8 Places to Visit in Kigali City

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Kigali City of Rwanda

Rwanda is a landlocked East African country with a green mountainous landscape. Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Rwanda is in the African Great Lakes region and is highly elevated; its geography is dominated by mountains in the west and savanna to the east, with numerous lakes throughout the country. The climate is temperate to subtropical, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons each year. Its renowned Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The capital city is Kigali which is endowed with a variety of unique attractions and the experience is unforgettable.

A trip to Kigali town is breathtaking and thus a must visit especially to tourists on a Safari to Rwanda.

Must Visit Areas in Kigali

  • Kigali genocide memorial

Once you’re at this place you meditate and reflect on some of the country’s darkest moments and gain insight into an integral part of recent national history at Kigali Genocide Memorial. The final resting place for over 250,000 victims. The memorial center commemorates those slaughtered in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.  You’ll learn the political and sociological landscape of Rwanda during the build-up to the genocide of the Tutsi people, along with details of the atrocity itself through audio-visual tours, survivor testimonies, human remains, and artifacts.

  • Presidential palace museum

The presidential Palace Museum gives you an insight into the life of a former president as well as the culture and history of Rwanda. This is rewarding as you get an overview of the country’s history and its culture in the first part of the museum. The former president’s house contains numerous art pieces and secret rooms. Here you can get a glimpse into the lifestyle of former president and interestingly visitors are allowed to enter all rooms. The president died in a plane crash near the house, and parts of that plane belong to the museum and still lie there.

  • Ntarama church

The site of a grisly event from 1994, Ntarama Church now serves as a museum dedicated to honoring the lives of 5,000 people killed in the building. Inside, you can view displays containing the clothing and other items that once belonged to the genocide victims.

  • Inema art center

Inema Art Center is a gallery and workshop for artists in residence. It is owned by two brothers, both self-taught painters, the center has installations in the garden and provides a venue for a number of art-related projects sponsored by international foundations.  Pieces are exhibited, including colorful abstract art and spray-painted Volkswagen classics, am sure you will admire the hilltop terrace’s sweeping view over the suburbs. Off site, the art center also runs a gallery in a sub urban restaurant.

  • Amahoro stadium

The Amahoro Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in the Gasabo district of Kigali, Rwanda. With a capacity of 30,000. It is the largest stadium in Rwanda and hosts football matches, concerts, and public events. During the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, it was temporarily a “UN Protected Site” hosting to up to 12,000 mainly Tutsi refugees.

  • Kimironko market

 At this market, you get a chance to mingle with the local crowd /community. You can shop for all kinds of handmade gifts and souvenirs. A section of the market hosts vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and spices to mention but a few.

  • Nyabugogo marche market

Nyabugogo Marche Market is for fresh food, housewares, textiles, and trinkets. Organized in several sections, the chaotic and bustling market offers a rich selection of vegetables, fruits, spices, grains, herbs, souvenirs, clothing, and fresh meat.

  • Caplaki craft village

Caplaki Craft Village is a home to homemade original crafts. Each of the colorful huts hosts a separate business selling clothes, jewelry, household items and art. Everything comes from the people of Rwanda, drawing inspiration from the culture and customs. Due to the number of shops here, prices stay competitive, and you can bargain your way to a suitable deal.

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