“Both cities [Kigali and Rubavu] are so clean, and people are very friendly. They are beautiful! Iroman was an opportunity to visit Rwanda, and here we are.”

Athletes from Japan, Kenya, and Uzbekistan who spoke to The New Times echoed similar sentiments, expressing their intention to extend their stay in Kigali to further explore the country’s attractions before they fly back home.

“It’s a beautiful place to visit,” said Aleksandr Lazarev, who used to read more about Rwanda on Wikipedia. “It is very clean here; for me, it’s abnormal. So, I will share this lesson with my friends.”

“I recommend everyone come here not for Iron Man but for the beauty of the country of a thousand hills. I will come a thousand times,” said Colombian athlete Mauricio Zambrano.

“The patriotism you guys have and the respect for everything; all places are clean, so clean. The only country compared to Rwanda is Japan. Kudos to all of you, and keep it up.”

According to Governor Lambert Dushimimana of Western Province, the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda event showcased the natural beauty of Rubavu District and Rwanda’s ability to organize world-class events.

He said: “We are thrilled to see the growth of the IRONMAN 70.3 Rwanda and the enthusiastic participation from both Rwandan and international athletes.

“This event not only highlights the natural beauty of Rubavu District but also showcases Rwanda’s capacity to host world-class sporting events.”

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Paris Saint-Germain’s Paulina Dudek and Oriane Jean-François Begin Groundbreaking Tour with PSG Academy Rwanda

Paris Saint-Germain and Visit Rwanda proudly announce a partnership initiative – a tour of the “PSG Academy Rwanda”, scheduled to take place in the vibrant Rwandan cities of Kigali and Bugesera from April 1st to April 6th, 2024. This ground-breaking event aims to engage with the country’s growing young athletes, marking the PSG Academy Rwanda’s first venture beyond its established operations in Huye, where it annually hosts 200 young athletes.

In celebration of this partnership, two distinguished players from the Paris Saint-Germain women’s team, Paulina Dudek and Oriane Jean-François have arrived in Rwanda to accompany this momentous tour.

Centered on the themes of sharing and discovery, the tour will spring to life as young Rwandans partake in football initiation sessions held in the stadiums of Kigali and Bugesera. Under the guidance of PSG Academy staff and the esteemed women players, the young athletes will be treated to an authentic PSG training experience, infused with the expertise and excellence emblematic of the Parisian Club. Together, they will foster a love for football and share their invaluable knowledge with both girls and boys impassioned by the sport.

Concurrently, PSG Academy will host a specialized training day catering to nearly 50 coaches from the Rwandan Football Federation. This comprehensive program will encompass both theoretical and practical sessions, serving as a cornerstone in the perpetual exchange of knowledge between the club and the development of educational football within the country.

PSG Academy has been an integral presence in Rwanda’s capital city of Kigali since 2022, and this initiative seeks to fortify its commitment to sustainable football development.

Nadia Benmokhtar, Director of PSG Academy, remarked, “This landmark occasion marks the inaugural outreach of PSG Academy Rwanda beyond its established operations. Since its inception,

PSG Academy has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of football and knowledge dissemination, particularly among Rwandan youth. This inaugural initiative, scheduled to evolve into an annual event, underscores our dedication to engaging with young talent on a broader scale“.

Setti Solomon, Chief Strategy and Communications Officer at Rwanda Development Board, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We extend a warm welcome to Paulina Dudek, Oriane Jean-François, and the entire PSG Academy team to Rwanda. We believe this event will serve as a pivotal moment for budding talent in the two cities, providing them with invaluable learning experiences and inspiration from some of the finest players and coaches in the sport. Ultimately, it showcases Rwanda’s commitment to leveraging the power of sports as a catalyst for positive change in local communities“.

Furthermore, beyond its sporting significance, the roadshow carries immense cultural value. As the players fully immerse themselves in Rwanda’s rich heritage and diversity, they will actively engage with its culture, traditions, and people. These meaningful interactions serve to deepen the connection between Paris Saint-Germain and Rwanda while also shining a spotlight on Rwanda’s vibrant tourist attractions, facilitated by the partnership with Visit Rwanda.

