Umusambi Village Visit
Umusambi village is a place for protection and conservation of Umusambi. Umusambi stands for “grey crowned crane” in Rwandan language “Kinyarwanda”. With its scientific name “Balearicaregulorum”. Due to its illegal trade and its habitat reduction the government of Rwanda has put in place measures to protect these endangered species.
The grey crowned cranes have been kept in captivity by hotels and some families which put them at risk of dying as they were malnourished and their wings were broken to prevent them from flying. They do not breed and die prematurely. In an effort to protect them, the government started identifying those that are held captive in different locations and are taken to a designated sanctuary in a natural wetland for rehabilitation and further care and treatment, in a place known as Umusambi Village. So far Around 242 out of 319 grey crowned cranes have been rescued and taken back to their sanctuary.
Umusambi village is a beautiful restored wetland of 21 hectares reserve purposely restored to accommodate grey crown cranes and offer occasions for visitors who like birding to Umusambi Village visit to enjoy the walking trails and learning the conservation ways of protecting the environment. The grey crowned cranes are birds with a very good looking that attracts people with their good coloring and good at seeing. As these birds have been disabled as a result of captivity they are no longer flying and only stay moving in the same place which gives occasion to visitors to see them easily.
Umusambi village visit is one of the memorable events that one would wish to have when in Rwanda. During the visit one will be able to learn about the plants and wildlife around to understand how important it is to protect wetlands areas and to promote biodiversity.
While you are doing the Kigali City tour, we advise you to combine it with the Umusambi Village visit as it is worth visiting. The village also has activities designed with children in mind to help them connect with nature and learn about their environment. The Umusambi village visit is easier as it is accessible by car either a private drive or using public transport. It can also be an opportunity for a walk as it is in a walking distance from Kigali on the way from the Kigali International Airport. It can also be combined with the visit to Akagera National Park for game drive either on the way going or when back as last excursion.
The Umusambi Village visit is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm the last entrance being at 4 pm. Also exclusive early morning or evening tours are available on request. The visiting fees to visit Umusambi Village is only 17 $ for adults and 4 $ for children between 2-16 years. These fees are returned to the conservation and running costs of the village. Special offers are reserved for Rwandans and adult residents in Rwanda. For more details and facilitation of your tour and Umusambi village visit just contact Rwanda Eco Company and safaris to organize this tour on your behalf.
