Three years after he explored Uganda with us, David Azumbrado came back for more. This time he spiced up his travel days (and the lives of GHE Youth Spaces participants) with a presentation about using digital technologies. Once the volunteering day was ticked off, he hit the roads of Rwanda for real. He paid a visit to different parts of Lake Kivu, crossed the Nyungwe woods and got a portion of the Akagera savannah. He was expertly led by Olivier and attentively supported by Sasha from the office.
“Almost all of the roads we drove on were paved and in excellent shape. At one point I commented about the first pothole I had seen. It surprised them to hear that in my home country, America, roads were often in terrible shape with tons of potholes.”
David has some mobility issues (he once shared with us how he got carried to the gorillas) but he was amazed by how much he enjoyed the trip. Sasha and the hotel staff made sure his every stay was in accessible and suitable rooms, and it was a treat to observe the country pass by on four wheels and in boats.
“Animals used to be my favourite thing in Africa. But now, just driving around with no destination that I have to get to, is what I love most. Seeing the gorillas in VR was impressive though!” explains David.
He travels a lot and stone walls have captured his attention around the world. David often thinks about the effort the farmers have to put into making them. But he is guessing that the objective is clearing the fields for planting. Talking about produce: in Uganda he tasted sorghum beer, so he had to try Rwanda’s homemade banana beer! At a Kivu hotel a waiter was happy to get it for him.
“They called somebody who had some, arranged for a motorcycle to pick it up and deliver to the hotel. When they brought it to the table and told me the price, I reached into my wallet and started counting out bills. They stopped me quick as it was less than 5,000 — one single note! I could not believe how inexpensive it was for the whole re-used whiskey bottle, including the expedited delivery.”
Until David returns to give DR Congo a chance as well, relish the sight of his photo memories!
📸 photography by:
David Azumbrado volunteers for Gorilla Highlands Experts as a team leader and mentor. He has been to our region thrice and is frequently found vacationing around the globe. David is also an implementation consultant for a global software company, living and working outside of San Francisco, California. [bio updated: 2026-03]
Enock Musabyimana is a tour guide from Gisenyi who started his career leading hikers on the Congo Nile Trail. Over the years, Enock has expanded his networks and knowledge of East Africa, becoming comfortable in any environment. A passionate preacher and a proud father of three boys, he lives in Kigali, Rwanda. [bio updated: 2026-03]
Olivier Pirote Tuyisenge is a freelance tour guide from our region who used to specialise in mountain biking but nowadays prefers safari vehicles. An excellent singer, Olivier was educated in Uganda and Rwanda and does activities in both countries, operating from Kisoro, Uganda. [bio updated: 2026-05]
🖋️ text and 📸 photography by:
ML Rwebandira — formerly known as Miha Logar — is an adventure and cultural tourism expert, writer and multimedia producer who co-founded Gorilla Highlands Experts. His most recent publication is the Pocket Treasure. A national of both Uganda and Slovenia, ML resides with his son Lan in Musanze, Rwanda. Click for his personality-infused quarterly newsletters. [bio updated: 2026-05]