Jungle Park

Jungle Park

Our Impact in Numbers

Jobs Created:

25+ local jobs for youth have been created through Jungle Park (and counting).

Trees Planted:

1,000+ indigenous trees planted around Mount Kigali as part of our reforestation commitment.

Children Supported:

150+ children reached through educational programs and resources in our community.

Our Foundation’s Initiatives:

1. Youth Employment & Skills Training:

We believe in uplifting local youth by providing employment opportunities and hospitality training. Jungle Park prioritizes hiring young men and women from neighboring areas and training them in various roles, from tour guides to restaurant staff. We also run an internship program that equips Rwandan youth with skills in ecotourism, language, and customer service. By empowering the next generation with good jobs and professional development, we’re fostering economic growth and helping young people build meaningful careers without having to leave their communities.

2. Early Childhood Education Support:

Early education is crucial for long-term success. That’s why the Jungle Park Foundation partners with nearby Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers to support young children. We provide resources such as learning materials, playground equipment, and nutritional support for preschoolers in the local villages. Our staff volunteers regularly at these centers, reading stories, playing games, and helping teachers. In addition, a portion of our proceeds goes toward improving facilities and funding scholarships for kids as they graduate to primary school. We are proud to see children thriving and starting their educational journey strong, with a little help from Jungle Park.

3. Local Sourcing & Cultural Inclusion:

Jungle Park is committed to boosting the local economy and celebrating Rwandan culture. We source as many products and services locally as possible, from furniture handcrafted by Rwandan artisans, to produce and coffee from local farmers, to toiletries made by women’s cooperatives. This not only creates jobs and income for the community but also gives our guests an authentic taste of Rwanda. We invite local cultural performers for weekly entertainment (traditional dance and music), and display local art throughout the resort. By weaving culture into our guest experience, we honor the heritage of our host community and ensure that tourism dollars circulate close to home.

4. Women’s Empowerment & Leadership:

Empowering women is a cornerstone of our foundation. We champion women’s leadership by maintaining a high ratio of women in our staff and management, and by offering mentorship programs. Jungle Park supports women-led businesses, whether it’s sourcing organic soap from a female entrepreneur or featuring handicrafts made by women’s collectives in our gift shop. We also conduct workshops for local women interested in hospitality careers, covering topics like financial literacy, language skills, and management training. Our goal is to help more women gain confidence, secure good jobs, and even move into leadership roles within Jungle Park and the wider tourism industry.

Sustainable Design & Green Practices

Our retreat was built sustainably from the ground up. We utilized natural and locally-sourced building materials whenever possible, including volcanic stone, earth wool insulation, and rich hardwood from local certified suppliers. The architecture is designed to blend with the landscape (you’ll notice our lodges tuck neatly among existing trees). We implemented rainwater harvesting and water reuse systems to conserve water, as well as solar panels that provide clean energy for lighting and heating. Every element from architecture to landscaping is guided by respect for the forest, ensuring that luxury and sustainability go hand in hand. In our day-to-day operations, we follow rigorous green practices. We minimize waste by composting organic scraps (which in turn nourish our gardens) and by recycling paper, glass, and plastics. Single-use plastics are virtually eliminated on-site; you’ll find reusable glass water

Working at Jungle Park helped me gain the skills and confidence to pursue a career in tourism," says Eric, a graduate of our hospitality training program and now a full-time lodge guide. Eric started with us as an intern two years ago; today he leads nature walks and assists in guest services.
Eric
Hospitality graduate
Our children now have a safe space to learn and play, thanks to Jungle Park’s support," says Jeannette, a teacher at a nearby ECD center that the foundation supports. Jungle Park donated learning materials and helped build a new playground at Jeannette’s school
Jeannette
Parent
Our children now have a safe space to learn and play, thanks to Jungle Park’s support," says Jeannette, a teacher at a nearby ECD center that the foundation supports. Jungle Park donated learning materials and helped build a new playground at Jeannette’s school
Jeannette
Parent