Ideally situated in the middle of Rwanda, Kigali spreads across a landscape of rolling hills and deep valleys providing excellent road connectivity to the rest of the country. This vibrant yet tranquil capital city is a home to just over a million residents. It is known for its dynamic growth and progressive spirit.
First-time visitors to Kigali’s bustling, colorful center often remark on the city’s cleanliness which is a source of national pride. The streets are meticulously maintained by communities which reflect a collective commitment to cleanliness and order.
Kigali is relatively young city, established as an administrative outpost in 1907 and becoming the capital at Rwanda’s independence in 1962. Previously Rwanda capital city was Huye. The city’s broad, tree-lined boulevards and pristine squares invite leisurely strolls where visitors are left to their own devices but warmly assisted when needed.
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A burgeoning art scene and an increasing array of dining and drinking options that offer panoramic views, add to Kigali’s charm. The Kigali Cultural Village provides a dedicated space for local artisans and food vendors to showcase and sell their goods reflecting the city’s cultural richness.
Rapid development is evident in Kigali with new shopping malls, office buildings and the prominent convention center illuminating the night sky from atop one of the city’s many hills. The central business district is located on Nyarugenge Hill while the government and administrative quarter is on Kacyiru Hill.
Nyarutarama Lake, also known as Lover’s Lake, lies adjacent to an 18-hole golf course in one of Kigali’s main valleys. The peaceful track around the lake offers an excellent urban nature walk which provide opportunities to observe some of Rwanda’s incredible bird species.
A visit to Kigali is incomplete without a stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This historical site that is dedicated to education and peacebuilding, honors the memory of more than one million Rwandans killed in the 1994 genocide. The memorial’s three permanent exhibitions and burial gardens serve as a powerful tribute to the victims and a vital educational resource for visitors.
Kigali’s blend of modernity and tradition set against a backdrop of natural beauty and historical significance makes it a compelling destination. Its rapid growth and development coupled with a deep sense of community and cultural pride create a unique and inviting atmospheres for all who visit.
Top Attractions to Enjoy on a Kigali City Tour
Kigali Genocide Memorial Center
When you visit Rwanda’s capital city, one important place to see is the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. This center remembers the tragic events of the 1994 genocide. The Memorial holds the remains of about 250,000 people who were killed. The killers were called the Interahamwe who were Hutu extremists.
The center is divided into three parts. The first part is for the children who died in the genocide. The second part is for the adults who were killed. The third part shows information about other genocides that happened in different parts of the world.
When you visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, you will learn a lot about what happened before, during and after the genocide. You can watch short videos about the events or listen to guides who know a lot about the history. The experience can be very emotional, but the main goal is to teach people about the horrors of genocide. This way, we can hope that such terrible events never happen again.
State House Museum
Another place to visit in Kigali is the State House Museum. This was once the home of Rwanda’s president. The last president to live there was Habyarimana whose plane was shot down and crashed in the palace compound which started the genocide. The former State House is now a museum where visitors can learn about the life of President Habyarimana and the events that led to the genocide. You can still see the wreckage of the plane in the compound.
The National Museum of Rwanda
Now known as the Ethnographic Museum, this site was built in 1989 and is in Butare town which is 80 kilometers away from Kigali. It is a favorite stop for tourists visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park. The museum offers opportunities to learn about the culture of the Banyarwanda and it is seven galleries showcase artifacts, photos, cultural tools and ancient items like pottery, instruments, traditional regalia and woodwork dating over 500 years. After exploring the gallery, you can watch Intore dancers entertaining guests.
Local Dance Performances
One of the best ways to understand the culture of Rwanda is by watching local dance performances. The Intore Dance Troupe is famous for their exciting and energetic dances. Many good hotels in Rwanda organize evening dance shows for their guests. The dancers tell folk stories and share parts of the Kinyarwanda culture and sometimes they even invite the audience to join in the dance.
Kimironko Market
If you want to see how local people in Rwanda live, you should visit Kimironko Market. This is the main market where everyone goes to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and food. There are many different products to see, and tourists can walk through the stalls to find what they like. One part of the market sells good quality second-hand clothes, shoes, handbags and suits. If you want to buy local fabrics or Kitenge at a good price, Kimironko Market is the place to go.
The King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza Town
Rwanda was once ruled by kings with the last ones being King Rudahigwa Mutara III and his successor, King Musinga Yuhi V. Conflicts with Belgian colonizers and lack of acceptance from all tribal groups led to the abolishment of the kingdoms. What remains is the palace in Nyanza which has been turned into a museum for visitors interested in learning about Rwanda’s past.
The palace was built during the reign of King Rudahigwa Mutara III with support from the Belgian government. If you are visiting the southern part of Rwanda or are on your way to Nyungwe National Park, be sure to stop at the museum. It has artifacts and information dating back over 200 years even though many of them were stolen or destroyed during the 1994 genocide. King Mutara and his wife, Rosalie Gicanda who was killed during the genocide are buried on a hill close to the museum.
