Nyandungu Eco Tourism Park
The Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park is the first-of-its-kind recreational center located in the heart of Kigali. Nyandungu lies in the formerly degraded wetland which has been turned into an educational and recreational eco-park. It was opened to the public on 8th July 2022 making it the first of its kind educational and recreational park in Kigali, Rwanda.
The creation of Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park is aimed at restoring urban ecosystems and serves as a blueprint for other wetlands in Kigali and Rwanda at large. Over 17000 trees including 55 indigenous species occur in this eco-tourism center. Nyandungu covers 121 hectares and consists of a pope’s garden, medicinal garden, 5 catchment ponds, an information center, recreation ponds, a restaurant, and 10 km walkways plus bike lanes.
Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park operates from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, 7 days a week. Its launch makes it the single biggest addition to Kigali’s public green space. Urban wetlands play an important part in preventing flooding and reducing pollution. They offer refuge to distinct biodiversity and on the other hand, they protect lives and livelihoods.
The Nyandungu Eco-tourism Park offers an opportunity for residents and guests to Kigali city to explore and experience more about nature while in the city. It is part of the country’s efforts to harness eco-tourism to restore biodiversity and conserve urban wetland systems.
The Nyandungu Eco Park was funded by the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA). This was supported by the UK government, the Italian Government through the Ministry for Ecological Transition, and the UN Environment Programme. The 6-year project has restored the Nyandungu Wetland ecosystem and boosted the sustainable management of natural resources. Over 4000 green jobs have been also created.
Nyandungu eco-park is comprised of a 50-hectare forest, 62 species of local plants, and 100 bird species. Restoring the Nyandungu wetland to an eco-tourism center demonstrates Rwanda’s commitment to environmental protection.