Primarily restored to combat the profound impacts of flooding at Nyandungu wetland due to runoff water that flows from the areas of Rusororo, Kimironko, Remera, and the vicinity, Nyandungu Eco Park has revolutionized to become a den of tranquility for city dwellers.
Open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, 7 days a week, this sanctuary’s innovative environmental ethos, a blend of ecological preservation and community engagement, ranks high on must-visit places in Kigali, attracting over 6,000 persons a month.
According to Peace Izamukuza, the park manager, their guests are charmed mainly by the scenic nature cycling, scooting, and walking trails apt for keep-fit pursuits, recreational ponds, lush gardens for socializing and events, in addition to the various species of flora and fauna.
Nonetheless, Peace admits there are still visitors who walk into the park without the faintest idea what to expect.
Similarly, there are some who, regardless of frequenting the park, never exhaust the nuances and hidden gems this serene oasis tucked in Rwanda’s capital has to offer.
“There’s a lot tourists can do at Nyandungu Eco- Park,” remarked Peace in an interview with SENS magazine, highlighting ‘socialization’ as one of the main objectives of the formerly degraded wetland.
“We want Nyandungu eco-park to be family-friend oriented. A place where all groups of people feel comfortable and safe coming,” she remarked, stressing their commitment to confronting any threats, whilst hinting at upcoming developments for the park: children’s play area, Ecolodges, connecting board walks, more restaurants, among others, to further strengthen that goal.
Nyandungu eco park sits on 121 hectares, accessed through gate ‘A’, on your way from Kabuga, or gate ‘B’, for those driving in from Remera. Whichever, an astounding moment as you step into the serenity of the picturesque walls of the park is a guarantee.
The park is divided into five sectors; primarily for seamless navigation in the park and two, because each sector holds unique features from the other.
Currently, only 3 of the sectors are accessible by guests: 3,4, and 5, since restoration actions are still in the first phase, albeit enough for a well-deserved getaway from the city’s tumultuousness.
Within the premises, are countless seats for tourists to unwind as they savor their favorite drinks or eats purchased from either the park’s ambient restaurant or the recently added elegant stalls.
The benches are also perfect for bookworms who would like to catch up from where they left off during their morning reads, and the groove fanatics. Not to mention the lovey-dovey, who would rather hold their couple’s dialogues in the middle of trees and birds to admire their infatuation.
As per Ann Nyambura, a tourist from Kenya who recently visited the park, the canopy in sector 3, a 1 km creation of Asian bamboo erected at either side of the cycling trail, is the ideal place for lovers to take a knee and pop THE QUESTION. “The setting gives wedding vibes, not even those with gamophobia can resist the urge.” she said.
Luckily, this area is among the many within the park, where social events such as wedding proposals, conferences, outdoor meetings, and networking events are held. “The perks about holding an event in the bamboo area are it’s readily available, beautiful scenery that doesn’t require much decoration and the natural shelter,” said Peace, the park manager.
In the same vicinity, is the pope’s garden, the holy land where Pope John Paul II officiated a mass during his visit to Rwanda in 1990. Splendid with white and yellow flowers–symbolism for the catholic flag–, approximately 50 individuals can delight in nature at this spot, whether as event guests, a family get-together, or for a Christian fellowship to have Bible study.
Furthermore, the spot is best-loved for keep-fit enthusiasts who prefer fresh air to the AC in the gym for yoga and meditation sessions.
Farther away are ponds: Muhazi and Kivu are engulfed in gardens with sitting capacities of 200 and 400 respectively. Besides events, these are ideal for picnics and holiday getaways, as they radiate the tranquil and peaceful feeling of a lake. In addition, they are the perfect spot for sunset and sunrise views, says Peace.
Peace however stresses that although Nyandungu eco-park has turned out to be the epitome of calm, peace, and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, environmental conservation remains their cornerstone.
“Whilst we want our visitors to relish their stay in the park, it’s vital we don’t endanger the ecosystem,” she explained.
For Instance, there are multiple dustbins assembled along the trails for waste deposition. These are painted green–for biodegradable waste like paper bags and brown/black–for non-biodegradable waste like plastic bags.
Additionally, only low-impact activities are permitted inside the park. These include cycling, use of electric scooters, hiking, picnics, and others that leave the environment ‘undisturbed’.
For events, Peace emphasizes the need to book in advance for effective preparations. She notes that the frequency of public gatherings is highly regulated and there are guidelines for people to follow. Among these are: plastic tents, bottles, foils, or bags are not permitted, as loud music and smoking.
“The restoration was aimed at getting back all the water, plants, animals, and birds. The more we have life in the wetland, the more it is functional, hence the restrictions.”
Sylvere Kuradusenge, a tour guide at the park further echoes the park’s commitment to environmental conservation when he explains the reason behind the elegant stalls that ‘welcome’ guests to the park.
“The color of the roof–green paint and wooden soffit and fascia depicts a tree; hence birds can rest atop without fear. The igneous wall on the other hand portrays stones–not a threat to biodiversity, while the design of the downspout is intended to reduce the pressure of rainwater from digging holes within the park.”
Moreover, besides recreational ponds, there are drainage channels and catchment ponds for trapping excessive water from neighboring villages. These are coupled by an assembly of different trees and shrubs, as well as bamboo whose roots are renowned for extensive water absorption, thus curbing flooding in the neighboring areas.
Nyandungu Eco Park is managed by QA Venue Solutions on behalf of the Government of Rwanda represented by Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) and Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA).
The park is Rwanda’s first and largest urban wetland turned Eco- Park, rehabilitated to curb the impacts of land degradation, flooding and pollution. Present day, the park serves roles varying from biodiversity conservation to tourism, recreation, and educational purposes.
For sustainability, Peace accents the need to boost touristic activities at the venue through innovative projects. Thus, shortly, facilities like a canopy–connecting sectors 1 and 2 to 3,4,5 will be constructed to add to the park’s beauty with hopes of attracting more guests.
Similarly, a kid’s playground, eco-lodges, and art and culture compartments, among others are on the way.
“We want to have Nyandungu as one of the biggest tourist areas,” said Peace, “As we preserve nature, we want people to have a variety of activities to do whilst they learn. Hence, 43 more hectares-off the wetland (to ensure more construction that is eco-friendly), was acquired purposely for that cause.”
