New Intake: Gorilla Highlands Ambassador Training

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2 responses to “New Intake: Gorilla Highlands Ambassador Training”

1. 

   Mfuranzima Gérard

   16 September 2026

   Hello Gorilla Highlands Experts team,

   Thank you for sharing the information about the Gorilla Highlands Ambassador Training (GHAT) taking place at Lake Bunyonyi from 29 October to 1 November 2026. I am very interested in applying, especially because of the combination of photography/media production and responsible tourism.

   I am currently based in Burundi, so before applying and making the USD 70 payment, I would like to clarify a few things regarding travel and accommodation:

   1. Does the USD 70 fee cover accommodation for the entire training period?
   2. Does it include all meals during the three full-board days?
   3. What time should participants arrive on 29 October, and what time does the program finish on 1 November?
   4. Does GHAT provide or organize transportation from the nearest airport/border point to Lake Bunyonyi?
   5. Are transportation costs from Burundi to Uganda covered by the program, or must participants arrange and pay for their own transport?
   6. Do you provide any travel support, such as an invitation/confirmation letter for international participants?
   7. Are there any additional fees that participants should budget for besides the USD 70?
   8. Is accommodation provided at the training venue, and will participants share rooms or have individual rooms?
   9. For participants travelling from Burundi, which route or border crossing do you recommend?
   10. Do you have any financial assistance, travel support, scholarships, or fee waivers available for participants who may have difficulty covering international travel costs?
   11. Is there anything specific that participants from Burundi need to know regarding entry into Uganda or travel documentation?

   I would really appreciate your guidance so that I can plan my travel and budget properly before submitting my application.

   Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

   Reply
   1. 

      Sandrine “Sasha” Benimana

      17 September 2026

      Hello Gérard,
      Thank you for your interest in GHAT and for your detailed questions.

      1–2. The USD 70 covers your accommodation and full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for the 3 days at Lake Bunyonyi. It also covers a month of online training and your certificate. You don’t need to pay before applying; we send payment details to selected participants.
      1. Please arrive on the afternoon of 29 October. The in-person programme ends in the late afternoon of 1 November; we will confirm the exact time closer to the date.
      4–5. We don’t provide or organise transport. Participants arrange and pay for their own travel to and from Lake Bunyonyi.
      6. Yes, once you are selected, we can send you a confirmation letter for your travel.
      7. There are no other fees from us, but please bring some pocket money.
      8. Accommodation is at the training venue and is shared. The options are twin tents, a twin room, a double room and a dorm. No room has a private bathroom; bathrooms and toilets are shared.
      9. The direct border between Burundi and Rwanda is currently closed, so we recommend travelling through Tanzania and entering Rwanda at Rusumo. The drive from Rusumo to Kigali takes about 3 hours. From Kigali, it’s about 2 hours to the Gatuna border, and from there about 1.5 hours to Lake Bunyonyi.
      10. Unfortunately, we don’t have scholarships or other financial support for this intake. To make paying easier, we accept Rwandan francs (RWF) and Ugandan shillings (UGX) as well as USD. If you have trouble making the payment, please WhatsApp us on +250784112355.
      11. As a Burundian citizen, you’re travelling within the East African Community which should make entry to Rwanda and Uganda easier. Just remember to bring your passport and check the latest border rules before you set off.

      We look forward to receiving you!
      Best wishes.

      Reply