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Zipline and the Rwanda Development Board have partnered to deliver “Made in Rwanda” products to tourists at local resorts.

Zipline has expanded its partnership with its first customer — the Government of Rwanda — with a new delivery service designed to promote economic development and wildlife conservation. In partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Zipline will begin delivering products made by local artisans directly to guests at resorts and lodges.

The new partnership will help fund conservation of crucial ecological resources in Rwanda. Twenty percent (20%) of the fee paid for every delivery completed by Zipline within Rwanda’s tourism sector will go towards the expansion of Volcanoes National Park, an initiative to expand the protected habitat of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and other endangered species.

This initiative expands on Zipline’s long-standing collaboration with the Government of Rwanda.

Since 2016, Zipline has partnered with the Ministry of Health, the Rwanda Agricultural Board, the National Child Development Agency, the Rwanda Biomedical Center and other agencies to improve access to blood, animal health products, human vaccines, childhood nutrition products and medical supplies through 24/7, on-demand logistics.

“We are elated to join forces with the Rwanda Development Board, broadening the horizons of our drone delivery services far beyond the realm of medical supplies,” says Pierre Kayitana, General Manager of Zipline Rwanda. “This initiative allows Zipline, in collaboration with handpicked ‘Made in Rwanda’ brands, to deliver local gifts directly to tourists even in the most remote corners of Rwanda.”

“Made in Rwanda” products include fashion and souvenir items created by a vetted list of local business owners. This initiative aims to boost local businesses, enhance the visibility of Rwandan products, and contribute to the growth of the nation’s creative economy. The delivery service will first be available to guests at high-end Wilderness resorts and the UMVA Muhazi Lodge.

“This partnership underscores our dedication to collaborating closely with private sector entities such as Zipline, to advance environmental conservation, stimulate economic development, and foster a culture of innovation,” says Francis Gatare, CEO of the  Rwanda Development Board.

The partnership continues to position Rwanda as a global leader in embracing innovative solutions for the betterment of people and natural wildlife.

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The 22-year old defender is the second Arsenal men’s first team player to visit the country since the partnership’s launch, following in the footsteps of former Arsenal defender David Luiz who visited Rwanda in 2019. 

Over the years since the partnership launched in 2018, Arsenal legends Edu Gaspar, Robert Pires, Alex Scott, Tony Adams, Lauren, Ray Parlour, David Seaman, Sol Campbell, and women first team players Caitlin Foord, Jordan Nobbs, Jen Beatie, and Katie McCabe have visited Rwanda.

Jurriën Timber will experience Rwanda’s remarkable hospitality and culture, travel to Akagera National Park to enjoy a Big 5 safari, as well as meet with young Rwandan players and fans in Kigali and Nyagatare to share football experiences and some words of inspiration.

Jurriën Timber will also visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay respects to the victims and to learn more about the Genocide against the Tutsi. 

Speaking on his expectation of his first time in Rwanda, Arsenal’s Jurriën Timber, said: 

“I am very happy to be here. It is my first time in Africa, and I’m going to enjoy my time here. We have a full program and I’m looking forward to it.” 

Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board, said:

“We welcome Jurriën to Rwanda. He will have a great time in the vibrancy and beauty of Rwanda. Jurriën’s visit in Rwanda avails an opportunity to showcase to the World our country’s energy, creativity and transformation. We also guarantee him a one-of-a-kind experience with some of our most talented young footballers  who aspire to play at his level one day and represent Rwanda on a global stage.”

Visit Rwanda’s partnership with Arsenal, as the club’s inaugural Sleeve Sponsor and Official Tourism Partner has been highly successful in making Rwanda a must-see holiday destination for football fans and tourists around the world.

An independent survey conducted by Hall and Partners of Arsenal fans across 30 markets found that 75% of Arsenal fans were not aware of Rwanda as a tourism destination, and, as a result of the partnership, 51% of fans are now more likely to consider Rwanda as a tourist destination, demonstrating a shift in perception and understanding of the country. In 2022, 1.1 million people visited Rwanda with the country earning over US$ 445 million in revenues. 

