Medicinal Plants
From its grassy savannas to its high mountains, the African continent is home to an amazing diversity of habitats and species, including more than 50,000 known plant species. To date, 1,034 plants have been identified in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, with more being discovered all the time.
“We are interested in all aspects of gorilla life, including the plants that they eat,” said Dr. Katie Fawcett, Director of the Karisoke Research Center. Medicinal plants are of particular importance to Karisoke for two reasons — how they might be used by gorillas and to understand the potential degradation of the park caused by people searching for the plants.
Prosper Uwingeli, chief park warden for ORTPN at the Volcanoes National Park
added, “It is extremely important to study plants, and especially the individual species and their relationship to the biodiversity of the park.”
As this information is gathered, ORTPN uses it to help manage the park.
In 2005, Aimable Nsanzurwimo, a research assistant with DFGFI, started studying bamboo ecology at Karisoke. Since then he has helped increase the number of plant species known in VNP from 245 to 1,034. Plants continue to be discovered that are new to science and new to Rwanda. In addition to the documentation of new plants, antibacterial properties have been found in one of the species.
Since Dian Fossey’s time, DFGFI has been interested in plant species that the gorillas were using within the park. It was during that time that an herbarium was set up to begin cataloging and speciating these plants. Plant samples are pressed and recorded and copies are sent to the Rwandan National Herbarium at IRST. Currently, there are 1,000 preserved samples in the collection.
“We want to document the plants before they disappear because of climate change or other pressures on the park. The herbarium at Karisoke will be a major resource for future scientists who want to study the plants in the country of Rwanda,” said Aimable.
Two studies funded by DFGFI have begun to further explore the exciting question of the medicinal use of plants within human and gorilla populations.
Aimable Nsanzurwimo and a National University of Rwanda (NUR) student working on his thesis have started the process of looking at the use of plants by humans and gorillas.
Surveys have shown that up to 183 different plants are used by traditional healers. From that total, 110 are actually found growing wild in the VNP and the remaining 73 are cultivated by people in their gardens.
Of the 110 medicinal plants found in the national park, 55 are known to be consumed by gorillas.
Medicinal plants chosen by humans and gorillas are probably related to the most prevalent diseases. The mountain gorillas, they include respiratory, diarrheal, and intestinal parasitism. The main disease challenges for the local human population are similar. The cold, wet, environment of the area and close living situation is perfect for respiratory problems in people. Intestinal parasites numbers increase when clean water and adequate sanitation are limited. Gorilla fecal samples have demonstrated many of the same internal parasites also found in humans.
Over a six-month period, Nahayo collected plants eaten by gorillas for analysis and screening. He narrowed his selection to three species preferred by the gorilla population, Carduus leptacanthus (Common name: Ikigwarara), Pycnostachys goetzenii (Common name: Umutsinduka), Urtica massaica (Common name: Igisure Qrtie). These three plants were analyzed for their chemical properties and then tested for their medical effects on bacteria and parasites. Preliminary results show that Urtica massaica has antibiotic properties.
It has been discovered, by using chromatography, that similar plant species contained a number of organic properties known to have positive effects against bacteria and parasites which cause respiratory and parasitic diseases. This knowledge leads to more questions for researchers, “Do the gorillas treat themselves deliberately, or does the constant intake of plant material end up being a preventive measure?”
This is just the beginning of the questions the researchers are asking. There are another 52 known plants to be analyzed which are used by traditional healers and are also consumed by gorillas. What about the other plants eaten by gorillas not used by traditional healers? In the future, how does climate change affect the plant population? Protection of areas such as Volcanoes National Park, and the biodiversity within, can lead to amazing benefits for mankind.
Wouldn’t it be ironic that an endangered species like the mountain gorilla could save millions of human lives through discoveries found in their medicinal plants?
To learn more about the current research at the Karisoke research center please visit their website: www.gorillafund.org
Photo cutlines:
National Rwanda University Students interview a farmer living next to the Volcanoes National Park about the plants they use for medicinal purposes.
