Following its restoration, Nyandungu Eco-Park welcomed 111,710 guests in 2025, up from 48,813 in 2022, in keeping with the park supervisor, Ildephonse Kambogo.
Over the identical interval, the variety of chicken species recorded within the park elevated from 83 to 251, whereas plant species rose from 260 to 468.
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Regardless of this development, Kambogo stated the park nonetheless presents vital untapped funding alternatives.
“The subsequent section of improvement unlocks vital industrial potential by means of fastidiously designed, low-impact investments that complement conservation whereas producing sustainable monetary returns. We invite potential traders to put money into Nyandungu,” he stated.
He outlined a number of initiatives accessible for personal funding.
1. Eco-lodge or eco-cabins
Kambogo stated the park may accommodate a 16- to 24-room eco-lodge or a cluster of eco-cabins with out compromising its pure atmosphere.
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The lodging could be constructed utilizing sustainable supplies, powered by renewable vitality and situated simply minutes from Kigali Worldwide Airport.
He stated a restaurant serving regionally sourced “farm-to-fork” meals would additional improve the customer expertise.
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“Any lodge constructed right here would draw on a visitor checklist that already exists: worldwide leisure travellers passing by means of Kigali, convention delegates extending their keep, home guests in search of a weekend escape, and birdwatchers planning journeys round a single morning or afternoon within the park. They’d merely want someplace to remain as soon as they arrived,” he stated.
2. Nature-based wellness centre
Kambogo stated the park already has the pure sources wanted to assist a wellness centre based mostly on indigenous herbs.
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“The herbs utilized in a nature remedy programme are already rising on website. So too are the tranquillity, shade from native timber and the calming impact of water. International tourism demand has shifted in direction of sustainability, genuine experiences, wellness, nature, journey and local weather resilience,” he stated.
3. Outside journey and sports activities hub
Whereas cyclists and runners already use the park's trails, Kambogo stated the leisure providing might be expanded.
He proposed out of doors health stations, team-building amenities, nature impediment programs, calisthenics, volleyball, basketball and mini-football, saying the additions would appeal to households, colleges, company teams and vacationers whereas creating year-round income alternatives.
4. Fly fishing expertise
The park can also be contemplating introducing fly fishing, permitting guests to catch fish earlier than having fun with them as a meal—an attraction Kambogo stated could be distinctive in city Rwanda.
Fly fishing makes use of light-weight synthetic flies that imitate bugs naturally eaten by fish.
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“Supported by ecological administration and environmental schooling, fly fishing has change into each a premium tourism product and a conservation consciousness instrument,” he stated.
5. Conservatory or eco-event venue
Kambogo stated the park may additionally host weddings and different occasions beneath its mature tree cover, providing a particular setting formed by ecological restoration.
“Nyandungu Eco-Park represents greater than a tourism funding. It is a chance to display how restored ecosystems can change into engines of financial development, local weather resilience, biodiversity conservation, neighborhood wellbeing and sustainable tourism,” he stated.
He added that the park filters and shops water, reduces downstream flooding, captures carbon and helps cool a quickly increasing a part of Kigali.
The park at the moment spans 121 hectares, comprising 70 hectares of wetland and 50 hectares of forest. It’s set to broaden by one other 43 hectares, whereas its biking and strolling trails will enhance from 10 kilometres to fifteen kilometres.
Kigali Wetlands Park funding alternatives
Past Nyandungu Eco-Park, rehabilitation of 5 different wetlands in Kigali is greater than 90 per cent full, paving the way in which for the Kigali Wetlands Park, which is predicted to generate vital eco-tourism income.
The Rwanda Growth Board (RDB) has invited companies to bid for the administration, financing, operation and industrial improvement of the park.
The 491-hectare challenge includes Nyabugogo (131 hectares), Kibumba (68 hectares), Rugenge-Rwintare (65 hectares), Rwampara (65 hectares) and Gikondo (162 hectares).
The restored wetlands are anticipated to offer flood mitigation, enhance water high quality, improve biodiversity, regenerate landscapes and provide 61.5 kilometres of strolling and biking trails.
Deliberate developments embody eating places, cafés, shops, wellness centres, occasion areas, parking amenities, sports activities fields, botanical gardens, fishing areas, kids's recreation amenities and cooking colleges.
Nyabugogo Wetland will function a central lake, vegetated islands, transport connections and leisure facilities, together with kayaking, lakeside eating places, meals vehicles and kiosks.
Gikondo Wetland will embody eating places, shops, occasion areas, environmental schooling amenities, a botanical backyard, sports activities fields, parking and public facilities.
Rugenge-Rwintare Wetland is deliberate to host a zipline, meals and beverage retailers, occasion areas, pond-side points of interest, a information hub and parking amenities.
Rwampara Wetland will function a cultural centre with a restaurant, artistic workshops, occasion areas and meals and beverage retailers close to the sports activities fields and Cercle Sportif de Kigali.
