Rwanda Receives Land to Expand Volcanoes National Park

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced it received a land donation from the African
Wildlife Fund (AWF) to increase the habitat for mountain gorillas at Volcanoes National Park.
The AWF-donated land, which sits adjacent to the national park, is approximately 27.8 hectares,
or roughly 69 acres in size in Africa safari lodge.

africa safari lodge
Mountain gorillas are classified as a critically endangered species by the World Wildlife
Foundation, and can only be found in Africa. Most of the remaining gorillas are found in
Rwanda and Uganda. Rwanda is making strong efforts to protect its gorilla population, and the
RDB reports the number of gorillas increased to 480 in 2010, up from 285 in 1978.
The larger gorilla population requires more habitat, and the AWF donation will be a boost to
conservation efforts at Volcanoes.

The AWF’s donation is the latest success for the Rwandese government, as they continue to
promote wildlife conservation and tourism to the country. Last summer, the government
reintroduced black rhino to Akagera National Park, making Akagera home to the “Big Five” of
game viewing (buffalo, elephant, leopard, and lion are the other four). The almost 30,000 tourists
who visit Volcanoes National Park each year now have the option of going on safari in addition
to gorilla trekking.

Hotel accommodation is improving in Africa safari lodge Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, also. New properties continue to
open as Africa safari lodge. The new Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Centre, Kigali was honored at last year’s
World Travel Awards as Africa safari lodge, and Rwanda has also chosen Africa’s Leading Destination of Africa safari.

The RDB’s announcement is the latest sign Rwanda is continuing to progress in its efforts to
conserve the mountain gorilla and their habitat and promote tourism. A new gorilla census is
expected to be released in the next few months, and the RDB is optimistic the numbers will show
gorilla population growth.

Interested in visiting Rwanda or Uganda to get a glimpse of the amazing mountain gorilla?
Best Safaris offers gorilla treks in both countries that include permits, lodging, meals, services of
professional guides, and more. We can arrange your international airfare, and book your gorilla
trek either as an add-on to an African safari or separate package.

For more information on visiting Rwanda,