Kigali Convention Centre
This center is one of the most prominent buildings in Kigali. Its architecture is very impressive, and it is well-known for hosting major conferences and meetings. Besides the conference hall, the facility also has a 5-star hotel known as Radisson Blue and large shopping centers. The Kigali Convention Centre is excellent for photography, shopping or having lunch. The center lights up at night in a way that is unmatched by any other building in the country.
Stay in Hotel des Mille Collines and Other Luxury Hotels in Kigali
This 5-star hotel was made famous by the movie “Hotel Rwanda” in 2004. The movie is based on the true story of a hotel manager who hid over 1,200 people in the hotel rooms during the 1994 genocide. Tourists love visiting this prestigious hotel not only because of its role during the genocide but also because of the quality of services offered.
It has 112 luxury rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant, a fitness center and more. Visit the hotel and count yourself among those who have visited the most famous hotel in Rwanda. Kigali also has some of the best accommodation facilities in East Africa. Other hotels to stay at while in Kigali include The Marriott Kigali Hotel, Grand Legacy Hotel, Obumwe Grand Hotel, Radisson Blue Hotel, 5 Swiss Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel, 2000 Hotel and Heaven Restaurant and Boutique Hotel, to name a few.
Mamba Club in Kigali
Are you wondering where to hang out in the evening or night while in Kigali? Mamba Club is a very popular recreation center for an evening of fun and mingling with the middle and upper class of Kigali. They organize different recreational activities like swimming, football, volleyball, billiards and ping-pong. Mamba Club has the city’s only bowling alley. Go with your family, colleagues or friends to Mamba Club and have an amazing time till late at night. The food is excellent, and drinks are served from a well-stocked bar.
Inema Art Center
The Inema Art Center is another interesting place to visit in Kigali. Two brothers started this center to support and promote local artists. Here, you can see some of the best contemporary art in Rwanda. The center also organizes workshops and training sessions for new artists especially orphans and those who are less privileged.
When you visit, you can tour the facility and shop for souvenirs in the galleries. The center also has dance performances by a resident Intore cultural group. You can buy art pieces at the Inema Art Center and have them shipped to you. After visiting Inema, you might also want to go to the Ivuka Arts Center to learn about their community projects and buy more art pieces.
Local Food Tasting
Rwandan food may not be at the top of anyone’s list of key attractions in the country, but it is still worth noting. The popular local cuisine combines the best that East Africa has to offer. Besides the fresh cow milk, you can try grilled meat, isombe, somboza, akabanga and various local brochettes. Urwagwa is a popular type of banana beer that locals enjoy after work or on weekends. All the high-end hotels and restaurants prepare local food, but Repub Lounge is a favorite for expatriates living in the area.
Nyamata Church
If you want to learn more about what transpired before, during and after the genocide in Rwanda, you must visit this church. About 10,000 Tutsis sought shelter in the church hoping they would be safe but were all killed by the merciless Interahamwe. The Hutu extremists used grenades to open the church doors before killing everyone inside. Visitors to the site can still see human bones, bloodstained clothes, and bullet holes in the church. About 50,000 people are buried in a mass grave outside the church.
Nyamirambo Women’s Center
This non-profit center is in the Nyamirambo district which is part of Kigali. It was founded to train women to acquire skills to create their own jobs or become gainfully employed. The women at the center are taught how to create quality clothing using local fabrics. They also produce home decoration products, beautiful beads and other souvenirs. The center organizes walking tours around the neighborhood for visitors who want to mingle with the local population. When you visit this center, ensure you purchase something to support the women.
Volunteer During Umuganda
One of the reasons for the remarkable cleanliness of Kigali is the monthly “umuganda” and a government ban on the careless disposal of plastic bags. Umuganda is a community service that is compulsory for all citizens in the country. It is organized every last Saturday of the month with the president participating.
Organizing committees from each neighborhood decide on what to work on each month. Tasks can include clearing litter on the roads, cutting unwanted grass or bushes, or repairing broken public facilities. After the work is done, everyone gathers to discuss other issues affecting the community. Umuganda has helped create a sense of togetherness and patriotism among the people of Rwanda – something very important but still lacking in many African countries. You can join in as a volunteer and help clean up a road, repair a house, school or medical center.
Helicopter Tour
Helicopter tours in Kigali are arranged by Akagera Aviation for those who want to get an aerial view of Kigali and the countryside. A helicopter tour can cost anywhere between $500 to $4,500 depending on the specific route. Regardless of which route you choose, expect to be rewarded with beautiful views of Rwanda’s 1,000 hills and the majestic Virunga volcanoes. Helicopter tours can also be arranged to Nyungwe National Park for amazing views of the vast forest and the Virunga ranges stretching to the Democratic Republic of Congo. All flights start and end in Kigali.
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