Exploring in Rwanda

This morning David Thomas took us around the region of Musanze. We saw fields carved among the volcanic rock.

The corn field certainly didn't look like corn fields in Iowa. We went to the headquarters of the Volcano National Park which is the place that monitors the mountain gorillas. There are now 10 families and they allow 10 groups of 8 people in each group to trek to see the gorillas each day. The price is now 750 USD per day to go see the gorillas. Our family all went to see the gorillas about 24 years ago. It was fun to remember that day.

The Rwandan government gives 15% of all the revenue from the park to the local communities for schools and health services. There was a lovely gift shop at he park headquarters and each item had the number of the person who made the item and the profit goes to the person who made it. Our last stop was to Virunga Lodge which is a 5 star resort. The views of the lakes and the volcanoes were wonderful even though the day was overcast and hazy. The manager let us see one of the rooms and I would sure enjoy a night there. The only problem is the cost is between $750 and $1000 per night.

Rwanda is trying to get more tourists to boost the economy. With high class resorts I think they are on their way. - Nancy