Umusambi Village in Kigali, Rwanda
Umusambi Village is a restored wetland sanctuary in Kigali, Rwanda, created to protect Grey Crowned Cranes rescued from the illegal pet trade. Located about eight minutes from Kigali International Airport and around 19 kilometres from the city centre, it offers walking trails, birdwatching, guided visits, and conservation learning in a quiet natural setting. The site is managed by the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association and serves both as a permanent home for cranes that cannot return to the wild and as an accessible nature stop for visitors spending time in Kigali
Grey Crowned Cranes at Umusambi Village
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, and numbers are recovering steadily. Additionally, organizations like the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) established Umusambi Village, which could not survive in the wild due to the injuries sustained during capture. At the sanctuary, these cranes receive rehabilitation and care, intending to release those able to recover back into their natural habitat. Many rehabilitated cranes are now thriving within 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, those with permanent injuries shall live in the reserve as their home.
Things to Do at Umusambi Village
Birdwatching and guided tours
Bird watching at Umusambi Village offers a remarkable opportunity to observe a diverse range of avian species. In addition 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 habitats 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’s activities and learning
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.
Dawn and dusk visits
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
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.
Best Time to Visit Umusambi Village
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 bird 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.
Entrance Fees and Visitor Information
The entrance fee for Entrance fee to Umusambi village conservancy is determined by the 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 3,000 RWF, 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)
