Nyandungu Ecotourism Park is set for a major upgrade, with plans to extend its cycling and walking trails from the current 10 kilometres to 15 kilometres, The New Times has learnt. ALSO READ: How Rwanda is faring in wetlands restoration The recreational space and wildlife habitat in the City of Kigali is set to be expanded by 43 hectares, from the current 121 hectares. It comprises 70 hectares of wetland and 50 hectares of forest, and is home to more than 62 indigenous plant species. “In the next two years, we plan to increase the cycling and walking distance from 10 kilometres to at least 15 kilometres inside the park by adding boardwalks and developing a longer walking trail,” its manager, Ildephonse Kambogo, told The New Times. ALSO READ: Is Gikondo recreational park finally coming to life? He added that more bikes, scooters and buggies are also planned for introduction this year. Animal species to be added “By the end of this year, we will have a feasibility study report showing the species and number of animals to be introduced in the park. In the next two years, we plan to introduce adventure tourism activities for children, families and other visitor categories, as well as engage the private sector in developing glamping and camping facilities,” Kambogo said. ALSO READ: Over 6,500 activities evicted from Kigali City wetlands. What next? Nearly 200 bird species that had migrated due to degradation have returned following the park’s rehabilitation. Yoga sessions and other wellness activities are also expected to be expanded. Visitor numbers to Nyandungu Eco Park rose from 48,813 in 2022 to 67,222 in 2023. It has also received a Full Star Award from Wetland Link International, recognising it as a top-tier Wetland Education Centre. This global accolade further boosts its visibility and conservation impact. ALSO READ: Over 20 per cent of Kigali city wetlands need rehabilitation 60 km of cycling trails in five wetlands Five other wetlands under restoration in Kigali will feature a combined total of over 60 kilometres of pedestrian and cycling paths. The Gikondo wetland will have 16.9 kilometres of trails, Rugenge Rwintare will have 15.5 kilometres, and Rwampara will offer 10 kilometres of pathways. The Kibumba wetland will have 9.8 kilometres of trails, while Nyabugogo will feature 9.3 kilometres. Engineer Martine Uwera, the project manager for the restoration of the five wetlands, said that solar energy will be used to light all pedestrian walkways and parking areas. ALSO READ: Fishing to feature in five Kigali wetlands after rehabilitation It is recommended that all pedestrian and cycling paths remain flat and be equipped with benches every 500 metres to ensure full accessibility. Rehabilitation work on the Rwampara wetland has reached 38 per cent, Gikondo is at 70 per cent, Rugenge Rwintare stands at 62 per cent, Kibumba at 76 per cent, and Nyabugogo at 59 per cent. The plan is to complete the works by December 2025, with their inauguration expected in 2026. ALSO READ: Fishing to feature in five Kigali wetlands after rehabilitation An initial study estimated that the full project would cost $82 million. However, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) reports that $36 million has already been mobilised for the first phase, with the second phase to be financed through private investment. The ongoing restoration of five urban wetlands, aimed at creating the 500-hectare Kigali Wetlands Park, has already generated 5,700 green jobs, 56 per cent of the total jobs held by young people, according to REMA.
