The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), in collaboration with the Rwanda High Commission in Singapore, have marked a unique collaboration with the Mandai Wildlife Group as the naming partner for the Rwanda Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa aviary at Singapore’s Bird Paradise. The event was held alongside the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia Pacific.

Launched in 2023, Bird Paradise is located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a world-leading wildlife and nature destination. The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is home to four other iconic wildlife parks – Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari and the newly opened Rainforest Wild Asia, alongside other nature-themed indoor attractions and green public spaces. The destination offers opportunities for meaningful encounters with wildlife that foster education and appreciation for wildlife, and inspire a deeper connection with the natural world.

At 1.55 hectares, Rwanda Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa is the largest aviary in Bird Paradise, where over 800 birds reside, including numerous species of African starlings, pigeons, turacos and hornbills.

Modelled after the forested valleys of continental Africa, the aviary features elements inspired by Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, such as a canopy walkway that offers different vantage points of the birds’ densely forested home. The partnership provides Rwanda with a valuable platform to showcase its rich biodiversity to an international audience, raise awareness of conservation efforts, and position the country as a must-visit luxury, eco-tourism destination. Visitors to Bird Paradise have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an experience inspired by Rwanda’s iconic Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a sanctuary for chimpanzees, rare primates, and more than 300 bird species.

“We are very proud to partner with Mandai Wildlife Group to showcase Rwanda as a leading eco-tourism destination and inspire conservation the world over. This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening international ties, promoting sustainable tourism, and sharing the story of Rwanda’s natural treasures with a global audience,” said Irene Murerwa, Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board.

The collaboration with Mandai Wildlife Group is a unique component of Rwanda’s global tourism growth strategy. By offering a glimpse of the Nyungwe experience at one of the world’s leading wildlife destinations, Rwanda is bringing its story of conservation and natural beauty to new audiences, inviting them to experience its wonders firsthand.

By sharing the spirit of Nyungwe in Singapore, Rwanda is enabling more people to connect with nature, learn about Africa’s ecological richness, and appreciate the importance of preserving it.

“The Mandai Wildlife Reserve serves as a window into the wild, fostering meaningful connections between people and wildlife to inspire a stronger commitment to protecting nature. With the steadfast support of visionary partners like the Rwanda Development Board and Rwanda High Commission, we are empowered to share compelling conservation stories that resonate across borders. Together, we show how international collaboration can nurture a shared love for nature and a united commitment to its protection,” said Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, Deputy CEO of Life Sciences & Operations and Chief Life Sciences Officer, Mandai Wildlife Group.

The event at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve brought together conservation experts, travel industry leaders, and media to experience a taste of Rwanda’s natural heritage and build new connections that will further position Rwanda as the ‘Heart of Africa’ and a top destination for luxury eco-tourism.

Media Inquiries

• Rwanda Development Board Communications, at communications@rdb.rw.
• Rudakemwa Sangano, Communications Specialist, Rwanda High Commission in Singapore, at srudakemwa@embassy.gov.rw.

Click here to learn more about Rwanda Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa.

Click here and here to learn more about visiting Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda.