Red Rocks Rwanda is a social enterprise that blends tourism, conservation, and sustainable development to uplift communities around Volcanoes National Park. Founded in 2013, Red Rocks Rwanda offers more than just accommodation and eco-tours — it brings local people into the heart of the tourism supply chain, ensuring that they benefit directly from the industry that draws travelers to this biodiverse region of Rwanda. From cultural exchange programs to environmental education, Red Rocks empowers communities to share their traditions while contributing to conservation efforts that protect the landscape they call home. Through Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development, a nonprofit sister organization founded in 2017, Red Rocks further extends its mission to support projects that improve community health, education, arts, and food security.
The Red Rocks Rwanda Origin Story
Gregory Bakunzi, founder of Red Rocks Rwanda, was born in Rwanda but spent much of his youth in refugee camps in Uganda, displaced by political instability and violence. Growing up in difficult conditions, with minimal access to education and resources, Greg developed a deep passion for community development and environmental conservation. In 1998, after the genocide, Greg returned to Musanze, Rwanda, with a mission to help rebuild his homeland. With English language skills and local knowledge, he began working as a local guide, introducing international tourists to the famous mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Recognizing that most visitors came solely for wildlife experiences, Greg saw an opportunity to connect tourism with local culture and create benefits for the communities living around the park which led him to launch the Ruhengeri Community Ecotourism Association and Amahoro Tours, which focused on combining wildlife conservation with cultural experiences, creating new economic opportunities for locals while protecting the environment. As tourism grew in the region, Greg realized the need for a broader platform to align tourism, conservation, and community empowerment.
In 2013, he established Red Rocks Rwanda as a social enterprise, integrating cultural tourism, conservation, and sustainable development. The initiative provided affordable accommodation—such as hostels, campsites, and cultural cottages—to attract visitors while directly involving locals in the tourism supply chain. Visitors were invited to participate in traditional activities, including basket weaving, pottery, and dance workshops, allowing them to connect meaningfully with local communities. These interactions not only preserved cultural practices but also generated vital income for artisans and farmers.
To expand the organization’s impact, Greg founded the Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development in 2017. The nonprofit focuses on education, health, environmental conservation, and food security in communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park. Through partnerships with local schools, the initiative provides environmental education to foster a sense of stewardship among the youth. Additionally, it supports community-led agriculture projects, encouraging sustainable farming practices and improving food security.
How Red Rocks Rwanda is Advancing Conservation, Community Development, and Sustainable Tourism
At the core of Red Rocks Rwanda’s mission is the belief that conservation and community development go hand in hand. Protecting the Virunga massif—home to the endangered mountain gorillas—requires more than conservation policies; it demands meaningful participation from the communities that share this land. Red Rocks Rwanda contributes to this by integrating sustainable tourism with environmental education and economic development to encourage locals to become active stewards of the environment. Through eco-tours, tree-planting initiatives, and reforestation projects, visitors and locals collaborate to restore habitats, address deforestation, and protect biodiversity.
In the Virunga region, the competition between people and wildlife for natural resources presents a complex challenge which is why Red Rocks Rwanda addresses this by promoting conservation as a sustainable alternative to resource extraction, creating economic opportunities through eco-tourism, organic farming, and artisanal crafts. By integrating farmers, artisans, and service providers into the tourism economy, Red Rocks ensures that the benefits of tourism are widely shared across the community. Partnerships with farmers focus on sustainable agriculture and organic food production, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening food security. At the same time, marketplaces for artisans provide a platform to sell handwoven baskets, pottery, and beadwork, preserving traditional skills while generating essential income for families.
The Red Rocks Initiative also partners with local schools to provide environmental education, creating a new generation of conservation advocates. Youth learn the importance of protecting their natural heritage while developing practical skills that blend traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices. The initiative further extends its impact by supporting health education and access to healthcare in communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park. By collaborating with local healthcare providers, Red Rocks Rwanda integrates modern medical practices with traditional healing methods, ensuring essential healthcare services are accessible even in remote areas.
How You Can Support Red Rocks Rwanda
By visiting Red Rocks Rwanda, you actively contribute to community empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. Your participation supports local artisans, farmers, and service providers, helping them thrive within the tourism economy while preserving traditional skills. Additionally, your visit promotes the protection of the Virunga massif and the endangered mountain gorillas, ensuring a sustainable future for both the people and ecosystems of this unique region.
