On a recent visit to Umisambi Village with my friends, I discovered that there is so much to explore in Kigali for both locals and visitors. From this experience I have come to discover that there is little we know about our surroundings and what mother nature has to offer. As me and my friends set-off to discover Umusambi Village, I had no idea that I was about to discover one of Kigali’s eco-friendly village, a safe haven that was set-up for restoration of the endangered Grey Crowned Cranes in Rwanda.
I have literally lived in Kigali for the last two decades but still somethings seem new to me. On our way to the village the name sounded familiar, it was not the first time the name had crossed my mind, I had all along seen the signage by the roadside. Towards the village I entered into some disagreement with my friends saying that the village was on the upper side of the road as you approach Kabuga town, little did I know that for all these years I had confused the village to be on the upper side of the road.
The village lies at a unique spot where leisure meets responsibility, conservation and sustainability. The village offers a symbiotic relationship between respect for environment and bio-diversity derived from conservation experience and ensuring that the endangered Grey Crowned Cranes are restored and appreciated for many decades to come.
On arrival we were greeted by the security guard and given a register to register our credentials and shown where to clean our feet before heading to the reception area. Upon entrance I was star-struck by how this hidden calm and serene environment, which to me seemed like some kind of hidden treasure within my vicinity. At the reception area we were welcomed and later taken to the gathering area where you are given a brief history about the village, the different areas parts that make-up the village with varying options regarding which direction embark-on during your tour.
During the tour I was fascinated to see how this once abandoned wetland has been transformed, giving the visitor an immense and unforgettable experience through uncountable traces of a unique learning experience that this restored wetland, a nature reserve and sanctuary for disabled and rescued Grey Crowned Cranes from captivity has to offer.
The village is rapidly gaining popularity and making positive contributions in the restoring of Grey Crowned Cranes but also sowing the seeds for transformative change in conservation as people realize that resources should not be squandered and, with a little effort, enhancing destinations’ competitiveness while saving our bio-diversity is paramount.
This place embodies sustainable travel practices by actively minimizing their impact on the environment, thus giving visitors more options for an excursion within nature as well as ensuring that the visitor’s experience is enjoyable and sustainable.
The village has been documented as being one of the best locations in Rwanda to see restored grey crested cranes in Rwanda. Along with the five hides overlooking four pans, there is a braai and picnic spot with ablution facilities. In order to maintain this incredible wild life reserve there is a team comprising of experienced veterinarians and biologists who are doing all what it takes to conserve our biodiversity from the blink of extinction.
Through conservation Umusambi Village maintains a long-term solution to the endangered Grey Crowned Crane while creating eco-friendly tourism as more people become conscious of environmental issues and advocate to cause no harm to natural resources. The conservation efforts are inclined towards making choices that have all-out adverse impact on ecosystem conservation and restoration as essential for sustainable tourism, thus fostering respect for biodiversity while reinforcing conservation efforts. This is through restoring the wetland while using resources wisely and incorporating sustainable practices that preserve the ecosystem in the area, including its wildlife and nature.
By highlighting the importance of restoring the endangered Grey Crowned Crane and taking action to restore them in a safe and eco-friendly habitat is a catalyst for positive change. It has not only contributed to preserving the specie, but has given people the opportunity to experience it through promoting responsible choices and understanding the need for conservation.
Are you a bird lover and looking for a place where nature and bio diversity are inextricably intertwined, Umusambi Village is your ultimate destination for nature and bird watching while having a pleasant feel of fresh air walking through the amazing wood trails and the stunning picnic areas, all this leave you craving to come again.