The silverback Inshutee munches some greens in the Volcanoes National Park.
4. The mountain gorilla Ginseng eats some nettles in the Volcanoes National Park.
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Restaurant Review
I was greeted by the waiter with a warm friendly smile – he led me to the table I had reserved and he immediately took my drinks orders. He was quick enough with the drinks but he didn’t have a bottle opener with him so we had to wait until he returned with the opener before I could enjoy my drink.
My friends arrived and they ordered their drinks. The waiter came over and presented us with the Menu and then he took our orders. We each ordered different starters which consisted of Fish soup with ginger, Fish fingers with tartar sauce, and chicken and mushroom cream soup. Prices for the starters ranged between 2500Frw to 3500Frw. The starters were spicy, flavourful and the portions big.
Ferdy, the General Manager helped us go through the menu as most of the dishes on offer were written in French. We ordered a variety of different dishes again so that we could all share and taste the different dishes on offer. The main courses consisted of Southern-fried Chicken with creamy gravy, Grilled pork with onions and mustard, and Fish fillet with fresh yogurt sauce. The main courses were served with a variety of side dishes like Matooke chips (Plantain), steamed rice, and potato chips with mixed steamed vegetables – we ordered a bottle of red wine with our meals.
The food is extremely tasty and the portions are large. The main meal prices are reasonably priced and range between 7000Frw to 8000Frw and each glass of wine is 2500frw. They also serve a Buffet for 10,000Frw which is available at Lunchtimes.
For dessert, l ordered a cappuccino while my friend went for the Mixed Country fruits with Ice cream. The coffee was great and all my colleagues enjoyed their fruits and ice cream. Dessert prices range between 2000Frw to 2500Frw.
Royale Villas is a high-end restaurant in terms of eating out but their food is good, tasty, and well worth visiting. The place is clean and well maintained.
It’s worth mentioning that when you place your orders, it would be useful to know a bit of French or a little Kinyarwanda to ensure that you get what you ordered. It is also advisable to carry a jacket or shawl with you as it can get quite cold if you decide to book a table at the poolside. If you are in a hurry then Royale Villas may not be the ideal place for you to eat at as the food takes a long time to come out of the kitchen – on the other hand though, if you have the time, then it is definitely worth the wait. The bar is well stocked with a wide selection of soft drinks and spirits.
Royale Villas also have a carnival night every last Friday of the month with live entertainment.
For more information, please contact:-
Royale Villas
Read MoreASOFERWA Charity
I. BACKGROUND
By the 1994 genocide, Rwanda was stricken by a misfortune, which plunged the whole country into a disastrous situation with various socio-economic consequences. As a result, in September 1994, a group of Rwandan women established an association that they named ASOFERWA (Association de Solidarité des Femmes Rwandaise); Rwandan women Association for Solidarity with the purpose of helping the vulnerable. One of the main consequences of the 1994 tragedy was the drastic increase of vulnerable groups including widows, orphans, traumatized women, girl mothers, HIV/AIDS infected women, elderly people without assistance, minors in detention centers to mention only these. These are the target groups who benefit from ASOFERWA programs.
II. MISSION
ASOFERWA’s mission consists of encouraging the socio-economical rehabilitation of vulnerable groups and promoting national reconciliation.
III. VISION
ASOFERWA’s vision is to build a ‘Rwanda free from poverty and any injustice or discrimination ’ where every citizen enjoys better living conditions and where children and women enjoy their rights and a psycho-social comfort
III.2. Specific objectives
increase of people income through their interest communities at the level cells
ensure socio-economic reinsertion of the target groups: widows, orphans, minors in conflict with the law and ex-soldiers, etc.;
provider organizational and technical support to member local associations in income-generating projects;
incitate associations, especially those of women to play an important role in the GACACA courts.
IV. STRATEGIES
Support and counseling groups, especially those of women organized at the grassroots level. Play the role of facilitator and advocate between groups at the grassroots level and donors. Organize sponsorship of guardians or adoption for orphans. Organize training for target groups their coaches and decentralized grass-root structures in partners’ districts.
