Nyandungu Wetland is a biodiverse environment in Kigali City, it is a toppled cherry to enjoying nature in Rwanda, it used to be a formerly degraded wetland which has been restored and transformed into a lovely Eco-park, the vast lush green ecosystem boats fast developing woodlands, marshy swampy areas, forest, ponds and small streams running at the bottom of the wetland area. The region stretches to about 120 hectares of land approximately combining both the wetland area and the forest, in the same premises are picnic areas,a restaurant, and networking walkways to enable access, and the swamp was opened to the public recently in 2022.
There are native tree species were reintroduced to the eco-parkabout 55 traditional species were planted of the 17,000 tree species,and aquatic species, provide many habitats to birds from several regions of the country, there are about 200 species that have been recorded in the biodiverse environment, it is the perfect way to start a birding safari experience in Rwanda,popular sites of birds, include yellow-throatedtinkerbird, weavers, sunbirds, ground hornbill, crows, kingfishers, bee-eaters, cisticolas, pelicans, ground hornbillsamong other bird species.
There are several reasons why the authorities decided on marinating the wetland area, for example, the aim is to attract several other species including bird-protected conservation areas of Rwanda, to raise awareness of wetland conservation, and to promote local wetlands. This and many more wetlands of Rwanda are in the process of being restored for the main purpose of conservation, sustainability, and restoring urban ecosystems.
Things to do at the eco-park include birding, it is a great destination to begin your birding experience, expect to enjoy birds singing swiftly in the air, to perfectly enjoy the birding experience it is advisable to carry long-sleeved shirts and trousers, good cameras, binoculars, to mention a few., guided nature walks led by experienced guides of the wetland area, who are very knowledgeable of the many tree species and birds that have been introduced to the ecosystem. The wetland features walkways perfect for Cycling and walking tours.
Activities are done from morning at 6:00 am until evening time at 6:00 pm, hence it runs for only 12 hours of the day, it was initiated by the Rwanda Development Board together with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority. Nyandungu Eco-Park is the very first of its kind in Rwanda for public use and recreation. The park is a perfect gateway for family adventures.
For travellers to the Volcanoes National Park on their gorilla, trekking experiences visiting the eco-park is an ideal destination to enhance your Rwanda safaris, it is also possible to begin or end your journey from Akagera National Park for wildlife species of Rwanda, the park is the only savannah park to see the so-called big five of the wildernesses.
While doing the Kigali city tour, visits can be combined with those to the Kigali genocide memorial, Umusambi village for birds, visit the Kigali of course the newest of events in the country.