On August 1, 2024, Virunga Ecotours welcomed four special guests from Canada: Jinny, Jane Joan, and Jenniffer. Their stay turned into an adventure that went beyond borders letting them dive into the local culture and make deep connections.

Our guests' journey kicked off with a mind-blowing experience of tracking mountain gorillas. They walked into the thick foggy woods of the Volcanoes National Park, their faces lit up with amazement and admiration. When they came eye-to-eye with the gentle giants of the forest, the mountain gorillas, it felt like pure magic. You could see and feel their respect and thrill as they stood there blown away by these incredible animals in their home turf.

On day three, their Rwandan adventure kept its thrill with golden monkey trekking, another top moment of their trip. These hard-to-find golden-haired primates known for their fun antics and eye-catching looks, put on quite a show. They jumped into the experience head-first, their giggles and happiness mixing with the lively buzz of the woods.

However, their trip went beyond just seeing wildlife. With Virunga Ecotours, they explored Rwanda's rich culture. They took part in community tourism activities showing their real interest in and respect for local customs. They jumped into traditional weaving, pottery-making, and learning how to brew banana beer. Each activity gave them a chance to connect with local women artisans, learn about their crafts, and help keep Rwandan heritage alive.

One of the best memories was meeting the local women at Red Rocks, our valued partner in community tourism projects. The drum and dance session with the local women showed off Rwandan culture in a lively way. The drum beats, fun dancing, and feeling of togetherness created a strong link between them and the local people. They jumped right into the event, their excitement helping to bridge cultural gaps and build real connections.

Their commitment to have a positive impact on the community showed in their money given to the women's cooperative. By helping this project, they played a key part to empower local women and to boost sustainable growth through tourism. Their kindness and backing proved they got what sustainable travel is all about.

As their visit with us came to an end, they got a chance to join in on Umuganura Day, which is Rwanda's traditional Harvest and Thanksgiving Celebration. This day means a lot in Rwandan culture because it stands for unity and gratitude. Taking part in Umuganura Day with us at Virunga Homestay was a great way to wrap up their trip. It showed the sense of community and shared happiness that had been a big part of their whole stay.

Their trip proved more than a simple vacation; it showed the impact of eco-friendly tourism. They dove into Rwanda's natural beauty, wildlife, and local traditions, while also helping the community. This showcased what it means to travel .

A big thanks to these amazing people for their incredible journey and what they gave to our community. Their visit highlighted how travel can connect cultures, build relationships, and create unforgettable experiences.

We can't wait to host more guests who share their love for learning, respect, and caring for the environment.

At Virunga Ecotours, each visit celebrates nature, wildlife, culture, and the deep bonds that connect us all and have an impact on our communities. We ask future travelers to come with us to experience Rwanda's magic and join our lively community.

Book your stay in Rwanda with us now via info@virungaecotours.com .