RWANDA – KIGALI CITY TOUR

THINGS TO DO IN KIGALI;

Genocide Memorial Centre:

The Genocide Memorial Centre is regarded as one of the best museums in Africa. Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which was fully opened in 2004, is a must for all visitors to Rwanda. The memorial commemorates the bravery, the strength and unmatched struggle of the people of Rwanda and also is the burial site of the victims of the Genocide of 1994. A trip to this memorial center is not only an educational experience that will offer you a thorough insight into the country’s painful past but also offers a truly moving experience. You simply cannot appreciate this beautiful country and its friendly people if you haven’t visited this memorial center.

Nyamata Genocide Memorial:

About 10,000 people were killed in the church compound from April 14-16, 1994. Today, the victims’ clothing and personal belongings are piled up on every single pew in the church, and the altar has a machete on it, as well as a rosary in a glass box. The single underground chamber has been turned into two formal crypts, which hold the bodies of 41,000 people. Visitors can enter both of the crypts with a guide, although many will probably prefer not to be underground in an unlit chamber with skulls piled on four layers of shelves all around them.

Ntarama Genocide Memorial:

The church’s interior is now stacked with the clothes of victims, similar to Nyamata, although it’s actually even eerier because a good deal of the clothing is hanging from the rafters near the doorways. There are also two sets of large metal shelves, at the front and back of the church, which hold the skeletons and personal belongings (ID cards, jewelry, toys, etc.) of a number of victims from the site. Outside of the church, a memorial garden is being created, with a wall of names being inscribed.

Kandt House and Natural History Museum:

This museum is dedicated to Dr. Richard Kandt, a German doctor and explorer who embarked on an exploration of Rwanda in 1897, searching for the source of the Nile River. His residence at the base of Mount Kigali has been converted into the Natural History Museum, Rwanda’s first and only museum dedicated to the natural sciences. It’s not as impressive as your average natural history museum, but visitors can still learn a lot about the country’s flora and fauna, geology and biological history. The idea being that it is only through the knowledge of the nature we live in that our behavior and understanding will change.

Presidential Palace Museum – Kanombe/ Kigali:

The palace served as home to Juvenal Habyarimana and Pasteur Bizimungu during the 1970s up to the late 1990s. The Presidential Palace Museum is one of the new museums in Kigali. It gives visitors a chance to visit the former state house as well as gain an overview of Rwanda’s history; one can also visit some of the flight debris of the FALCON 50 presidential plane that went down on 6th April 1994.

Walking Tour of Nyamirambo:

Nyamirambo is my favorite part of Kigali. It’s filled with character and the streets are almost always bustling with people – unlike the rest of the city’s sleepy streets. It’s where many of Kigali’s Muslims live and it also houses lots of lively bars that seem to be open and busy any time of the day. A group of ladies from the Nyamirambo Women’s Center have created a walking tour around their neighborhood visiting a hair salon, tailor, and a local house to help make lunch. The money goes towards supporting the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre.

Visit an Art Studio:

The art scene in Kigali is small but growing. Ivuka and Uburanga are two of the more established galleries. Spend an hour or two looking through their galleries – watching the artists’ work is something art lovers must do.

Souvenir Shopping: Kigali isn’t exactly a shopping mecca but you’ll probably want to pick up a few souvenirs. Cooperatives are a good place to grab baskets, poo paintings, carvings and all things Rwandese. The main souvenir place is called Caplaki, it’s large, but every stall seems to sell the exact same things. Kimironko market also sells touristy crafts. If you’re into markets, though, this is the place to go. If you’re looking for something really nice items that are a bit more upscale and unique and crafted by talented local artisans then check out the Azizi Life Boutique located at the Heaven Restaurant.

Sunset Moto Ride:

It’s probably smart to avoid motos as much as possible, but enjoying a sunset from the back of a moto offers you incredible views of the city!

Brochettes: Meat on a stick… you can’t really go wrong and Rwanda does it well. I’d recommend getting a bit adventurous and wandering into a local restaurant that serves brochettes with bananas, chips or potatoes. Or if you want meat on a stick prepared in a more fancy way in a more formal setting then try Republika for an added bonus of large half carafes of wine, good music, and a nice atmosphere.

Eat a Giant Fish: There are some really great local places in Nyamirambo that will serve you a giant fish that you then proceed to rip apart with your bare hands, sharing along with friends. It’s a giant fish, it’s tasty, it’s fun, it’s cheap! We’d recommend checking out the Green Corner or if you want a better view, head further up the hill to Panorama Ten to Two.

Climb Mount Kigali:

It’s more of a hill but it’s still impressive and makes for a really nice few hours worth of walking. There are several paths up and a bar at the top of the steep part so you can stop in for a well-deserved cold beer before continuing on along the top of the mountain.