This success has led the partnership to be nominated for a Leaders of Sports Award, winning the European Sponsorship Association Award in 2020 and a Silver Award at the Football Business Awards 2023 in the sponsorship category.

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The country was the only one in Africa to make it in the top 10 list which is led by Switzerland.

According to the survey, the main criteria based on were the score of the crime index, and the score of the security index, which are the main factors that travelers consider prior to boarding a plane to a certain country.

The Europe-dominated list was topped by Switzerland with a score of 21.7 for the crime index and 78.3 for the security index, followed by Slovenia with a crime index of 22.3 and a security index of 77.7.

Japan was the third and only Asian country to make it on the list, having a crime index of 22.4 and a security index of 77.7.

Other countries on the list of safest countries for solo travelers include Georgia, Iceland, Rwanda, Croatia, Czech Republic, Austria, and Denmark.

According to the survey, Rwanda has invested considerable efforts in its territorial security.

“Rwanda has invested much effort in its national security, by building competent and professional security organs,” read the survey.

This is not the first list to include Rwanda among the safest countries globally: In 2018, the Gallup Global Law and Order report ranked the country as the second safest on the African continent with 83 percent of the residents expressing confidence in the local police force.

In the previous year, the same index had ranked Rwanda among the safest countries globally that provide a conducive atmosphere to people who walk alone at night.

SRC: mailto:The New Times

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Kigali, Rwanda: In the largest single rhino translocation ever undertaken, 30 white rhinos have been introduced to Akagera National Park in Rwanda, sourced from andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. Announced on Monday, November 29th, the translocation was carried out through a collaboration between the Rwanda Development Board, African Parks, and Beyond, with funding provided by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

This historic initiative aims to extend the white rhino range and create a secure new breeding stronghold in Rwanda, supporting population growth to ensure the long-term survival of the species in the wild as high levels of poaching continue to exert unsustainable pressure on current populations. The translocation will also help to enhance Akagera’s contribution to Rwanda’s wildlife economy, ensuring that the conservation of their outstanding natural landscapes generates long-term benefits for local communities and all Rwandans.

“This is an opportunity for Rwanda to substantially advance its contribution to rhino conservation, with Akagera poised to become a globally important sanctuary for black and now white rhinoceros. This is timely for the conservation of these incredibly threatened species. We’re extremely proud of our conservation partnerships and our national parks, which are playing a pivotal role in meeting biodiversity targets and in driving sustainable, transformative, equitable socio-economic growth,” said Ariella Kageruka, RDB Acting Chief Tourism Officer.

Sourced from andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, set within the Mun-Ya-Wana Conservancy in South Africa, 30 rhinos were flown to Rwanda and transported to Akagera National Park on November 27th. Their journey covered a total distance of over 3,400 kilometers and forms the largest single rhino translocation in history. The rhinos will be monitored daily in Akagera by a dedicated team and a specialist veterinarian who will be overseeing their acclimation.

“Introductions to safe, intact wild landscapes are vital for the future of vulnerable species like the white rhino, which are under considerable human-induced pressures,” said African Parks’ CEO Peter Fearnhead. “We’re grateful to our partners for making this historic translocation possible – the Rwandan Government for their forward-thinking conservation leadership, and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and andBeyond for their integral support. Successes in parks like Akagera in Rwanda and Phinda in South Africa demonstrate how preventing the decline of nature propels prosperity and development.”

White rhinos are classified as near threatened with numbers declining across existing strongholds, largely due to poaching driven by demand for their horns. The introduction of southern white rhinos to Akagera expands their range to offer more safe areas for the species. The successful conservation management of Phinda in South Africa makes the reserve a valuable source for important new rhino subpopulations.

“We have meticulously managed and grown the rhino population at Phinda over 30 years,” says Simon Naylor, beyond Phinda Conservation Manager. “This has been recognized in many ways, including being selected as the first private reserve to receive animals as part of the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project in 2004. We are dedicated to ensuring the survival of the species throughout Africa and are proud to have provided healthy rhinos, as well as volunteered our translocation skills, to help boost the creation of a new breeding cluster in Akagera.”

