Blogs from Rwanda, Africa - page 8

An African peace now sits over the church at the edge of Nyamata, a town just south of Kigali. The creaking of the iron roof as it heats up in the sun, the birds singing in the trees, and the fluttering of flags in the wind - the only noises breaking the peaceful silence of the afternoon . But 17 years ago, this very spot was the location of a scene of utter horror. A scene that defies words, and left me in complete shock. Seaking an escape from the genocide that swept through the country, 10,000 people gathered here - 6,000 packed shoulder to shoulder inside the church, while 4,000 saught shelter in the shade of the walls outside. But there was no escape, as the army, the militias, and the Interahamwe, advanced on the ... read more

GREAT GORILLA NEWS is that the population of this critically endagered species living in Africa's Virunga Massif has grown by whopping 26.3% to approximately 480 individuals in the past seven years. According to a new census which was conducted in 2010, gorillas in the area are on the increase. The last mountain gorilla census of the Verunga region was done in 2003 whereby there was estimated to be around 380 individuals. It should be noted that the Virunga Massive encompases national parks in three neighboring countries: Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Within Uganda is the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, an estimated 302 - 340 individuals survive. This number is not included in this years increase but is a totally separate number. How is a census done? During ... read more

Even when 220kg of gorilla muscle is standing in front of you they look cuddly and shy. Being so close to them is surprisingly not intimidating at all. The only time intimidation can happen is that moment when the biggest silverback is coming right for you! My initial plan was to have a very private experience in Congo DR but with my failed effort to enter the country (explained earlier) I went to Rwanda’s Parc National Des Volcans. Booking a long time in advance was not needed and I booked in Kigali to go the following day. I went to Musanze the closest major town and stayed overnight. The cost to see the gorilla spectacle is $500, which is about the maximum it should be I feel. Rumours are that as of 2011 it is going ... read more

We crossed into Rwanda without any problems, and by 11am we had reached the Capital, Kigali, where we stopped to visit the Genocide Memorial. It was a deeply moving exhibition and very informative, including sections on other genocides in modern history. There was a 'memory room' filled just with photographs of the victims, and an incredibly sad film detailing accounts from survivors. The ‘Children’s Room’ was particularly poignant, detailing the favourite food or favourite colour etc of each child, and then a piece about their last words and how they were killed. It was incredible to think that something so inhumane had occurred in our lifetime – 1994 – and that so relatively little is known about it, or done to commemorate it, in the international community. Our accommodation in Rwanda was to be a Christian ... read more

After receiving our expensive Congolese visas we continue north towards Gisenyi. The road is good for the most part so it's a pleasant few hours, although quite humid in the rain. On the way we stop at a school to watch some traditional Intore troupe. The school had only just finished so the playground is full of children, we are the main attraction of course. As I step out of the car, they all scream 'hello' and 'how are you?' and hold out their hand to shake. I end up having to shake about 30 hands, it's like a red carpet experience. Then they all start to cling on, so I am suddenly moving in a surge of about 100 children towards the classroom, hilarious. The Intore troupe are half men and half women, the men ... read more