Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park

Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park is a 121-hectare destination in Kigali that offers some of the most memorable trips in Rwanda. Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park was the first urban wetland to undergo restoration in Rwanda. The eco-park is a unique site that attracts visitors seeking tranquil atmospheres with plenty of biodiversity around them. Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park is open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

History of Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park?

Before it was transformed into an eco-park, the Nyandungu wetland was heavily affected by the impacts of sandmining, livestock overgrazing, and stone quarrying, among others. In 2016, the Rwandan government, through the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, launched a wetland restoration program for it. This was funded by the Rwanda Green Fund, with an aim to demonstrate how urban wetlands could play a role in combating flood risks and pollution.

The results indicate that the project was a success, indicated by a number of outcomes. One of them includes the rehabilitation of critical habitats. The wetland itself and the native fig forest were restored to almost their original states. At least 17,000 indigenous trees were also planted from 55 species of tree seedlings. Several gardens, ponds, walking paths, cycling paths, and other facilities, among others, were created in Nyandungu Wetland among others.

What to do in Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park?

Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park is a place to enjoy a variety of activities. Among them are,

Hiking

In Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park, you will get a captivating experience of traversing the eco-park on foot. Besides the serenity of the atmosphere, you benefit from having to flex your foot muscles. Moreover, you encounter so many birds and insects while hiking in the park. Hiking can be done in a group or as individuals.

Cycling

Your fitness levels can be further enhanced while cycling along the paths in Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park. There are mountain bikes in the eco-park that you could hire to enjoy a ride in a serene ecosystem inhabited by a number of unique flora and fauna. The crested crane, common bulbul, and cattle egret, etc, can be seen. Cycling tours are offered for a variety of ages.

Picnics

With many spots availed to visitors to enjoy a picnic, Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park is the perfect destination for this. The tranquillity in the eco-park is an opportunity for visitors living in urban centers to come for relaxation. Because it is spacious, groups, including families, can enjoy picnicking here.

Birding

Birdwatching excursions are available due to the tens of bird species available. You could opt for a guided birdwatching excursion. Birders and ornithologists get an unforgettable opportunity to identify the birds in the Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park throughout the year.

Education

With plenty of fauna and flora in the ecosystem, learning trips in the Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park are done. The eco-park is conveniently situated to be accessed by schools and organizations. The guides in the eco-park are knowledgeable enough to offer insight for everyone. Visitors can learn about the woodland and wetland habitats and the ponds around.

What is the cost of entrance to Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park?

The cost of accessing the eco-park differs between citizens and international visitors as follows;

Foreign non-residents: 5,000 Rwf

Foreign residents: 3,000 Rwf

Rwanda citizens/East African Community citizens: 1,500 Rwf

Biking tours cost only 7,000 Rwf

Scooter costs only 2,500 Rwf

How to reach the Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park?

Reaching the Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park is only possible by road transport. Since the eco-park is situated in Kigali, reaching there is quite easy because you can travel for only 12 minutes. The total distance covered by a vehicle is almost 5 km. You can hire a vehicle from a reputable tour operator like Standard Safaris. We offer a wide range of vehicles, including 4X4 safari land cruisers, sedan cars, salon cars, drones, and minibuses, etc.

Other activities to do in Kigali?

There are plenty of tour activities to enjoy in Kigali city besides a tour in the Nyandungu Urban Wetland Ecotourism Park. You could tour the Kimironko market, Inema Arts Center, Kigali Genocide Memorial, and Mount Kigali, etc. You could add the tours to the 3 main national parks in Rwanda. These include Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.