Rwanda is undergoing a lot of growth, a concerted effort to improve their life for today and also in the future. While a lot of efforts are focused on basic needs, coming together as one people, and rebuilding after the genocide, some groups are looking at the land. How can they preserve some of their most precious resources and make them valuable in the long-term?

The Nyandungu Eco-Park was born from this very idea. Founded in 2016, this 160 acre project was to show how native wetlands, flora and fauna help to mitigate pollution and ecological disasters, such as flooding and landslides. They’ve been able to restore natural habitats and ecosystems, allowing the park to become self-sustaining.

In addition to being good for the environment, they have also created a space for the people. Integrating the needs of the land with the needs of the people has been a genius move. It is a very popular place for the locals to go. They can bike, hike, bird watch, have picnics, etc.

Overall, the park’s purpose is focused on 5 areas: Education and Research, Social and Recreation, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Growth, Financial Resources, and Environmental Protections.

Walking through a section of this park with one of its creators was inspiring and very enlightening. We got to learn about so many plants and their uses. Medicines, ointments, building materials, bug repellents, bee attractors, and so much more. He was very proud of what they have been able to accomplish in such a short period of time, with very good reason. Because of the success of this park, there are plans for other parks around the country.

Because one activity a day isn’t nearly enough, we pile back into the bus and head to the Kimironkon Market. This is the largest market in Rwanda. Holy chaos!! As you can imagine, a group of touristy looking tourists jumping off the bus certainly caused a commotion. Immediately, we were surrounded by about 20 potential ‘helpers’ ready to take us through the market so we wouldn’t get lost. Some in our group jumped on that chance, we decided against it.

The market is so colourful and loud. People yelling over other people yelling, hawking their product, advertising the freshest fruit, the best prices, the nicest fabrics, the most important cleaning supplies. The market itself is very large, but it is organized very nicely by products; fruit in one section, root vegetables in another, meat in another, household supplies in yet another, etc.

We were constantly asked to come and visit someone’s booth – vendors would run up to us and point it out, telling us that we really should by a mango from them, or see their one of a kind fabric. Unfortunately, we were not in the market (LOL) for anything. We walked through, enjoyed the vibe, smiled at the vendors and their cutie-patootie children, but just kept walking. Eventually, we were spit out the other side and didn’t feel the need to head back in.

Instead, we found a local pub/bar/restaurant (?), sat down and got ourselves a very nice, cold and refreshing beverage. Yep, the market was great and a definite must-do experience, but the ice cold cola was the highlight for me.