In 2023, I was privileged to be among the delegates who attended the International Labour Organization (ILO) conference in Kigali. This honorary invitation allowed me to visit Nyandungu Eco Park, Rwanda’s largest and first restored wetland, among other things.
However, besides riding with a motorcade, I didn’t relish the visit like I had anticipated – which is understandable, given our large numbers and extensive itinerary for the day. Thus, when my friend Ann from Kenya asked me to accompany her there a month ago, I screamed, “Yes!”
It was a Sunday afternoon, and the weather gave off chill vibes. On arrival, the park appeared more stunning than when I was there before. There was a small kiosk just meters away from the main gate, saving us a mile trek to the restaurant to grab a bite. Besides, the snacks were affordable. In addition, numerous maps were stationed throughout the park with directions on where to go and what was there.
This is going to be easy, I thought. After all, I’ve been here before. Our tour commenced from the bamboo trail – a ravishing walkway canopy with benches on one side and ponds on the other.
As we proceeded, a thicket of bamboo caught our attention. Its stems had been turned into a ‘Wall of Names’ by past park visitors. And as you may guess, we didn’t resist the temptation of including ours on the list.
Although our trip was about conversations and capturing moments, we tried reading most of the writings in the park, to no success. We understood little to nothing about the park’s history and objectives.
According to Peace Izamukuza, the park manager, over 6000 people visit Nyandungu Eco Park monthly. However, out of them all, just a handful ask for tour guiding services, missing out on nuanced insights and hidden gems professional guides offer.
SENS had an opportunity to sit down with Sylvere Kuradusenge, a tour guide at the park, to gain insight into his role, experiences, and the broader impact of his work.
What inspired you to become a tour guide, and how did you end up at Nyandungu Eco Park?
I joined Nyandungu Eco Park in 2023. However, my journey as a tour guide dates back ages. During my primary four, I came across a book about gorilla conservation by Diana Fossey. Her work about conservation, specifically at the grassroots level, ignited my interest in conservation as I pondered making the same impact.
In my secondary and university education, I studied tourism and wildlife tourism, respectively. Upon graduation, having specialized in birding, I joined the Rwanda Birding Club, where I offered community-based tourism from 2019 to 2021, even whilst COVID-19 halted tourist activities in the country.
After being a freelancer guide for some time, I learned about the opportunity at Nyandungu Eco Park. The park’s commitment to conservation and education aligned with my values, and I was excited to be part of a team dedicated to protecting and showcasing Rwanda’s natural beauty.
Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time as a guide here?
Two moments stand out. One was when I guided the prime minister of Rwanda, Edouard Ngirente, through the park. I was informed about his visit an hour before, but I thought he was coming to see the peacocks since we had just received them at the park. To my surprise, he inquired about other birds: how many they are and how they survive in the park. His curiosity and enthusiasm were infectious, and watching his eyes light up when we spotted a rare bird was incredibly rewarding. He was also very knowledgeable, identifying the birds by their scientific and Kinyarwanda names, which was amazing.
Another memorable moment was when I helped a group of tourists spot the ‘White-collared olive back’ bird. They had been to both Akagera and Volcanoes National Park but never got the chance to see this bird. Because I do rounds in the park often, I’d spotted it in sectors 3 and 4. Unfortunately, it wasn’t there. I suggested we check out Sector 5, and to our luck saw the bird and took pictures of it while in its nest, when flying, and relaxing near the pond. The expression on their faces was priceless. I can never forget it.
What personal qualities or skills are essential for a successful tour guide?
Empathy, knowledge, and communication are vital for a successful tour guide. Connecting with visitors from diverse backgrounds and sharing accurate and engaging information helps me adapt to guests’ needs and interests. Ultimately, a genuine passion for nature also helps create memorable and impactful experiences.
How has your understanding of nature and conservation evolved through your work?
Over the years, I’ve learned that tourism comes after conservation. Without conservation, there can never be tourism, thus making dire efforts to protect our natural world.
For instance, during a tour, a guest may find a certain flower attractive and want to pluck it. As a guide, I have to explain to them why doing so affects conservation. Other tourists won’t be able to see the same flower, not to mention that some plants are harmful to people’s skin. Additionally, while at school, I specialized in birds. Joining an eco-park meant learning about the entire biodiversity. I read extensively about trees, shrubs, and reptiles, which has broadened my knowledge.
What do you find most rewarding about interacting with visitors?
The most rewarding aspect is acquiring knowledge. I meet with people in the same profession, and we learn from each other. This leaves me with a newfound appreciation of nature and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Similarly, I’ve made friends from all corners of the globe, which has expanded my social network.
How do you prepare for each tour, and what motivates you to maintain enthusiasm for your role?
Preparation involves reviewing the latest information about the park’s flora and fauna and anticipating visitor questions. Since my tours last between 30 minutes and 4 hours, I plan engaging narratives like fun facts and Did-you-knows. As for enthusiasm, my love for the natural world and the joy of sharing knowledge and educating people keeps me fueled throughout the tour.
Can you describe a challenging situation you’ve faced during a tour and how you handled it?
Some guests, especially from West Africa, confuse the park for a zoo. There was a time when a group came, and just as I began to explain about the trees and birds in the park, they shut me up, saying they were not interested in either but in animals. As a professional, I explained to them other interesting activities they could engage in at the park, like cycling and scooting, which they accepted. Furthermore, I recommended they visit Akagera National Park and the Volcanoes if they wished to see animals.
How do you stay updated on the latest developments in eco-tourism and conservation?
By regularly reading relevant journals, attending workshops and conferences, and engaging with conservation networks. For instance, I’m a member of ‘The African Birding Club’, where I engage with colleagues and experts in the field. This continuous learning helps me provide the most current and accurate information to visitors. Moreover, I make rounds daily to discover what new things are happening in the park, as well as nice spots for bird watching and relaxation that I can recommend to guests.
What aspects of your personal life or background do you think influence your approach to guiding tours?
My background in environmental science and my upbringing in a rural area shaped my approach. I grew up in Southern Rwanda, near Nyungwe National Park, and I could interact with community guides. Furthermore, my educational background (I studied tourism in secondary school and wildlife tourism at IPRC Kitabi) provides me with a solid foundation for explaining complex concepts in an accessible way.
How do you balance sharing educational content with keeping the tour engaging and enjoyable for visitors?
I always make it a point to study my audience’s behavior, helping me to determine their age–whether they are teenagers or adults. From there, I know how to interact and engage with them. In addition, I tune into the interests and reactions of the groups I am guiding through storytelling and Q&A sessions to ensure the trip remains informative and entertaining.
