We love to travel together

INSTRUCTIONS SHEET (Visiting GORILLAS)

1. PLEASE BE THERE 7.00AM AT RDB OFFICE IN KINIGI. 2. ONE SHOULD HAVE TRANSPORT; FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, TO TRANSPORT

YOU TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE PARK AND BACK. 3. PLEASE WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES AND CLOTHINGS SUCH AS RAIN

COATS, HIKING BOOTS, JEANS, LONG SLEEVED T-SHIRTS/SHIRTS IT’S

JUNGLE. 4. TAKE SOMETHING TO EAT AND DRINK ON THE TOUR.YOUR GUIDE WILL

ADVICE HOW TO GO ABOUT IT.

Gorillas are very susceptible to human illnesses, so always wash your hands before you visit them. If you feel unwell or carry a contagious disease, stay behind.

5. TURN YOUR HEAD AWAY IF YOU NEED TO SNEEZE; NEVER SPIT IN THE FOREST.

6. STAY IN A TIGHT GROUP WHEN NEAR THE GORILLAS, SPEAKING ONLY IN WHISPERS.

7. DON’T EAT OR DRINK NEAR GORILLAS, NOR LEAVE RUBBISH. 8. FOR YOUR SAFETY AND THEIR HEALTH KEEP SEVEN METRES AWAY FROM THE GORILLAS, BUT STAY STILL IF THEY APPROACH YOU.NEVER

TOUCH A GORILLA. 9. ALTHOUGH NON-AGGRESSIVE, THEY ARE WILD ANIMALS AND CAN

SOMETIMES CHARGE.IF THIS HAPPENS, CROUCH DOWN, DON’T LOOK

THEM IN THE EYES AND WAIT FOR THEM TO PASS. 10. FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY IS FORBIDDEN. 11. PLEASE VERIFY THE DATES OF TREKKING BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE

DESK. 12. THE MISSING OF USING THE TICKET WILL LEAD TO THE PURCHASE OF

NEW ONE.

Not allowed for students and children of less than 15 years of age.

“MY VISIT IS UNPREDICTABLE-BE PREPARED TO BE PATIENT’’.

Emergency numbers at Volcanoes National park: 0788771633(Alphonse) or 0788449008 (Anaclet)

General information about traveling in Rwanda

Languages

Kinyarwanda is the local language spoken in Rwanda. English is the official language in Rwanda since joining the commonwealth and in Kigali most people will be able to speak English. However, since this is a relatively new development for Rwanda, many people still converse in French outside of city areas, since this is the language they were schooled in. In very rural areas, Kinyarwanda is likely to be the only language spoken, although some people may also be able speak or understand Swahili.

Plastic bags

Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda and visitors will be asked to dispose of any plastic bags they are seen with on arrival at the airport, including those carrying duty free purchases. In supermarkets, brown paper bags are provided although it is advisable to bring a couple of reusable shopping bags with you for any purchasing, or for packing shoes etc. in your suitcase.

Umuganda

The morning of the last Saturday of every month is ‘Umuganda’, or community service. This is an initiative started by the Rwandan Government whereby everybody is expected to devote some time to their local community by cleaning the streets, cutting grass verges, repairing dirt roads, or any other locally organized activity which contributes to community development. Although international visitors are not required to participate in Umuganda, some tour operators can organize for tourists to participate in Umuganda and give back to the local community. If you are in Rwanda for Umuganda, it is worth knowing that it is happening as it may impact your plans for the morning. The streets are very quiet, even in Kigali, many shops are closed and public transport does not run until after midday. 

Africa Calling

"Everyone of whatever race, nation or creed who comes to Africa feels a magnetism that cannot be ignored or explained. Because it is primeval. Because Africa is like a mother calling her children home. Old, addled and poor she may be, but the pull of the umbilicus is still there. Irresistibly.” -- John Ryan, One Man’s Africa

Standing and Delivering with the WWF

Stand & Deliver is the consulting company I have been working with since 2007. Founded by my friend Peter Meyers, we have had the opportunity to work with companies all over the world. Peter met one of the directors of the WWF, Carlos Drews at IMD last year.

The leaders of the WWF have come to us to get help with their ability to improve their communication and leadership skills. They meet with donors to secure funding, they work with local governments to prevent poaching, they give inspirational talks all over the world. Most of the 14 participants in the upcoming training specialize in a particular species - Pandas, Polar Bears, Asian Rhinos and Elephants, African Rhinos and Elephants, Cetaceans and Marine Turtles, African Great Apes, and Tigers.

We meet at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge in the mountains of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park. This is where Dian Fossey did her research for almost 20 years before she was mysteriously killed.

Getting ready for Rwanda

For those of you who may be interested in following our journey to Rwanda this week, I hope this blog helps you share our adventure.

When I first heard that I would have the opportunity to work with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and travel to Africa, I was elated. I have always admired and supported the work of the WWF. When I also found out that we would be meeting in Rwanda near where Dian Fossey did research on gorillas, I was thrilled. Even more elated that Jane is able to come with me.

Yesterday and today Jane and I got all our vaccines - Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Polio, and Tetanus. I hate needles.

We leave early Sunday morning and have much to do.