PHOTOS: Exploring the breathtaking Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park

Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park is nestled in the valley between Kimironko and Masoro-Bumbogo hill in Ndera sector, separating the districts of Gasabo and Kicukiro. The recently completed park sits on 120 hectares of surface area. Over the years, the highly degraded wetland was being used for different activities including agriculture and sand mining among other human activities, which were greatly affecting the ecosystem and thereby posing serious danger for surrounding livelihoods. But in 2016, the government embarked on the sustainable management of the natural resources in the wetland, as part of its efforts to preserve ecosystem and diversity. Over Rwf6billion has so far been invested in revamping this park. A view of the beautiful landscape and infrastructure inside Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park. Photos: Courtesy. Stepping into the park, you are first welcomed by well-built gates and pavements made up of natural stones at all entrances. Close by is the information centre where the visitor is taken through the different sections of the park. You are then welcomed by a medicinal garden which showcases indigenous and native plants that have been found to possess medicinal value. Next, is the Papal Garden, whose name is derived from the historic visit by Pope John Paul II to Rwanda in 1990. During his visit 30 years ago, it is at the same place that the Pope read his homily to Rwandans. It was at the time one of the largest open spaces in Kigali that could accommodate large crowds of people who had attended the religious ceremony. One of magnificent artificial ponds created in the park. In the park, The New Times also observed various water ponds located in the park named after different lakes in Rwanda including Muhazi, Kivu, Ruhondo and Ihema which provide a comfortable place for visitors to take a health break amidst the serene natural environment. The park is laden with different tree species which according to environmentalists, play a key role in minimizing floods which have been prevalent in the area. The diversity in species in the park, conservationists say, will also be vital for the academia who may go there to study different species available in the park. Since the conservation works to restore the area started, birdlife and diverse butterfly species have started thriving again in the wetland. Nyandungu cafe resto will provide snacks and refreshments to the visitors. Cranes and other bird species are increasing in the wetland and according to the park management, the site is currently home to more than 70 species of birds. The fig forest around the park also provides shade for the walkways stretching over eight kilometres and dedicated cycling paths that helps one to easily navigate the diverse park. This means that the visitor can walk, jog or cycle while enjoying the serenity of natural environment. There are also benches on which visitors can rest and interact as they breathe in the spectacularly clean air. A café resto has also been built in the area to provide snacks and refreshments to the users of the park. The park was developed by Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) in collaboration with different stakeholders. In an interview with The New Times, Juliette Kabera, the Director General of REMA, she said that the completion of this park is a symbol that conservation of the ecosystem does require more will than efforts. “Before renovating the area, it was a very dry environment, full of waste coming from the surrounding hills, but rehabilitating these streams, network of walkways, and picnic areas is a symbol that we are able to revive the ecosystem and conserve our own resources,” she said. Basil Karimba, the Managing Director of Afrilandscapes, a landscaping company that developed the area, highlights some of the expected impacts of the park in the local community. “Being in the area, it will support livelihood diversification and enhance income for local communities as well as providing education and research opportunities for the visitors,” he said. When The New Times visited the area, groups of young visitors were touring the park. They highlighted that they had never seen a park with this beauty anywhere else. “Honestly, I didn’t expect such a wonderful place like this before, with this fresh air that differentiates it from other places, it is a very suitable place to visit for relaxation,” said Tufaha Uwihoreye, a park visitor. “This really proves the beauty of Rwanda that promotes tourism,” she added. The park will be open to the public on December 1. The new park adds to Imbuga City Walk located in the Central Business District and Kigali Cultural Village on Rebero Hill among other recreational facilities. Over 70 bird species are present at the site. Nyandungu contains several waterponds

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PHOTOS: Exploring the breathtaking Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park