V. ACHIEVEMENTS
Support to households affected by HIV. Construction of 323 houses in Peace villages at Ntarama and Kamonyi with basic infrastructures in the framework of socio-economic reintegration of target groups and promoting national reconciliation 55 women groups de supported in income-generating activities. Sponsoring 565 orphans and nonaccompagned children.
Pupils being coached by ASOFERWA in « Nelson MANDELA » Peace village at Ntarama in Nyamata district
Teaching professions to the youth in school at C.F.J. Kigese and Gacuriro in sewing workshops of Remera, Kibungo, Ntarama, and Kamonyi.
Capacity building for grassroottdecentralized structures in the districts of Kamonyi, Kacyiru, and Nyamata.
Women development and functional literacy to illiterate women in the districts of Rukara, Bugaragara, and Kahi
Collaborate with PACFA in the school reintegration of 530 pupils from the 106 districts of the country who are chassed from secondary schools due to lack of financial means Coaching in inter-groups of Nyamirambo, Kicukiro, Kacyiru, Kanombe, Gikondo, Nyamata, and t Kamonyi districts in fighting against HIV/AIDS and assistance to households affected by HIV/AIDS. Psycho-socio-economic coaching of minors, nursling and their mothers in detention places among whom 638 infants and 4579 minors. School reintegration of 466 orphans in primary school and 736 pupils in secondary.
The assistance of districts’ C.D.C. partners in organizing community mutual assistance structures to fight against poverty. Putting in place of financial autonomy infrastructures:
Sewing Worksop at Remera
Tourist attraction village of Kinigi
VI. PERSPECTIVES FOR THE FUTURE
In the near future, ASOFERWA has to take up the following challenges:
Reinforce the community participation in activities aiming at vulnerable groups development and especially women and children at risk
Photo: House building for widows at Ntarama in the Distrct ofNyamata by ASOFERWA
Reinforcing the management of ASOFERWA’s infrastructures financial autonomy
Kimihurura, Avenue Umutekano n° 22
B.P. 565 Kigali-Rwanda Kimihurura, Avenue Umutekano n° 22
B.P. 565 Kigali-Rwanda
Tél. : (250) 58 63 94
Fax : (250) 58 44 13
E-mail : asoferwa@rwanda1.com
Tél. : (250) 58 63 94
Fax : (250) 58 44 13
E-mail : asoferwa@rwanda1.com
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Go gorilla trekking in the steep slopes of the magnificent Virunga Mountains – home of the rare mountain gorilla. – and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. An exhilarating trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas offers stirring views in all directions. Then, abruptly, the trail enters the
national park, immersing trekkers in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the highest in Africa, beckoning an ascent.
Sole Luna Restaurant
For a city of only 1,000,000 people, Kigali has an impressive array of restaurants, accommodating to almost all tastes and budgets. Recently I and a group of friends met at one of these fine eating establishments, a Ristorante Italiano called Sole Luna, located on the main road between the Chez Lando intersection in Remera and the Parliament buildings (on your left if coming from Remera).
We arrived as an unreserved group of 11 and were quickly and graciously accommodated. The open-air, bistro-like atmosphere at the restaurant is very pleasing; with the centerpiece being the beautiful view of the rolling, lightly covered hills of Kigali. Sole Luna truly is a small piece of Italy in Rwanda, with the menu covering an extensive and affordable selection of pizzas, pastas, calzones and even boasts a selection of wine.
Although choosing a dish wasn’t an easy task we eventually placed our order and enjoyed drinks, the view, and the company while waiting for our meal. Despite the fact that the restaurant was very busy, with a group of nearly 20 there to celebrate a birthday, our food arrived in a reasonable amount of time, all at once, and piping hot. My group sampled many different meals, and all expressed their satisfaction with their choice.
I personally had one of Sole Luna’s pizzas, which to my delight was served on a thin crust with ample helping of brie cheese! Truly, a rare delight in Kigali. Although all the meals were enjoyed the conclusion of the group was that Sole Luna’s specialty is pizza, and with over 55 kinds to choose from even the most discriminatory eater should be able to make a selection. Be warned though, these pizzas are over 12 inches in size, so if you’re not ravenous you might be advised to share. On the other hand, it is possible to take the leftovers home and enjoy it the next day.
