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Join Rwanda on Sept. 1 for a celebration of nature and new life. Kwita Izina, an annual national naming-day celebration for mountain gorillas, is inspired by the centuries-old tradition of naming newborns in the presence of family and friends. Rwanda began naming baby mountain gorillas in 2005 and has named 374 over the past 18 years. Kwita Izina also honors everyone who cares for and protects these critically endangered creatures – the people who live around Volcanoes National Park, the conservationists, veterinarians, researchers, trackers and rangers. Thousands come together to dance, hear speakers, watch performances and witness the naming of the baby gorillas while celebrating the country’s dedication to sustainability and responsible tourism.
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Worth Knowing About |
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| RwandAir Opens Up Travel to the City of Lights |
| Continuing to expand its services and connect continents, RwandAir is now operating three weekly nonstop flights to Paris, France, from Kigali. Known for its customer service, commitment to safety and punctuality, RwandAir’s young fleet also provides flights to other African countries, including Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. These new flights to Paris not only open up travel for Rwandans but also bring travelers from Europe into the heart of Africa. |
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| Women Deliver Conference Inspires Change |
| The World Travel and Tourism Council met in Rwanda’s capital for the Women Deliver Conference to address the vital role women play in the travel and tourism industry. While the WTTC reports that 54% of the industry’s workforce is female, they are still subject to lower pay and threats to their job security. The conference focused on how to improve the current situation by overcoming obstacles, creating equal opportunities and inspiring change through panel discussions. “Rwanda has a great track record with a majority of women MPs in the Parliament. President Kagame addressed the Women Deliver for the first time held in Africa, with real passion and a track record of gender equality,” says Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO. |
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| In a Virtual World, Rwanda Stands Out |
| Media is abuzz with articles and predictions about how AI will impact the future. In a close look at how that affects the world of PR and travel, PR executive Jennifer Hawkins explores AI’s limitations in providing authenticity. Hawkins stresses the importance of enticing editors and journalists to set foot in destinations to provide their readers with what AI can’t – personal experiences. Her list of experiential highlights includes eco-chic tourism operator Wilderness and its reforestation efforts in Rwanda’s Gishwati Forest that aim to preserve native wildlife, including the mountain gorilla. |
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| Responsible Tourism: Safari |
| With the largest protected wetland in central Africa, Rwanda’s Akagera National Park provides unforgettable safari adventures. Through a partnership with the nonprofit African Parks, a highly respected conservation management company, the nearly 400-square-mile park is home to the Big 5, leopards, elephants, impala, primates and more – plus 525 species of birds. Visitors to the park will feel like the first humans on Earth as they spot wildlife in papyrus swamps and on green-hilled highlands and savannah plains. |
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Product Highlights |
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| Volcanoes Safaris |
| As the only tour company in the world to focus solely on gorilla and chimpanzee eco-tourism, Volcanoes Safaris’ Virunga Lodge sits high on the side of the Virunga volcanoes. With unparalleled views of the Musanze valley and nearby lakes, the lodge also offers guests singular hospitality, a private butler and cuisine inspired by local ingredients and traditional dishes. Fourteen bandas, or thatched-roof cottages, provide guests with Afro-chic elegance and private terraces. Every comfort is provided – Wi-Fi, complimentary spa treatments, and all-inclusive wines, whiskies and cocktails. After a day of tracking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, there’s no better place to come home to. |
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| Amahoro Tours |
| Committed to enriching local communities through tourism and conserving Rwanda’s ecosystems, Amahoro Tours provides guests with front-row seats to culture and wildlife. With a range of tours lasting from two to 11 nights, Amahoro offers safaris, wildlife tours and cultural experiences, with options that intertwine all three. Track gorillas and other primates, visit working art studios, and tour culturally significant sites and memorials. Take the “What Amahoro Tour is best for you?” quiz on the website to get a personalized recommendation. |
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| If you’re in the LA area, a taste of Rwanda is closer than you think. Silverback Coffee of Rwanda™ was founded by a Rwandan with a mission to support poor coffee farmers and give back to the people affected by the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis through donations and promoting Rwandan art and culture. Sourcing beans from small farms across various regions in Rwanda allows Silverback Coffee to create the perfect cup. Stop by the downtown location for a special brew and to support the best thing Rwanda has to offer – its people. |
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What to know before you go:
Rwanda Travel Updates |
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Before you travel, make sure you have all the information you'll need! Visit Rwanda Reopens and our Travel FAQ for the latest news.
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For more information on booking travel with Visit Rwanda, click here.
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