Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a world-class lodge that was conceived, built and operated by Governors Camp. In partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation (“AWF”) and its partner in Rwanda, the International Gorilla Conservation Program (“IGCP”), it was decided that ownership of the lodge would rest with a Community Trust to be set up specifically to receive rental and other income from the lodge, and to use that income to drive socio-economic development and conservation initiatives in the Kinigi area, which is adjacent to the Parc National des Volcans in North Western Rwanda.

A Community Trust, SACOLA, was established, business plans prepared, construction funds sourced and detailed architectural plans drawn up. In May 2006 all legal agreements were signed between Governors Camp’s Rwandese subsidiary, Governors Camp Rwanda Ltd, and SACOLA, and these agreements were indorsed by AWF / IGCP and the Organisation Rwandaise du Tourism et des Parcs Nationaux (“ORTPN”), the Rwandese Tourism and National Parks Authority. In June 2006 construction began, and the first clients were accommodated in mid-August 2007.

SACOLA began its socio-economic development programs and conservation initiatives in Kinigi, the area adjacent to the Parc National des Volcans, home of the Mountain Gorilla, in September 2007. It is believed that SACOLA’s programs will both improve the livelihoods of residents in the Kinigi area and contribute in a meaningful way to conservation and preservation of the Mountain Gorilla and its fragile habitat. SACOLA’s programs will also complement the excellent conservation work being done in the region by AWF (www.awf.org) and its local partner, IGCP (www.igcp.org).

Special thanks must also go to Gaylord and Kathy Layton of Tayside Associates LLC who were also instrumental in getting this landmark project off the ground.