Professional Experience

Edwin is by nature an adventurer, naturalist, educator, guide, tracker, ranger and above all a conservationist. With heightened experience in conservation, ecotourism management, tourism training, community based tourism management specializing in hospitality and guest care, Edwin has experience in the full range of eco-tourism opportunities such as walking safaris, mountain hiking, gorilla trekking, and customer care focus programs. He strives to provide educational, service-based tourism and to give back to his native country and people.

A native Rwandan, Edwin has hands-on working experience in the national parks of Rwanda: Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park and Parc National des Volcans. He has been involved in numerous conservation and tourism projects, including work as a tourism warden at the mountain gorilla's Volcanoes National Park. This uniquely positions him to provide unparalleled tourism experiences rich with information and personal stories. Through his work for Mountain Gorillas at Volcanoes National Park, Edwin received a Government of Rwanda 2005 State Award and a State Certificate for tourism promotion in Rwanda, from the Rt. Hon. Bernard MAKUZA Rwanda's Prime Minister.

Educational Background

Edwin has a Masters Degree in Conservation and Tourism from Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, United Kingdom and an Environmental Law Degree, with specialization in environmental conservation law, from the National University of Rwanda. Edwin also has several certificates including: Ecotourism Management from George Washington University, USA; Guiding ethics and techniques, mobile and walking safaris, and Service Enhancement Techniques by Bush Explorers Africa; Customer Care Focus and Hospitality programs by Wise Consultants, Kenya; Pro-poor tourism development.

Edwin's master thesis was on "Ecotourism as a potential conservation incentive for local communities around Rwanda's Parc National des Volcans". His research Interests continue in the field of ecotourism management and development, community based natural resource management, community based tourism initiatives, improving and supporting local people's livelihood an incentive for conservation, hospitality and guest care and human animal conflict.