Jean Marie Vianney Makuza : the Great Lakes Region as Never Told Before

Jean Marie Vianney Makuza’s passion for nature dates back to his childhood. He still remembers playing football on the hills, spending evenings tending cattle in nearby forests, and those suspended moments at sunrise and sunset that imprinted unforgettable images in his memory. These experiences nurtured his wonder for nature and his fascination with the majestic landscapes of the Great Lakes Region.

An exploration of the natural and cultural treasures of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda

This intimate connection with his environment, combined with his professional and personal travels, led him to ask a fundamental question: “Could there be other regions on this planet as beautiful as ours?” It was from this question that Is there any better place in the world? was born. The book explores the natural and cultural treasures of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, through a perspective that is both personal and objective.

During his journeys across these countries, Makuza was struck by places of unparalleled beauty: the hills of Masisi and the Congo River in the DRC, Lake Tanganyika and the Ruzizi Plain in Burundi, Lake Kivu and the volcanic chain in Rwanda, the Nile and the Martyrs’ Shrine of Namugongo in Uganda, the Maasai of Arusha with the Kilimanjaro as backdrop and the luminous beaches of Zanzibar in Tanzania, as well as the verdant tea plantations of Kericho and the exceptional beaches of Mombasa in Kenya. Each site evokes a unique sense of wonder and natural richness that he wishes to share with a wide audience.

The goal is twofold: to guide travelers eager to discover the Great Lakes region and to contribute to the promotion of ecotourism, a strategic sector for economic development and for enhancing the image of this part of Africa

But the book goes beyond a simple travel narrative. It also provides a nearly comprehensive presentation of national parks, travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, and restaurants in the region, with their contact details. The dual purpose is to guide travelers eager to discover the Great Lakes region and to contribute to the promotion of ecotourism, which Makuza considers strategic for economic development and for enhancing the image of this part of Africa.

Jean Marie Vianney Makuza is Rwandan, but he often considers himself a regional citizen. He completed his primary, secondary, and university studies in the DRC before working there and in Burundi. In 1994, he settled in Rwanda, where he held several positions in higher education and consulting. He continued his training in various countries, including Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Egypt. He worked for the WHO, then Deloitte & Touche, before founding Cope Consulting Ltd in 2010, a Kigali-based firm specializing in management, institutional strengthening, project planning, and evaluation.

He has led consulting missions in several East and West African countries and served as President of Rwanda’s professional consultants’ organization from 2011 to 2014. Before Deloitte & Touche, he was Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at the Kigali Health Institute. In 2017, he published a book in French on job interviews, demonstrating his interest in knowledge sharing and mentoring young professionals.

It is crucial that everyone engages in preserving this exceptional nature and cultural heritage, and contributes to promoting the Great Lakes Region on the international stage

This new book, however, is different. It reflects a deeply personal and emotional dimension. Makuza intertwines childhood memories, professional experiences, and love for nature. He shares his awe for landscapes, as well as his reflections on the responsibility of citizens and leaders: protecting biodiversity, promoting ecotourism, and improving local communities’ living conditions. According to him, it is crucial that everyone takes part in safeguarding this exceptional nature and cultural heritage, and contributes to the Great Lakes Region’s prominence internationally.

Through Is there any better place in the world?, Jean Marie Vianney Makuza does more than showcase stunning locations. He invites reflection on the importance of preservation, education, civic engagement, and promoting a positive image of the region. It is a heartfelt call to recognize Africa as a land of natural and human riches, deserving as much attention as any other part of the world.

*Makuza H. Jean Marie Vianney, Is there any better place in the world?, Amazon KDP
ISBN-13: 979-8294568979, August 14, 2025, 285 pages