Rwanda Development Board (RDB): Driving Gorilla Trekking and Sustainable Tourism in Rwanda
In recent decades, Rwanda has emerged as a model for sustainable development, conservation, and high-end ecotourism in Africa. At the heart of this transformation lies the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)—a government institution with a bold vision to turn Rwanda into a dynamic hub for investment, business, and tourism. Among its most celebrated achievements is the management and promotion of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife experiences. Beyond the iconic mountain gorillas, however, RDB has overseen a holistic tourism strategy that champions environmental conservation, community development, infrastructure investment, and international branding.
What is the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)?
The Rwanda Development Board is a government agency responsible for coordinating, promoting, and facilitating the country’s economic growth across multiple sectors, including tourism, investment promotion, ICT, and business development. Established in 2008, RDB was created by merging several key government institutions to streamline service delivery and reduce bureaucracy. Today, RDB acts as a “one-stop center” for investors and entrepreneurs, simplifying processes ranging from business registration to tax facilitation and tourism licensing.
When it comes to tourism, Rwanda Development Board plays a pivotal role in both strategic planning and on-the-ground management. The institution oversees national parks, sets tourism policy, manages permits, ensures infrastructure development, and promotes Rwanda as a must-visit destination on the global stage. Central to this mission is RDB’s stewardship of Rwanda’s most prized natural asset: the endangered mountain gorilla.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park: A Flagship Experience
Conservation and Tourism in Harmony
Gorilla trekking is Rwanda’s flagship tourism activity, attracting thousands of high-end tourists each year to the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park. Located in the northwest of the country, the park is part of the greater Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanic mountains spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These mountains are home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas, with Rwanda hosting over one-third of the global population.
Under Rwanda Development Board’s leadership, gorilla trekking has become a model for eco-tourism and wildlife conservation. Strict regulations ensure minimal disturbance to the gorillas: only eight visitors are allowed per gorilla group per day, and each trek is accompanied by trained guides and trackers. Permits are expensive—costing USD $1,500 per person—but this pricing model is intentional. It limits visitor numbers, reduces ecological pressure, and generates substantial revenue, much of which is reinvested into conservation and community development.
Gorilla Naming Ceremony – Kwita Izina
One of Rwanda Development Board’s most iconic initiatives is Kwita Izina, the annual gorilla naming ceremony modeled after a traditional Rwandan baby-naming practice. Since 2005, newborn gorillas are given names in a public ceremony that attracts global attention. It celebrates conservation successes and honors those involved in protecting gorillas—rangers, researchers, veterinarians, and local community members. The event is a strategic blend of cultural heritage and wildlife advocacy and has positioned Rwanda as a world leader in conservation tourism.
Community Involvement and Revenue Sharing
Tourism in Rwanda, particularly gorilla tourism, is rooted in community inclusivity. Rwanda Development Board has institutionalized a revenue-sharing scheme where 10% of all national park tourism revenue is redirected to local communities surrounding the parks. This funding supports infrastructure projects such as schools, health centers, roads, and clean water systems, thereby making conservation beneficial not just for wildlife, but for people.
This model has transformed local attitudes toward wildlife. Communities that once saw gorillas as threats to crops now see them as vital contributors to local development. Human-wildlife conflicts have reduced, poaching has declined dramatically, and community members are increasingly employed as park staff, porters, and cultural guides. This integration of economic incentives with conservation objectives has helped Rwanda maintain one of the most secure and well-managed gorilla habitats in Africa.
Diversifying Rwanda’s Tourism Landscape
While gorilla trekking remains Rwanda’s primary tourism draw, RDB has taken significant strides to diversify the country’s tourism offerings to avoid over-reliance on a single attraction. RDB markets Rwanda as a destination of “high-end, low-impact” tourism, meaning it seeks fewer tourists but with a higher average spend, thereby reducing environmental degradation while maximizing economic benefit.
Akagera National Park: Big Five Comeback
Thanks to partnerships facilitated by RDB, such as with African Parks, Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda has undergone a dramatic revival. Once decimated by poaching and encroachment, the park now hosts the “Big Five”—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo—making it a genuine African safari destination. This restoration has not only diversified the tourism experience but has brought jobs and pride back to surrounding communities.
Nyungwe Forest National Park: Primates and Biodiversity
In the southwest, Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a completely different experience. This ancient montane rainforest is one of Africa’s most biodiverse ecosystems and is home to 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. RDB has promoted Nyungwe as a top destination for birdwatching, canopy walks, and guided hikes. Its management was recently enhanced through a long-term agreement with African Parks to further improve tourism and conservation outcomes.
Investment in Tourism Infrastructure and Services
Rwanda Development Board has been instrumental in attracting high-profile investments to elevate Rwanda’s appeal to luxury and mid-tier travelers alike. Several globally recognized hotel brands have opened or committed to projects in Rwanda, including One & Only, Marriott, Radisson Blu, and Singita. The Kigali Convention Centre, managed in part through RDB’s strategic partnerships, hosts major conferences, solidifying Rwanda’s position in MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
Rwanda’s tourism infrastructure has also benefited from major upgrades in transport and hospitality. The country’s flagship airline, RwandAir, connects Kigali to key global markets, while new roads and internal flight routes make it easier for tourists to access remote parks. Additionally, RDB has launched campaigns such as “Visit Rwanda”, which has been promoted globally through partnerships with brands like Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain, giving Rwanda high visibility on the international stage.
Sustainability and Future Vision
Sustainability lies at the core of RDB’s tourism philosophy. The government’s long-term Vision 2050 identifies tourism as a major engine for economic development, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and resilience. RDB is working on green certification standards, sustainable waste management in parks, and eco-lodge development guidelines to ensure Rwanda’s natural heritage is protected for future generations.
There is also a growing emphasis on digitalization of tourism services, such as online permit booking, virtual tours, and smart park management systems. These tools aim to enhance visitor experiences while maintaining strong oversight of conservation metrics.
Rwanda Development Board as a Model for African Tourism Leadership
The Rwanda Development Board has proven that conservation and economic development can go hand in hand. Through strategic planning, effective partnerships, and community engagement, RDB has elevated Rwanda into one of the most admired tourism destinations in Africa. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park stands as a testament to what visionary leadership and a unified national approach can achieve in conservation-based tourism.
As global interest in responsible and sustainable travel continues to grow, Rwanda—under RDB’s guidance—is poised not only to benefit economically but also to inspire other nations seeking to turn natural assets into engines of inclusive prosperity.