THE PROPOSAL

We have secured funding, through donations from several individuals, for construction of the first four Umurage Lodges to be built in Musanze and the acquisition of a wonderful site. We still need funding to build two more lodges, the staff accommodation, central kitchen and possible future restaurant; Donations for this final phase would be very welcome indeed. A detailed business plan has been prepared and the projections look very promising indeed. We intend to invite a small, select group of donors who are excited about being part of this innovative funding approach.

Once we have proved the viability of this project, we will be inviting philanthropic investors to consider funding lodges in the South East of Rwanda on the Ikirezi Farms, on Lake Muhazi, for visitors to Shyira itself, or in Kigali. Please remember that the whole purpose of this project is to provide funds for Rwandan villages.

We have had a draft estimate of a construction cost for each lodge of around £20k. At this stage it is only an estimate but we have raised enough for the site acquisition and permits (estimate £90k). We have a local engineer and have signed a contract with him to prepare documents for permits. and official fees for planning etc. The business plan is being continually refined and developed as our detailed research and consulting continues and is available to serious potential investors.

In the future, these iconic, cosy, catered lodges will be less than two hours driving apart and provide reliable, mid-priced and unusual accommodation across Rwanda. Marketing will focus on the recognisable and readily identifiable design features of the Umurage Lodge. Our first site is only 5 minutes from the Diane Fossey Gorilla Campus, designed by MASS architects, and the major tourist area in Rwanda for gorilla trecking.

Funding can be an outright gift which will provide maximum funds for starting village businesses or, if absolutely essential, donors or investors could possibly be paid, say, 5% interest once lodge rentals start generating income. In either case where the total build cost is covered, we anticipate the lodges will be owned by new charitable companies which we are in the process of setting up in the UK and Rwanda. We have also set up a trading company in Rwanda to buy the land and start the build process (The Umurage Development Company Ltd). It is intended that rental profits, after housekeeping, services, VAT and tax have been covered, will be sent to Shyira Village to start and develop new businesses. If personal circumstances make a return of donation essential we ask that at least a six month period is allowed for us to try and find a replacement donor.

Additional funds will also be required for the local engineer and architect’s fees, planning and building regulation fees and the housekeeper/cook accommodation, depending on the different areas in which we will be operating. Booking, servicing and housekeeping will be organised by The Umurage Development Company Ltd in Rwanda. We are receiving very welcome donations towards some of these infrastructure costs and any donations of any amount at all would be gratefully received.