Kigali City Tour
Kigali City is the capital city of Rwanda. It is also the largest City located in the heart of Rwanda and one of Africa’s cleanest Cities. The history of Rwanda dates back centuries, Kigali has been a part of it for over 100 years. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital City until Rwanda’s independence in 1962. When it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare. Today, Kigali offers a remarkable mix of rural and urban town over-flowing on contrasting hilly terrain. The City is usually the starting or the end point for most holiday tours to Rwanda. Kigali city inhabited by over one million people and divided into three districts. Which are; Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge.
About Kigali City
It is a modern city with well-maintained infrastructure and a fast developing skyline of high rising modern buildings. Kigali City is built on beautiful green highlands which characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape. The City is mostly renowned for her impeccable cleanliness, orderliness and safety, attributes. That are lacking in most African cities and also many of the World’s big cities.
The City Tour provides an in-depth look at Kigali, its past. As well as present guaranteeing you that experience of the lively Kigali City. Fortunately, Kigali, Rwanda’s capital is blessed with a moderate climate all through the year, it is as well a lively commercial center of the Country. Kigali is mostly beautiful during night time with its lights glimmering over some of the Country’s a thousand hills.
Unveiling History, Culture and Markets uncover the captivating beauty and cultural heritage of Kigali City. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Kigali as our knowledgeable guides lead you through historical landmarks, vibrant markets as well as captivating museums. Discover the poignant stories of Rwanda’s resilience at the Genocide Memorial Museum and also experience the vibrant atmosphere of local markets where colors, flavors and aromas blend harmoniously to create a sensory delight.
Some of the Places to visit during the Kigali City Tour
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a grim reminder of a senseless massacre of innocent’s lives in 1994. The memorial is an exhibition on the history of genocide in Rwanda, a children’s memorial exhibition. Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide; learn about other genocides in the world and how Rwanda has dealt with that past.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a museum in Rwanda that portrays the fateful events of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. The museum has 3 permanent exhibitions with its largest documenting the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The 2nd one has the children’s memorial and an exhibition on genocidal violence around the World and the 3rd one is an Education center. It is as well a gardens and Genocide archive of Rwanda which forms part of a meaningful tribute to those who perished and provides a powerful educational tool to visitors.
Kigali Convention Center
This is where all the major conferences, meetings and exhibitions are held. The Convention center is close to Kigali International Airport and it accommodates about 2,500 people. The center is also home to a 5 star accommodation facility known as the “Radisson Blue Hotel” with 292 rooms. Other facilities at the Kigali Convention Centre include shopping malls, arcades, offices and small businesses. Kigali Convention Center is the perfect place for one to go in case they want to visit a modern shopping arena, find good accommodation and also mingle with Rwanda’s affluent class.
Hotel des mille collines
Also known as Hotel Rwanda, Hotel des mille collines played a vital role during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. During that time, over 1,000 residents were hidden safely within Hotel des mille collines by the management as uncontrolled killings continued outside. The hotel has excellent international and local cuisines, it also has a daily buffet consisting of local food like Ibijumba and Amateke.
Kimironko Market
The Markets are the best places to learn about the culture of a new place. Kigali has many local markets where the locals go to shop for local items and food stuffs. Kimironko Market is one of the most popular for shopping spices, vegetables, fruits, salt, meat, fish and herbs. You will also find individuals selling different art pieces and more.
Nyamata church
Nyamata Church is one of the many genocide sites in the different parts of the Country and also one of the most prominent in Kigali. In this church, over 50,000 people were killed, they had sought shelter here hoping that they would be spared by the interahamwe. Unfortunately, the church turned out to be a death trap as the killers did not spare anyone. While here, one can still see blood-stained clothes, national identity cards, skulls, bones and machetes that were used by the interahamwe. A mass grave was put outside the church were most of these victims were buried.
Inema Arts Center
Since its inception in 2012, Inema Arts Center which was founded by 2 brothers who happened to both be self-taught painters on a mission to “tap the untapped potential of art in Rwanda,” has become the place to see contemporary art in Kigali. The building’s exteriors are decorated with vibrant murals that are impossible to overlook.
The interiors of Inema Arts Center are dedicated to gallery space for ten artists in residence. Depending on the mix of artists on display during their visit, tourists may see modern takes on traditional African crafts, abstract and also expressive portraits. These mixed-media works depicting scenes of African life and some of the best artwork in Rwanda.
The Inema Arts Center also hosts weekly gallery tours, dance performances, art-inspired yoga classes and also concerts.