Rwanda
Top things to see and do in Kigali
Rwanda is called the "Land of Thousand Hills", and Kigali has served for this name as well, as it extends over several hills and valleys, providing magnificent scenery from every corner of the city. We have listed some of the best places to visit, and the best things to see and do in Kigali.
Walk around the city to experience the beautiful views and great contrasts
Kigali is progressive and dynamic in the city center, however more low-key and peaceful if you move towards other neighborhoods in the suburbs. Kigali is one of the safest capital cities in Africa, as well as the cleanest and greenest, of which the residents are very proud. The best way to explore the city is to walk around (or hop on a mototaxi) and experience the great contrasts, immerse yourself in history and culture, and have some stops in the local eateries, bars and cafés to admire the beautiful views and experience the friendliness of the locals.
From the several neighborhoods of Kigali, Nyamirambo, often referred as the Muslim quarter, is the most colorful and energetic neighborhood, with one of the best views (especially from Mount Kigali). It is an excellent place to visit local markets and tailors, and to eat great food (big fish is a not to miss experience), have some beers in the local bars and enjoy the vibrant nightlife!
Learn about the history of Rwanda
Rwanda has a sad history with a genocide that happened in 1994. Since then the country is on the path towards reconciliation and peace and serves as a great example of economic and social development. For instance, Rwanda is the country, that has the most female members in the parliament (more than 50%) in the world. Still, history is important to understand the present of the country, and the different memorials and museums are great places to learn about the past of Rwanda. Kigali Genocide Museum is the biggest and most informative place to visit, and to commemorate the Tutsi victims. Camp Kigali is a memorial of Belgian soldiers who were killed after the beginning of the genocide, and the nearby Hôtel des Mille Collines served as the setting of the famous movie: Hotel Rwanda.
Outside the city, there are two other places, Nyamata and Ntarama genocide memorials, that once served as churches, where people fled to seek safety, but the army attacked them and horrific massacres happened. Today these churches are home to crypts, and are keeping the memories, like clothes of the victims, and are possible to visit for travelers who want to learn more and commemorate the victims.
Experience the thriving art scene
The art and creative scene in Kigali are booming, especially as it can be considered as a tool for reconciliation and peacebuilding for the communities. Traditional arts and crafts, like woven baskets and wood products, contemporary art galleries, and expressive street art can be found all over the city. Many of the galleries also promote a social cause, for instance, Azizi Life Studio has been partnered with 30 local cooperatives to sell their items or the Kigali Center for Photography supports young Rwandan photographs. There are also frequent artisan-led workshops at the different centers, and art galleries are excellent places for social interactions too, for instance on Thursday at Inema Art center people eat, drink and dance together in the evening.
Get tailor-made clothes in Kimironko Market
It is always a great idea to visit the local markets when someone arrives in a city, to get a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals. The biggest market in Kigali is called Kimironko, and it is a colorful and bustling place that can seem a bit chaotic especially compared to the general laidbackness of the other areas of Kigali. It is possible to find everything in Kimironko market: fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, fabric, clothing, shoes, household appliances from Rwanda and from neighboring countries in East Africa.
It is also a great place to stock up on souvenirs of hand-made arts and crafts. The most interesting thing to do in the market is to admire the different stalls selling colorful Kitenge (local fabric), which can be considered as a form of art. Choose your favorites, and ask one of the several seamstresses at the back of the market who will be happy to do tailor-made clothes for you, with any design you want, ranging from dresses, skirts, trousers, shirts, jackets... Don't forget that prices are generally negotiable around the market, so don't feel shy to bargain!
Taste the exceptional Rwandan coffee
Rwandan coffee is still underrated if we compare it to the more famous coffee bean producer countries, however gaining bigger and bigger popularity worldwide, especially in specialty cafés. Rwanda is a perfect place for growing coffee, thanks to its geography and climate: the country is spotted with mountains and lush rainforests. The country lies on a highland, with an average elevation of 1,500 metres (actually it is the 13th highest-elevated country in the world), with a tropical highland temperature, and great volcanic soil. Around half a million smallholder farmers are growing high-quality aromatic coffee, with quite high acidity level. It is possible to go on coffee plantation tours, or if you are in Kigali, visit one of the many cafés that usually has very appealing decor using Rwandan fabric, and great views of the city. Furthermore, in many of the cafés, like in Question Café, you can learn more about coffee production in Rwanda, and support great causes like sustainable coffee-producing throughout the coffee chain and the empowerment of Rwandan female farmers.
Eat brochette and have a beer at a local bar
There are great restaurants around Kigali offering a mix of local, Western and Asian food, however, one of the not-to-be-missed experiences is to visit one of the colorful local bars. They can be found all around Kigali (especially in Nyamirambo), usually painted red, blue and yellow with the colors and logos of the beer brands. Make sure to try brochette that is one of the distinct elements of Rwandan food. Brochette is basically a meat stick, you can order it in most of the restaurants in Kigali, but the best, cheapest and most authentic places to have them are the local bars. Goat and beef are the most widespread and many bars offer delicious fish, or liver brochettes too. Accompany your brochette with baked potatoes (or fries), matoke (a type of banana for cooking), or ugali (made from maize flour). In some bars, especially in Nyamirambo, another great food option is the big fish, which is a big grilled tilapia, enough for 2-3 people, stuffed with spices and vegetables, and cooked deliciously crispy. Everything is grilled fresh, so except that you need to wait a bit (sometimes a lot), but have some beers and make friends with the locals in the meantime!
Go out and experience the great nightlife
Kigali Nightlife might be not as bustling and crazy as nightlife in other big African capitals, however, is emerging and can be very fun especially because of its charm of not being too overcrowded. There are many bars and clubs in the city suburbs and there are always areas and neighborhoods, which are new hotspots for parties, like Remera, Gikondo, Kimihurura, or Nyamirambo. People love dancing in Kigali and it is usual that they visit several clubs in one night. In front of many clubs, there are people selling snacks like brochettes and potatoes, which is an excellent way to end your long day and night in Kigali!
