Francois Bigirimana
| Guides | |
| Alphonse Mwumvaneza | Nsengiyumva Fidel |
| Anaclet Budahera | Patience Dusabimana |
| Bayingana Francis | Twahirwa Eugene |
| Francois Bigirimana |
Bigirimana was born in 1956 in Kinigi, next to PNV, where he still lives with his family today. He grew up as a cattle keeper near the park offices, until 1978 when he met tourists and park authorities.
Involvement in Conservation and Tourism
He started working with the chief warden of the park in 1978, out of his residence on a part-time basis. Due to his commitment and passion for his work, he was made a porter and a substitute guide, primarily for the Sabyinyo group on Gahinga and Muhabura Volcano. In 1984, he began working with Marc Condiotte, an assistant to Jean Pierre (Projet Gorilles de montagnes), to habituate gorillas. Through his continued dedication, Francios was made a team leader for Group 9, and eventually employed by park management. His close work with Group 9 earned him the nickname NINE, which he is still called today. Today, Francois, or NINE, has learned both French and English through his contact with tourists and researchers, and remain committed to gorilla conservation.
His Achievement
Francois is a proud father of nine children and a respected member of his community based on the work he has done with the Sabyinyo Group and Group 9. His work brought him in close contact regularly with Dian Fossey, one of the most well-known mountain gorilla conservationist. He has educated and sensitized his fellow local community members about the need to participate in conservation and protect the park. And to this end, he has helped them secure jobs in the park and convert to conservation instead of poaching.
He is the recipient of an award and certificate of merit from H.E President Paul Kagame in recognition of his tireless dedication and passion for park conservation efforts.
Over the years he has had the pleasure of guiding international luminaries including H.E President Paul Kagame, Bill Gates, conservationist Jack Hanna, King Mswati, Prime Minister Makuza Bernard, ORTPN Director General Rossette Rugamba and more.
His message to the world
"People should come and see the gorillas. We and the gorillas are happy to see them come all the way to visit us -- and their visit contributes a lot towards gorilla conservation and solving human-wildlife conflicts."
His Dream
"I'd like to create a tour company with colleagues. I’d like to still work in the park. But in the future, when I retire, I’d like to have something to do and to help local communities support conservation."