What does your day-to-day work involve?

Each day is different. There’s everything from administration to practical park-running activities ranging from infrastructure to law enforcement, tourism, research, habitat management and community engagement.

What wildlife can visitors expect to see in Nyungwe National Park?

The park boasts a very rich diversity of mammals, with more than 85 species here. Visitors can spy L’Hoest’s monkeys, Rwenzori black-and-white colobus monkeys, eastern chimpanzees, grey-cheeked mangabeys, Dent’s mona monkeys and olive baboons plus many other primates. Also look out for black-fronted duikers, which are small antelopes, porcupines, squirrels and bushpigs.

We have more than 322 species of birds, and visitors can usually encounter the beautiful and colourful Turacos, shiny sunbirds and loud hornbills. Nyungwe is a good choice in East Africa for birders who want to see as many Albertine Rift endemics as possible.

What do you love most about your job?

It's my passion as well as my work. I love being in a role where I can influence positive decision-making about the park and its management. I also love working for a results-oriented organisation. Being passionate is one thing, but being able to make a lasting impact is another. African Parks is very good at making things happen.

What about plants and insects?

Among more than a thousand flowering plant species in Nyungwe, there is a variety of orchids, gorgeous flowering Touch-Me-Nots and spectacular trees such as mahogany and Guinea plums. There are hundreds of colourful butterfly species too that decorate the tree canopies.

What are the main conservation issues affecting the park?

Poaching, illegal artisanal mining, arson, bamboo and tree cutting, littering and road-kills along the main public tarmac road. There are a lot of creatures at risk.

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