In 2010, the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks partnered to manage Akagera, transforming the park into one of the most coveted wildlife destinations in Africa and a sustainable revenue source for the region’s communities. Law enforcement was overhauled and robust community programs put in place, allowing for wildlife to increase and for key reintroductions to occur, such as lions in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017 and 2019. To ensure that this new population of white rhinos also flourishes, each rhino has been fitted with a transmitter to enable constant monitoring by dedicated tracking teams; a canine anti-poaching unit and helicopter surveillance are also in place to provide further support for their long-term protection.

“Our Foundation is pleased to continue to invest in Akagera’s remarkable transformation into a critical national park for Rwanda and an example of responsible conservation for the African continent and the world. While our funding is an important contributor to that success story, none of this would be possible without the leadership of the Government of Rwanda and the dedicated efforts of African Parks,” said Howard G. Buffett, Chairman, and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. “It was deeply personal for me to support the first black rhino reintroduction to Akagera in 2017 and it’s incredible that we have the opportunity to support this historic translocation today. Akagera is now positioned to become a key rhino stronghold for the continent, demonstrating what is possible in conservation when public and private partners collaborate.”Rwanda Welcomes 30 White Rhinos in Largest-Ever Single Translocation
30 wild white rhinos have been successfully translocated from South Africa to Rwanda in the largest-ever single translocation effort, aimed at establishing a new stronghold for the species in Akagera National Park

Kigali, Rwanda: In the largest single rhino translocation ever undertaken, 30 white rhinos have been introduced to Akagera National Park in Rwanda, sourced from andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. Announced on Monday, November 29th, the translocation was carried out through a collaboration between the Rwanda Development Board, African Parks, and Beyond, with funding provided by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

This historic initiative aims to extend the white rhino range and create a secure new breeding stronghold in Rwanda, supporting population growth to ensure the long-term survival of the species in the wild as high levels of poaching continue to exert unsustainable pressure on current populations. The translocation will also help to enhance Akagera’s contribution to Rwanda’s wildlife economy, ensuring that the conservation of their outstanding natural landscapes generates long-term benefits for local communities and all Rwandans.

“This is an opportunity for Rwanda to substantially advance its contribution to rhino conservation, with Akagera poised to become a globally important sanctuary for black and now white rhinoceros. This is timely for the conservation of these incredibly threatened species. We’re extremely proud of our conservation partnerships and our national parks, which are playing a pivotal role in meeting biodiversity targets and in driving sustainable, transformative, equitable socio-economic growth,” said Ariella Kageruka, RDB Acting Chief Tourism Officer.

Sourced from andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, set within the Mun-Ya-Wana Conservancy in South Africa, 30 rhinos were flown to Rwanda and transported to Akagera National Park on November 27th. Their journey covered a total distance of over 3,400 kilometers and formed the largest single rhino translocation in history. The rhinos will be monitored daily in Akagera by a dedicated team and a specialist veterinarian who will be overseeing their acclimation.

“Introductions to safe, intact wild landscapes are vital for the future of vulnerable species like the white rhino, which are under considerable human-induced pressures,” said African Parks’ CEO Peter Fearnhead. “We’re grateful to our partners for making this historic translocation possible – the Rwandan Government for their forward-thinking conservation leadership, and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and andBeyond for their integral support. Successes in parks like Akagera in Rwanda and Phinda in South Africa demonstrate how preventing the decline of nature propels prosperity and development.”

White rhinos are classified as near threatened with numbers declining across existing strongholds, largely due to poaching driven by demand for their horns. The introduction of southern white rhinos to Akagera expands their range to offer more safe areas for the species. The successful conservation management of Phinda in South Africa makes the reserve a valuable source for important new rhino subpopulations.

