There are many things to learn about Uganda and Rwanda that extend far beyond their tumultuous history. These are places with lands that are fertile with exotic wildlife and stunning beauty. One of the most interesting aspects of this area are the many different forest ecosystems in the western rift valley area which are home to some of the most endangered great ape species in the world, notably the gorilla and chimpanzee, two of man’s closest relations.
Volcanoes Safaris is a unique great ape ecotourism business specializing in mountain gorilla and chimpanzee safaris to Uganda and Rwanda, and was founded in 1997. Volcanoes Safaris has created an unrivaled and integrated set of eco-tourism services that introduce clients to the great apes of Africa and the stunning beauty of this area of Africa. Volcanoes has built three ecolodges near the gorilla parks, which are sensitive to the post-conflict context, the culture of communities, the fragility of the environment and the need to use resources in a sustainable way.
Gorillas are undeniably the most unique primate that survives in the forgotten forests of Africa. Sadly, there are only some seven hundred Mountain Gorillas left on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Man poses the most serious threat to the populations of Great Apes in these areas, but something can be finally be done, and for tourists, getting to see the gorillas in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring event.
Volcanoes Safaris organizes tracking in Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda or in Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda, housing guests at unique eco-lodges located in these parks. Visiting gorillas and chimpanzees in these parks helps fund conservation and community projects – schools, roads, clinics, community centers, and helps the people of local communities understand the value of their continued survival.
In post-conflict Rwanda, the Volcanoes Safaris BLCF Project, backed by the British government, has helped improve hotel infrastructure, train local people in hospitality and guiding, increase income and develop new skills. The project has brought over 1.5 million US dollars to the Rwandese economy. In Uganda, the company is setting up a partnership project near Kyambura Gorge, home to a group of threatened chimpanzees. The team at Volcanoes Safaris believes that long-term partnerships between ecotourism companies, local communities, conservation organizations, governments and donors are essential for the survival of primates.