Of course, every rose has its torn and at Sole Luna, it would be its bathrooms, although clean the lack of toilet seat (in the girls, I can’t speak for the boys) leaves an unfortunate impression of an otherwise delightful restaurant. Despite the minor downside, I would still give Sole Luna two enthusiastic thumbs-up, and with its multi-level design, it is accommodating for both larger groups and a small intimate supper.
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The Kinigi Guesthouse and Responsible Tourism
The four gorilla permits were booked, the bus tickets for Ruhengeri were purchased and all of our bags were packed. Two Canadians and two Rwandans were prepared and (very much) excited for our Rwandan gorilla trekking experience. All we needed was somewhere to rest our heads at night and fill our stomachs for the adventure to come.
We booked the Kinigi Guesthouse and it was an excellent choice.
The Kinigi Guesthouse is located within one minute from the ORTPN head office, about fifteen minutes away from Ruhengeri. This proximity makes the early departures from the office much easier. The premises are spacious and beautifully maintained with rows of colorful flowers and attractive buildings. The Virungas mountains rise sharply in the distance and provide a rather breathtaking morning view. We were treated to a beautiful sunrise over the Rwandan countryside on our first morning, which made waking up early much easier.
The guesthouse opened its doors to the public in July 2000 and has been operating ever since. However, this establishment is not an ordinary tourist lodge. Kinigi Guesthouse was founded as an income-generating project for the “Association de Solidarité des Femmes Rwandaises” (ASOFERWA a.s.b.l.), a non-profit association for the protection of vulnerable groups (mainly widows and orphans). The income earned through the guesthouse is used to pay school fees for local orphan children, purchase land for agricultural projects, support groups of widows, and provide local artists with the space to sell their creations. Local community members are employed within the guesthouse, while food and decorations are purchased locally. The whole concept behind the Kinigi Guesthouse is an investment in the local community.
There are numerous accommodation options at the Kinigi Guesthouse. One large building holds single rooms ($40.00 US), double rooms ($50.00 US), and the VIP room ($60.00 US). The rooms are spacious and equipped with hot showers, private bathrooms, and mosquito nets for the guests. The guesthouse offers guests four shared dormitories (each with four beds) at $10.00 US. Guests have access to shared bathrooms and hot showers in the building next door. Travelers looking for an outdoor experience may pitch their own tents for $6.00 US.
My friend and I chose to share a double room, while our Rwandan friends chose to stay in one of the dormitories. We all slept very well and would have been reluctant to leave our warm beds were it not for the gorilla adventure awaiting us.
Housed in the main building are the reception, lounge, and restaurant. A seminar room is also located on the premises for hosting events. In the evenings, we were invited to warm ourselves by a large fire in the lounge while we relaxed and chatted with other guests. Having worked up quite the appetite, we were treated to plentiful and delicious meals at the restaurant. The menu offers something for everyone, at reasonable prices. I treated myself one evening to a large steak topped with mushroom sauce, served with rice and an avocado salad.
The meal was exactly what I needed to recharge after an exhilarating day on the mountain. My friends decided on brochettes that night and were not disappointed. In the morning, breakfast includes omelets (plain, tomato, cheese, onion, or Spanish), toast with mixed jam, fresh fruit, and your choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The meal was delicious and provided us all with the energy we needed to conquer the mountain trek ahead.
The staff members at the Kinigi Guesthouse are perhaps its strongest selling point. From our arrival to our departure (two days later), we enjoyed friendly and responsive service. Arriving late at night after our long bus ride, it was a pleasure to be welcomed to the guesthouse. The receptionist not only responded to our questions about the guesthouse but was equally helpful as we arranged some final details for the gorilla trek. She arranged our transportation with a local driver which could have been very difficult otherwise. The restaurant staff were equally friendly, which made our meals even more enjoyable. Upon return from the gorilla trek, the staff eagerly inquired about our experience and shared our excitement.
