Robin Roberts visits Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park to see mountain gorillas
Rwanda is home to one of Africa's most remarkable species: the endangered mountain gorilla.
With only about 1,000 left in the wild, according to the World Wildlife Fund and the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, about a third of them reside in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, where conservation efforts have successfully increased their population from just 250 a few decades ago.
"Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts ventured into this lush rainforest for a once-in-a-lifetime trek, hiking steep ravines and battling dense brush to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures, climbing to an altitude of 8,000 feet.
"Never thought I'd say that," she said in a "GMA" segment that aired on Tuesday.
During her trek, Roberts encountered gorillas up close, witnessing their family dynamics.
At one point, she saw a silverback named Marambo towering above, munching the leaves from a twig like corn on the cob.
"He's so human-like," Roberts said.
Roberts' journey was not just about adventure, but also about supporting conservation and Rwanda's economic development.
As a developing country, Rwanda has long struggled with basic services like running water. Yet, thanks to the growing popularity of gorilla tourism, the country is undergoing a remarkable transformation.
The influx of tourism revenue is not only supporting the conservation of these endangered animals but also bringing vital improvements to local communities.
Irene Murerwa, Rwanda's Chief Tourism Officer, shared with "GMA" that a portion of tourism revenue is reinvested into the community to fund schools, health centers, and critical infrastructure.
"We will be allocating 10% of the total tourism revenue back into the communities," she said.
Local artisans at Handspun Hope -- a nonprofit supporting women through craftwork -- are thriving thanks to the growing demand for their handcrafted goods.
Many of these women, who have overcome significant hardships, now earn a steady income from their beautiful creations sold in hotels, souvenir shops, and online.
One touching story highlights the positive impact tourism is having.
A tourist, who was impressed by the artisans' work and the challenges they faced, offered to pay the full salary for a medical team to care for them for an entire year.
The communities near Volcanoes National Park also benefit from tourism.
For example,10-year-old Sedrick shares that the money generated from the park helps pay for his schooling and also brings business to his mother, who works at a nearby market.
With improved infrastructure, schools, and healthcare, Rwanda is steadily working toward its goal of becoming a middle-income nation.
It's a remarkable transformation for a country that, not long ago, was marked by the scars of genocide and poverty.
The positive cycle created by gorilla tourism is not just saving these majestic creatures, but also helping Rwanda reshape its future, providing opportunities and a brighter outlook for generations to come.
For Roberts, the experience left her with a profound connection to the endangered creatures, she said.
"I'm going to take away that we have more in common than not," she said. "Looking into their faces, watching their personality blossom in the hour we spent with them … it's humanity in a way that I'd never experienced before."
