Menu
Menu
Rwanda is a small republic and has a modern capital, Kigali City, at the center of it. It is from here that the road network of the beautiful country radiates outwards like spokes on a wheel. This is why most of our Rwanda Safaris occasionally have a night here as part of the travel plan/ itinerary. Kigali City is a pleasant one, spread over several hills and the city has enough for a visiting tourist. Things to do that can keep you occupied for days. You can walk around, and visit the city bars, cafes, and local restaurants.
First to notice for those that arrive as first-timers in Rwanda’s capital is that Kigali city is spotlessly clean for any African City. Plastic bags were banned and every last Saturday morning (8- 11am) of every month a universal activity- Umuganda is done by the communities everywhere in Rwanda to keep the country and the city streets clean. So when you visit Rwanda/Kigali have it in mind that during Umuganda many shops, businesses, hotel staff, and others are closed in the mornings for activity. If you don’t mind it is something you can engage in to know more about the locals. If makes you feel one of them.
To do in Kigali
Shopping in Kigali
Kigali is a fast developing metropolitan and has attracted several smart shopping malls. These have chic boutiques and coffee shops. But for more authentic stuff, you can take a stroll around one or two of the lively markets like the Kimironko Market in the neighborhood of Remera. The market has an extraordinary abundance from spices, vegetables, and foodstuff, among others, the Cootrac with stalls that sell had crafts, Centre Marembo, Nyabugabo, Caplaki, and Aziz Life Boutique, all of these will welcome you with great Friendliness. They will give you curios and souvenirs to take home after your Holiday in Rwanda.
The Nyamirambo Area is the most vibrant quarter of Kigali city. This is an alternative to seeing a vibrant Rwanda. The area hosts excellent barbers, tailors, and the nightlife is here (Bars and Cafes). So when visiting here during the night, as in any city, take care. During the day you can take a walk offered by Nyamirambo Women’s Centre and tour the neighborhood, visit their craft shop, and take a typical Rwandan meal and the local market.
The Museums and the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Kigali’s museums include the State House Museum & the Natural History Museum (Kandt House Museum). All these are worth visiting when you are in Kigali. These have superb views and exhibits, the Kandt House Museum is one of Rwanda’s best and is believed to be the first House in Kigali and the residence of the explorer Richard Kandt in 1907. It looks over the city sprawl.
The city’s well-kept and perhaps the city’s best-known landmark is the insightful and state of art Kigali Genocide Memorial which stands amidst beautiful rose gardens and fountains. The Genocide memorial sets out the past preceding the genocide in Rwanda after 1994 and also explains other genocides around the world. It includes the displays of victims’ photographs and belongings, bringing the realities of the atrocities to life. This might seem like a usual tourist attraction but it can be upsetting at times. It helps bring out and explain the context of the causes of the genocide and makes you appreciate how far from the dark past Rwanda is and has intervened for years. It also plays a key role in teaching the new generation of Rwandese about the history of this beautiful destination.
You can also visit the Campaign against Genocide Museum, Camp Kigali Memorial, the Rwanda Art Museum, the Kigali recent changes to the Kigali convention center, the colorful building attached to Radisson Hotel, Visit the Presidential Palace or the Inema Arts Centre.