While our stay was very enjoyable, the guesthouse requires minor renovations. There is water damage on several walls due to the combination of humidity and colder northern weather. However, this very month the guesthouse rooms will be renovated to repair the damage and prevent future problems. Future guests will be unlikely to experience any of these problems.
One must also remember that the guesthouse’s reason for existence (after guests, of course) is the community projects. These projects not only provide valuable assistance to vulnerable persons but also help share the income generated from international tourism. The gorillas have begun to draw large numbers of tourists to the country, and the Kinigi Guesthouse exists to ensure that this income is distributed to those most who need it the most.
Staying at the Kinigi Guesthouse is also an investment into the future of ASOFERWA projects. Talking with the guesthouse manager (Ms. Mukangenzi Beatrice), we learned that the future plans include an expansion of accommodation options, traditional dance shows, and local community tours for guests. These programs will not only increase the guesthouse’s revenue and provide income for numerous persons (construction workers, dancers, and tour guides) but will also increase ASOFERWA’s ability to implement beneficial projects.
The Kinigi Guesthouse has agreements with several tour operators, both nationally and around the Great Lakes Region. These will gladly book accommodation at the guesthouse. Any interested guests may also contact them at the address provided below.
Read MoreNissan Tiida Vehicle
Specifications
Nissan Tiida – Hatchback – 5 speed manual
1600cc, 16 valve, 4 cyl. Inline DOHC (Double overhead cams)
Electronic fuel injection
List price: 28000 US $ (49,000,000/= UGX)
Supplier – Motorcare Uganda Limited / Nissan Kampala
The new Nissan Tiida which launched last month in Uganda is one of the new Nissan models coming into the country. I was given the opportunity to test drive one of the models, courtesy of Motorcare Uganda Limited.
I drove the vehicle for two days and covered around 25km. I would have preferred to have taken the car for a long drive and perhaps even on a track to get a better understanding of the handling capabilities under pressure, but the roads in Uganda are not really conducive to giving a car the full road test.
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Overall Impressions
The car is a pleasure to drive. It is zippy and responds well to hard acceleration, holds the road, and seems like a well-built car. The interior is much bigger than I anticipated and there is lots of room for the driver (see more below). It handles fairly well and the brakes are responsive. I accelerated hard up to 100 Km per hour, then braked sharply, to test stopping ability and the car maintained a straight line and braked firmly. Airbags are standard for passengers and drivers, an excellent safety feature.
Comfort and Styling
The Nissan Tiida is a sexy car. It reminds me very much of Renault, which is most likely a result of Renault’s ownership of Nissan. It attracted a lot of attention, with many people stopping by to take a look inside and asking for a ride.
The overall design is sleek, with soft rounded edges. The color combo of the test car had a black exterior with a beige interior. The seats were cloth, and the inside dash trim was black. The dials are well placed and easy to read.
The car is comfy and roomy inside. It also has the unique feature of a moveable rear seat, backward and forwards (to increase rear boot space), plus it has a reclining feature on the rear seats. When the seats are in a full backward position, the inside is big enough for four adults. However, the rear boot space is tiny – no golf clubs. This feature does allow the seats to be moved right forward to maximize the boot space.
There is loads of storage space in the interior with compartments and storage spaces everywhere, a great feature. The steering also adjusts up or down, to suit individual preferences.
Specific Likes
• The dashboard lights come on whenever the key is inserted into the ignition and are not dependent on the lights being on.
• The zippy handling and acceleration.
• The comfort of driving a sedan on Ugandan roads (Strangely, sedans seem to handle the bumps and holes much better than my truck).
• A good sound system.
• The styling of the interior and dash set-up is easy to navigate without taking your eyes off the road.
• The ability of the rear seat to move to suit different conditions.
Specific dislikes
• No temperatures gauge – this really worried me.
• No mag wheels – the wheels with hubcaps were out of place.
• The boot space is small and would struggle to fit two sets of golf clubs or three large bags.
