We have purchased a 6 hectare (approx. 14 acres) plot of Eucalyptus forest in Ruhengeri (now Musanze) where we are constructing Ikoro Tented Camp.  It's located 1.7km (a mile) from the centre of town and directly accessible from the main road leading to the Uganda border.  The Parc Nationale des Volcans headquarters is located a short drive from here.

Elegant Africa, the Community and Nature

RE-INTRODUCTION OF INDIGENOUS VEGETATION

ORTPN and various conservation bodies have offered their expertise and resources to assist us in the re-introduction of indigenous vegetation at Ikoro Tented Camp.

This will include the assessment of soil types and altitudinal factors that determine the type of indigenous vegetation. The process will include establishing which plants to re-introduce well in advance of the opening date.   In some cases, plants like banana trees will be retained to keep true to the character of the area.

EMPLOYMENT

Staff

Ikoro Tented Camp will employ about 110 (working in various shifts) people each in positions ranging from managers, through restaurant and administrative staff to maintenance and general labour. People living in the immediate vicinity of the establishment will be given first opportunity for employment.   Staff training will be on-going and realising one of our company objectives of increasing the skills level of the communities we work with.

Guides

People from the neighbouring communities will be trained as guides to take clients on walks in the hills and through local villages with an opportunity to sample local meals and interact with the community.

People from the community at Lake Ruhondo currently using local style canoes for transport between the islands on the lake, will be trained to conduct professional canoe safaris. These safaris will range from a few hours to overnight trips with guests staying at local villages on the shores of the lake and/or on one of the islands.

Supplies & Services

Local subsistence farmers will be encouraged to supply us with our daily requirements of fresh fruit and vegetables. Liaison with these farmers and suppliers will also be one of the top responsibilities of the head chef and the cooks under him. 

Ikoro Tented Camp will also source local transport operators for our clients and through evaluation of vehicles, raise the quality of this service in the area.