Kigali, named after a mountain, is Rwanda’s commercial hub and home to the majority of the nation’s influential governmental positions. Among the safest and cleanest cities in Africa is Kigali. It has one of the best general transport and road systems in all of Africa. A stroll around the city centre will reveal magnificent five-star hotels, upscale eateries, pubs, and nightclubs. Kigali has been chosen to host numerous significant international conferences due to its contemporary infrastructure, spotless streets, secure environment, and effective government. All of these accomplishments are astounding considering how devastating the 1994 genocide was for Rwanda. Paul Kagame, the president of the new administration, has reconstructed the nation to draw in tourists and investment.
In addition to its impeccable organisation, lovely hills, and cleanliness, Kigali enjoys year-round pleasant weather. Views of the city are best enjoyed from Mount Kigali and Jurapark. One can see all of the nearby hills, commercial districts, impoverished neighbourhoods, and residential regions from these key locations.
A Rwanda safari that includes activities like gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park, cultural tours, a game drive in Akagera National Park, visiting the breathtaking Lake Kivu, riding the Congo Nile trail, and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park may include a visit to Kigali City. Even though you can easily walk or ride a bike across Kigali, you will need a vehicle to see as many sights as you can. Your budget, general interests, and personal preferences will determine how many sites you visit. As long as the destinations are in Kigali, you have the option to have some landmarks omitted from your itinerary or to be taken to other interesting locations.
Places to visit during a Kigali City Tour
Kigali Genocide Memorial
The museum is situated on the same gravesite as 250,000 Tutsi victims of the 1994 genocide. To fully understand Rwanda’s recent tragic history and the enormous progress the nation has made towards development and healing, one must visit the museum, which houses documentation of the genocide. Examples of several global genocides are also on display in the museum. Thus, it aims to teach a crucial lesson about the damage that blind hatred may do. You can explore the museum on your own and it is free to enter. If you’d like, you can purchase an audio guide for $15. At the very least, give the visit two hours.
Nyandungu Eco Park
Kigali City’s Nyandungu Eco Park was likewise created from a rehabilitated swamp. The well-designed 10-kilometer walking and cycling pathways within the 121.7-hectare wetland and woodland park provide visitors a pleasant natural experience as they stroll or ride through the various eco-park ecosystems. This is yet another fantastic location in Kigali for birdwatchers, where they may spend the entire day on the birding trail and see a wide variety of native species. There are over 100 different bird species living in Nyandungu Wetland. There’s a sophisticated restaurant in the park where you may eat and enjoy the lovely views of ponds and bird-filled shrubs.
Nyamirambo Women’s Center
The Nyamirambo Women’s Centre is a cooperative run by women in the community that provides skills to other women in the area to help them advance socially and economically. The centre offers classes in sewing, computer literacy, cooking, basket weaving, and other handcrafts. You can schedule a class to participate in activities like cooking regional cuisine and weaving, or you can visit the centre to view the range of handcrafts created by the ladies.
Kigali Car Free Zone
There is a car-free zone that spans a full street in Kigali City’s Nyarugenge District, right in the middle of the bustling city. It’s a pedestrian-only area with nice places to stroll, relax, and browse for trinkets from craft stores. Frequently hosting exhibitions and events on weekends, this is a worthwhile destination to see during your trip to Kigali.
Kimironko Market
This is Kigali’s largest and busiest market, where nearly everything is offered, including clothes, fabrics, and food items. You shouldn’t skip this economic landmark off your itinerary for your day trip to Kigali. After having a talented tailor take your measurements, you can have a vibrant African garment produced for you in a few hours.
Kaplaki Handicrafts market
If you want to buy souvenirs made by hand, here is the place to go because it’s a sizable crafts market.
Hiking Mount Kigali
Hiking to Kigali’s highest peak allows you to take in expansive city vistas. The walk could take approximately two hours, beginning in the area of Nyambirambo. Or, you could just take a car to the top.
Kigali Conventional Center
Kigali City’s conference centre has come to represent the city. Every night, it features a new colour theme and an unusual pattern reminiscent of the traditional agaseke basket used in Rwanda. It’s a must-see nighttime extravaganza that is just amazing.
There is much more to explore in Kigali City and booking a Rwanda tour with us is the best way to see it all.