The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation organised the 4th Diplomats Up-Country Excursion for Heads of Diplomatic and Consular Missions as well as Regional and International Organizations accredited to Rwanda, from 17- 19 May 2019. This year’s program took place in the Western and Northern Provinces, with a focus on wildlife health, environmental sustainability, tourism and community education.

It was an occasion for Heads of Mission to get firsthand information on the progress achieved by local entities, and a way of building and developing cooperation between countries, Regional and International Organizations accredited to Rwanda and Provinces.

In addition, the excursion aimed at giving Heads of Mission the opportunity to explore the diverse splendors of Rwanda, through educational and physical approaches to extend and enrich their knowledge and experience.

On the first day of the excursion, the diplomats experienced Nyungwe National Park with Canopy Walk and Kamiranzovu Trail. The second day of the excursion saw diplomats kayaking in Kivu Lake and Cycling City Tour in Rubavu City. While in Rubavu District, the diplomats also visited the newly constructed One Stop Border Post (OSBP) crossing to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The third and last day of the excursion for Diplomats accredited to Rwanda, was spent in Musanze District where diplomats had an amazing experience of Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. They also had an opportunity to learn about Rwanda's conservation efforts.  Mountain gorillas are among endangered species, inhabiting the border areas between Uganda, Rwanda and DRC.

This year ‘s excursion was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the support of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), as well as Northern and Western Provinces of Rwanda. A special thank you goes to various private tourism and hospitality operators who have provided impeccable service.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has been organizing Up-country Excursions for Heads of Diplomatic and Consular Missions as well as Regional and International Organizations accredited to Rwanda, since 2009.

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