inspiration
“We encourage guests to plant trees to participate in the restoration of this area. We want to leave the planet better than we found it. I want my children and their children to grab hold of this vision to see the wilderness of Africa thrive,” says Charles Nsabimana, a conservationist at Singita. Charles loves the diversity of this area, from the small flowers to the majestic volcanoes. “Nature is everything to human beings and wildlife. If we take care of nature, nature in return will take care of us.” And he is truly one with this place. Born at the base of Sabyinyo, he has always been connected to the landscape. He has witnessed the evolution of rainforest to community grazing and crop fields, and now leads its ongoing regeneration. Five years ago, there were just five species here. Now, 120 indigenous species and 350,000 trees thrive across the property.
And in the process of planting indigenous species and clearing alien ones, amidst ongoing efforts to care for the land, the cycle of renewal has taken on a life of its own. Simply by supporting its regeneration, nature has been allowed to take its course. Trees and plants have continued to seed themselves, creating a ripple effect – their spread gathering momentum as the seasons and years pass. Robert Mugabe, another resident conservationist, says that the Rwenzori turaco, a bird that usually remains within the borders of the forest, has been spotted in trees around the lodge. Tangible and colourful proof of this rewilding. The forest is coming. This is how Robert describes the gradual and welcome approach of the wilder landscape. “We are not separate from the forest anymore. When I see this forest growing, when I see the birds and the animals return, I feel happy. This is something worth seeing and showing. Good things are coming.”
Right Conservationist Robert Mugabe walks with guests through the property, pointing out all the ways it has regenerated.
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