All to know about Umusambi Conservancy Village
Umusambi Conservancy village is a famous destination for visitors exploring Rwanda, especially during city tours. Its proximity to Kigali international airport makes it an ideal stopover for visitors arriving in the country. the village is renowned for its Grey crowned Cranes, known locally as “Inyoni” in Kinyarwanda, and serves as Rwanda’s only safe haven for these beautiful birds after their rescue and recovery.
Umusambi village is beautiful restored wetland spanning approximately 12 hectors, the village provides a sanctuary for over 50 endangered Grey crowned Cranes that have been rescued from captivity. The area has become a permanent home of over 400 cranes in the wild. Managed by Rwanda Wildlife Conversation Association (RWCA) which aims to stop the illegal tap trade, raise awareness and return many of the Captive Cranes back to the wild.
For bird enthusiasts and nature lovers, a visit to Umusambi village offers walking trails through the wetlands, providing opportunities to observe and learn about the cranes and the importance of environmental conservation. The Conservancy not only serves as a peaceful refuge for the birds but also as an educational space for visitors to engage with nature and support wildlife preservation efforts.
Since the conservation efforts for cranes began in Crane village, Kigali, staff members gave observed and documented several cranes suffering injuries, often due to challenges associated with captivity such as inadequate transportation. Since the establishment of Cranes village, approximately 166 Grey Crowned Cranes have been reintroduced into the wild at Akagera National Park, bringing the total number of cranes to around and a total number of rescued cranes to around 250.
Umusambi village provides a distinctive Eco- tourism attractions in Kigali, attracting both local and international tourists. It serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these beautiful birds and combating village trade. According to Rwanda culture, Grey crowned Cranes symbolizes their wealth and longevity. The grey crowned cranes are birds with a very good looking that attracts people with their good colouring and good at seeing. Unfortunately, many cranes in captivity suffer disabilities, which prevent them from flying, causing them remain stationary and making them more accessible for visitors to observe.
The village is a haven of biodiversity, hosting various species within its wetlands, including small mammals, amphibians, insects, and numerous bird species. During a visit to Umusambi Village, visitors might encounter birds such as the Trilling Cisticola White-collard Olive back, African Fire finch Purple-crested Turaco, Grey Crowned Crane, Palm Nut Vulture, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Speckled Mousebird, Swamp Flycatcher, Grosbeak Weaver, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Black-headed Gonolek, Malachite Kingfisher among others
According to annual population census conducted by RWCA, 1,216 Grey Crowned Cranes sighted in the 2023 national census, more than doubling the population numbers from their first census in 2017. There was an estimate of 487 Cranes in 2017, 459 cranes in 2018, 748 in 2019 and about 881 in 2020.
All to know about Umusambi Conservancy Village : Conserving the Grey Crowned Cranes in Rwanda
The Grey Crowned Cranes in Rwanda faced severe threats of extinction, primarily due to local practices of capturing them to keep as pets or for trade. To prevent them from flying away the captors would either have their wings broken or flight feathers plucked out, causing immense injuries. As a result, their number declined sharply from 2500 birds in the 1980s to 500 today.
It was only through the efforts of local conservationists, who urged the Rwandan government to create a law against keeping or capturing the Grey Crowned was only through the Cranes that there has been a turnaround with numbers are recovering steadily. Additionally, the organizations like Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) established Umusambi Village that could not survive in the wild due to the injures sustained during capture. At the sanctuary, these cranes receive rehabilitation and care, with the goal of releasing those able to recover back into their natural habitat.
Many rehabitated cranes are now thriving withing the reserve, breeding successfully. The reserve has become a haven where flocks of cranes discover safety, often visiting to feed and interact with visitors, some of whom have formed bonds with injured cranes, choosing to stay and breed at the sanctuary. Many of the rehabilitated cranes that have healed from injuries shall be released back in the wild, however those with permanent injuries shall live in the reserve as their home.
All to know about Umusambi Conservancy Village : Amazing things to do at Umusambi Conservancy Village
Bird watching tours
Bird watching at Umusambi Village offers a remarkable opportunity to observe a diverse range of avian species. In additional to the majestic cranes, the reserve is home to over 100 native and migratory bird species, making it one of the top destinations for birding in Kigali -Rwanda. The reserve boasts an extensive network of trails that provide access to various habitat such as grasslands, swamps, bushlands, and woodlands, allowing enthusiasts to spot a wide array of birds. Spending a full day exploring the birding trails during your safari to Umusambi Village can lead to encounters with numerous stunning birds, including the Trilling Cisticola, White-collard Olive back, African Firefinch, Purple-crested Turaco, Olive Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker, Black-shouldered Nightjar, Lesser Honeyguide, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Green-winged Pytilia, Brown Parrot, Black Kite, Tambourine Dove, Black-headed Weaver, Village Weaver, Lesser Stripped Swallow, Barn Swallow, White-headed Sawing, Spot-flanked Barbet, Malachite Kingfisher, Black-headed Gonolek, Woodland Kingfisher and Bare-faced Go-away-bird among others.
Children holidays
Murambi Village provides a range of engaging activities tailored for children, making it an ideal destination for small groups, schools or families. Visitors can enjoy fun-filled options like scavenger hunts, activity worksheets and colouring sessions. Additionally, there is the possibility to plan special activities ahead of time such as clay modelling, arts and crafts or tree planting.
Exclusive dawn and dusk tours
Umusambi conservation village also provides private dawn and duck tours or individuals or small groups seeking an exclusive experience. These guided visits outside of regular hours allows tourists to enjoy exceptional birdwatching in a peaceful setting, free from the presence of other visitors.
How to get to Umusambi Village Conservancy
Getting to Umusambi Village Conservancy in Kigali is straightforward. Located roughly eight minutes from Kigali Airport, Umusambi village is situated in the Crane Village area, making it an ideal starting or ending point for your visit to Rwanda. You can easily reach the village by car, taxi, or motorbike. Its strategic location along the road to Akagera National Park also makes it a convenient stopover for travelers heading to the park, offering a seamless travel experience within Kigali.
When is the best time to visit Umusambi Village Conservancy
The best time to visit Umusambi Village Conservancy is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to September. During this period, the weather is more predictable, making it easier to explore the Conservancy and observe the various bord species and wildlife. Visiting in these months also means fewer mosquitoes and a more comfortable experience overall. The rainy season, from October to may, can make access more challenging due to muddy paths and heavy rains, but it also brings lush greenery and active wildlife. Planning your visits around these times will ensure you enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the Conservancy at its best.
All to know about Umusambi Conservancy Village : Entrance fee to Umusambi village conservancy
The entrance fee for Entrance fee to Umusambi village conservancy is determined by visitor’s type. 20.000Rwf for International Visitors, 10.000Rwf for Resident visitors and 3.000Rwf for East African citizens. Children aged 2-16 pay 3.000Rwf, while those under 2 are admitted free. Additional fee applies for guided tours (15.000Rwf), binocular hire (3.000Rwf), and photography (non- commercial 50.000Rwf, commercial 150.000Rwf)
Umusambi village conservancy in Kigali offers a wonderful stopover for tourists heading to Akagera National Park or Volcanoes National Park. Visiting Umusambi village provides a memorable experience, allowing visitors learn bout the flora and fauna, and gain aa deeper understanding of the importance of wetland conservation and biodiversity. It’s a meaningful additional to any Rwanda wildlife safari or gorilla trekking adventure. For further details, feel free to contact Elephant Whispers Safaris or visit our website to discover more about your journey.
