Justus Itangishatse

About Justus Itangishatse

Justus lived close to the park. His profession was being a carpenter.

As a young boy, Justus ventured to collect firewood. On one such expedition, he stumbled upon a massive dead tree. Determined to bring it home, he returned with an axe. However, his plans were thwarted when a group of monkeys attacked him, instilling a deep fear. Fortunately, a local herder’s intervention scared the monkeys away. This incident left a lasting impression on Justus, leading him to leave the tree in the forest, respecting it as the habitat of the animals.

In 2015, the park put out a call for community members to become guides. This piqued Justus’s interest, leading him to delve into research. He started his journey as a community freelance guide, and by 2022, he had transitioned into a park driver guide. Since 2024, he has been operating as a freelance driver guide, a testament to his dedication and passion for wildlife.

His specialty are the mammals and carnivores; his favorite animal changed from monkey to elephant.

Justus is a passionate advocate for introducing children to the wonders of the park and its wildlife. His dream is to bring 30 children every six months to the park, providing them with firsthand experience and knowledge about wildlife. This aspiration reflects his deep commitment to conservation and his hope to inspire the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts.

Justus speaks Kinyarwanda and English.