“We have meticulously managed and grown the rhino population at Phinda over 30 years,” says Simon Naylor, beyond Phinda Conservation Manager. “This has been recognized in many ways, including being selected as the first private reserve to receive animals as part of the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project in 2004. We are dedicated to ensuring the survival of the species throughout Africa and are proud to have provided healthy rhinos, as well as volunteered our translocation skills, to help boost the creation of a new breeding cluster in Akagera.”

In 2010, the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks partnered to manage Akagera, transforming the park into one of the most coveted wildlife destinations in Africa and a sustainable revenue source for the region’s communities. Law enforcement was overhauled and robust community programs were put in place, allowing for wildlife to increase and for key reintroductions to occur, such as lions in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017 and 2019. To ensure that this new population of white rhinos also flourishes, each rhino has been fitted with a transmitter to enable constant monitoring by dedicated tracking teams; a canine anti-poaching unit and helicopter surveillance are also in place to provide further support for their long-term protection.

“Our Foundation is pleased to continue to invest in Akagera’s remarkable transformation into a critical national park for Rwanda and an example of responsible conservation for the African continent and the world. While our funding is an important contributor to that success story, none of this would be possible without the leadership of the Government of Rwanda and the dedicated efforts of African Parks,” said Howard G. Buffett, Chairman, and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. “It was deeply personal for me to support the first black rhino reintroduction to Akagera in 2017 and it’s incredible that we have the opportunity to support this historic translocation today. Akagera is now positioned to become a key rhino stronghold for the continent, demonstrating what is possible in conservation when public and private partners collaborate.”

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When Dian Fossey first arrived in Rwanda in the late 1960s to study mountain gorillas in their native habitat, they were considered dangerous creatures, hunted by poachers who sold their body parts as trophies. Fossey’s scientific research and her appearances in National Geographic helped people see gorillas as the gentle giants they actually are and sparked a surge in interest to see the animals up close. Primatologist Tara Stoinski heads the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a non-profit science, and conservation organization. She says that in the decades since Fossey’s work was published, the mountain gorillas have become a critical economic engine for Rwanda.

“One of, if not the top source, of foreign revenue, is tourism to see the gorillas. For the whole country,” says Stoinski.

The key to the gorillas’ success is what Stoinski and the Rwandan government call “extreme conservation.” Today, gorilla poaching in Rwanda has been eradicated. Instead, every gorilla family in the park is carefully monitored by researchers and trackers, 365 days a year.

But perhaps the most surprising element of “extreme conservation” is the role played by tourists. Each day, visitors pay $1,500 per person to trek up the volcano to spend just one hour with the gorillas. Stahl and 60 Minutes cameras went on one of the tours, climbing high into the mountains and observing the apes in their habitat. The gorilla treks are operated by the Rwandan government, which shares 10% of the revenue with the communities that surround the national parks. The districts themselves choose how to spend the money — on schools, infrastructure, and other essentials to improve their lives.

In addition to the steep trekking fees, affluent tourists boost the local economy in other important ways. Jobs for porters and guides—including some who were former poachers—have flourished, as have jobs at the luxurious, high-end hotels that have opened near the park.

Mountain gorillas once numbered just 254 in the Virunga mountains, but today they are up to over 600, with another 400 in neighboring Uganda. They still face dangers, including getting trapped in snares set for smaller animals like antelopes. But overall, things are moving in the right direction, says Stoinski. “It is a success story, definitely, but we say it’s a fragile success because there are so few of them left and there are still so many threats.”

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Regretfully we have been confronted with a very serious security situation that has developed in the past few hours. Our ranger position in the gorilla sector was very violently attacked by suspected M23 militia. One of our staff was killed during the attack. The information that we have been able to attain indicates that there is a substantial risk of escalation to Kibumba.

For that reason, we have had to make the very difficult decision, to suspend all visits to the Gorilla Sector of Virunga National Park.

We are extremely sorry to share this bad news, which is completely beyond our control but we have no choice but to put the safety of your clients and the safety of our staff above all else.

At present, we are postponing all gorilla booking until the end of December to see how the situation in the Gorilla Sector evolves. Tchegera will remain open.

Julie Williams

Tourism Manager

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