‘Big 5’ to ‘Big 6’ animals in Rwanda
Rwanda the land of a thousand hills is full of surprises. Besides its stunning beauty, peaceful environment, culture, and interesting history, Rwanda presently offers “big 6 games” to travelers rewarding them with exceptional and extraordinary experiences. In 2017, Rwanda re-introduced 10 black rhinos from South Africa to Akagera national park after 10 years of extinction which transformed the park into a home for the big five games. Apart from black rhinos, big five games comprise of cape buffalos, lions, leopards, and elephants. To some people, it’s surely confusing how the big five game were called so yet they are actually not the biggest on the planet? The big five animals were grouped by the traditional hunters who found it hard and difficult to hunt these animals. Also, these animals were so dangerous and harsh which could scare hunters from trapping them.
At present, Rwanda has transformed the phrase from “big 5” to “big 6”game. The famous mountain gorillas have been added to the list to make it a full package to Rwanda. Mountain gorillas are the most visited attractions in Rwanda attracting the highest number of travelers from all parts of the world into volcanoes national park. A single gorilla permit costs 1500usd which earn the country increased revenue for further conservation and improving the standards of living for the local people. The intrinsic value of mountain gorillas is the key reason why they have been added on the list of the big five. Also, gorilla trekking is the most expensive activity in Rwanda costing 1500usd for a gorilla permit. A safari to Rwanda without gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park is surely incomplete. Big five game is a commonly used the term used to describe African safaris and is one of the most thrilling experiences on an African safari.
Today, the big five animals are not looked at as difficult animals to hunt but rather interesting animal every traveler must see in their natural habits. Conservation efforts have been added day by day to ensure the survival of these rare animals hence promoting sustainable tourism. Big five are now key features in tourism especially for Rwanda earning the country huge foreign exchange hence improving the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and people’s standards of living. Every day, thousands of travelers are seen flocking into AKagera national park and other African national parks with these animals to have a close encounter with the big five game in their natural habitat.
The transformation of Rwanda from big five game to big six-game make Rwanda an exceptional tourism destination. Having big five and the mountain gorillas is a God-given opportunity for Rwanda since most countries have either the gorillas or big five but not both. The big six animals are critically endangered species which are highly threatened by poaching, human encroachment and loss of habitat mostly to human activities for expanded agriculture and settlement land. Despite the threats, credit goes to the Rwanda Development Board and other government bodies for continuous efforts, which has sustained these endangered species to present and a great home for the future. Tourism policies and other legal frameworks have been out to ensure the safety of these endangered species hence promoting sustainable tourism.
Zeroing to mountain gorillas, a close look into the eyes of a silverback gorilla is a life-changing experience. To see mountain gorillas, travelers must travel deep into Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Uganda and the Virunga conservation area, which comprise of volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park in DRC and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda. The entire world has roughly 880 mountain gorillas, which only live in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda is lucky to shelter half of the world’s gorillas followed by Rwanda and the Congo. Mountain gorillas live in families each of which is limited to eight people every day to ensure their safety. Also, gorillas are close relatives to human beings, which make them susceptible to human diseases. Responsible bodies have therefore hiked the cost of gorilla permits to 1500usd in Rwanda, 600usd in Uganda and 400usd in Democratic Republic of Congo to limit over crowds to these endangered species, which put them to risk.
The presence of big six game present the conservation efforts by the government, the presence of big six game is very essential for the tourism sector. Tourism is presently the major source of revenue to the government bringing in increased foreign exchange. The money earned is used to support conservation programs as well as facilitating the national park rangers and local people which has created a positive attitude of local people towards conservation and tourism.
Interestingly, travelers are ready to pay whatever cost to see the big six game in their natural habitats in Akagera national park and volcanoes national park respectively. Travelers are assured of seeing these wonderful creatures face to face experience for a lifetime.
In conclusion, book a big six game to Rwanda, enjoy game viewing in AKagera national park not forgetting to trek mountain gorillas in volcanoes national park.
