Umusambi Village is a beautifully restored wetland area, providing a sanctuary for over 50 endangered Grey Crowned Cranes saved from the illegal pet trade. These majestic birds have been disabled as a result of captivity and are unable to be returned to the wild. Their new permanent home provides an enriching environment for them to enjoy nature again.
As well as the Grey Crowned Cranes, this 21-hectare nature reserve is a peaceful haven for visitors to enjoy the walking trails and be at one with nature, while also learning about our conservation work and the importance of protecting our natural environments
Just five years ago, there were Grey Crowned Cranes in captivity everywhere in hotels and gardens in Rwanda. With only an estimated 400 cranes remaining in the wild, they were rapidly heading towards extinction. Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association have been working hard to stop the illegal trade, raise awareness and return many of the captive cranes back to the wild.
Sadly, during this work, The Umusambi village initiative with support from the government of Rwanda came across many cranes that were disabled as a result of living in captivity. This is often linked to their capture and transportation or because people cut feathers or wings to stop them flying away and without expertise it can go horribly wrong. Other have been maltreated. These cranes deserve to live out the rest of their life in a beautiful and enriching home, yet they are unable to be returned to the wild.
Umusambi Village became part of the solution to ensure that these cranes have a permanent natural home and that Rwanda can achieve its goal of having no cranes in captivity. It also provides a unique eco-tourism attraction in Kigali City, connecting people and nature which continues to raise awareness about our work to protect Grey Crowned Cranes and save them from the illegal trade. Umusambi Village fits into this larger conservation project ensuring that are impact can be sustainable over the long term.
The initiative collaborates with local communities around the site, cultivating an appreciation for the cranes as well as ensuring that they can benefit from eco-tourism opportunities in their area. The village has entered into partnerships with small businesses and local artisans to source all labour, plants, and merchandise to create a strong link between our project and the community.
All proceeds from your visit to Umusambi Village will go towards:
- Ongoing care and veterinary expertise for the disabled cranes
- Upkeep and maintenance of the site to ensure the cranes continue to have a safe and beautiful home
- Educating local children about wildlife conservation
- Wider conservation activities to ensure that cranes are no longer poached for the pet trade and crane population numbers continue to rise