• The steering, although powered, felt stiffer than I expected and it seemed tighter than it should have been.
• The price to the average Ugandan would be high and would require some kind of packaged finance plan for purchases.
Specifications
Nissan Tiida – Hatchback – 5-speed manual
1600cc, 16 valve, 4 cyl. Inline DOHC
(Double overhead cams)
Electronic fuel injection
List price: 28000 US $ (49,000,000/= UGX)
Supplier – Motorcare Uganda Limited / Nissan Kampala
For more information on the
New Nissan TIIDA please contact:
Motorcare Uganda Limited.
Plot 95 Jinja Road, Kampala.
Tel: 0312 238100
Website:www.Nissan.ug
Ha’ buharo Island Travel
“Far From the Madding Crowd” is indeed a befitting name for this wonderful tented refuge on Lake Bunyonyi. A picture paints a thousand words they say, but the photographs I had seen of Habuharo fell far short of preparing me for the angelic weekend I was to spend at this enchanting “island of bird song”. The journey from Kampala was six hours, and so I got to Kabale town at 1 pm having left Kampala at seven in the morning. I found my way to the awaiting Ha’buharo motorboat docked at the landing called ‘Harutindo’, literally translated from the local language as “at the bridge”.
The lake is refreshingly unspoiled, with magnificently still, clear water, free of bilharzia and crocs. Dick, the charming boatman-come-tour guide brought the captivating history of the lake to life as he graphically narrated the historical tales of the different islands on our way to Habuharo.
The most interesting of the tales is the story of ‘Akampene Island’, where it is said that many years ago, girls in the community that became pregnant out of wedlock were taken, abandoned, and left to starve to death! However, Dick was quick to add, that it is also said that poor men who could not afford bride price would go to the island at night and take the banished pregnant girls as their wives.
Then there is the story of Bwama Island, to which lepers were deposited and left to live in isolation under the care of the missionary Dr. Sharp. Bwama is now a thriving community, not a leper colony. So, the boat ride in itself is a sweet and sour combination of the therapeutic effect of crystal clear serene waters and the emotional journey into an almost surreal history of Lake Bunyonyi.
Ha’buharo grabs you from the instant you set eyes on it. Its circular shape and lush green foliage and trees are spell-binding. The water around the landing pier is covered with water lilies. Joseph, the manager, in the same boisterous welcoming manner as Dick, helped me out of the boat, and within a few minutes, I had walked up a winding cobbled pathway to the Club House. The smell of freshly baked bread and a hot face towel was a wonderful welcome as I settled into the lounge to check-in. The lounge décor is simple and tasteful, very much in keeping with the surrounding environment.
After a speedy check-in, I was escorted to the ‘Shamaza Tent’ magically hidden among the trees. That evening, after a hot shower in an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet, I sat on the tent deck drinking wine, the orange rays of the setting sun shone through the trees creating a spectacular sight; perfect silence is broken only by the chorus of birds. I was intrigued by the modern amenities such as the hot showers and the electric lighting; until I was informed the entire place is powered by a solar plant. I had the most comfortable night’s sleep in crisp cotton linen, and awoke the next morning to the angelic melody of Birdsong! I could see the lake through the trees, invitingly fresh, and I could hear a paddle striking the water like a canoe quietly passed by.
After a good old-fashioned English breakfast, my friend Tara, an avid bird watcher, went to a nearby Nyombe swamp where one can watch as many as 200 species. I spent the first part of the morning playing golf at the island’s four-hole mini-golf range, along the lakeshore, quite an experience! That evening, we dined around a campfire and later burned off the calories as we danced the vigorous ‘kikiga’ dance with the Habuharo local troupe.
My final day was spent off the island with the ‘Batwa’, the Pygmies, about one hour’s boat ride away. Fascinating people, living in a world of their own, but that’s a story for another day.
The Habuharo experience is indeed therapy for the soul and is fast becoming a favorite stopover for gorilla trackers headed for the Bwindi impenetrable forest.
Review by Jan Lewis.
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