Kigali city is the capital city of Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. It is located in center of the country and considered as one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world. It is seven hundred thirty kilometers but despite the size it is as captivating as it can get. From the greenery to the busy markets, to the vibrant restaurants and nightlife to the beautiful parks, welcoming individuals, and several rich historic explorations. There are quite a number of things one can do in the city but the major things not to miss out on are;

The Kandt House Museum

Richard Kandt a German Physician and early explorer of Africa was the first colonial governor of Rwanda on behalf of German and his house in Kigali was turned into a museum. The museum is divided into three main parts. The first part shows the precolonial Rwanda in all its aspects; social, economic, and political. The second part consists of the history of Rwanda in the colonial era. Rwanda was colonized by German and later Belgium after the League of Nations mandate after World War 1. The third part focuses on Kigali as the capital; before, during and after the colonial era.

The Rwanda Arts Museum

Visiting Rwanda Art Museum is like killing two birds with one stone.This Museum is a contemporary art Museum and  is the is the only one of its kind in Rwanda. It showcases both local and international artists with more than 100 pieces of art including but not limited to paintings, ceramics, and sculptures. An interesting fact is that is located in the former presidential palace that also holds great history including the remains of the presidential jet that crashed on 6^th April 1994 offsetting the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial

When in Kigali do not miss the opportunity to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Rwanda is famously known for the tragedy that happened in the country the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi were over a million Tutsi lives were lost. At the Kigali Genocide Memorial, you learn Rwanda’s history mostly focusing on the 1994 events. You get a brief history of Rwanda before the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, during and after. You learn how it was planned and orchestrated. This gives a chance for people to educate themselves on what really happened and learn from it.

 Campaign Against the Genocide Museum

Campaign against the Genocide Museum is one of the most recent Museums and is located in the is located in the Parliamentary building. This Museum aims to portray the history of Rwanda highlighting the story of the 600 brave soldiers who helped end the 1994 Genocide while campaigning against the Genocide. It showcases the Campaign against the Genocide by the Rwanda Patriotic Front that rescued numerous victims after the withdrawal of United Nation troops from Rwanda during 1994.

Visiting Artisan/Craft Centers

There are several artisan/ crafts centers of all sorts in Kigali with local and modern art and crafts. It ranges from paintings with deep rooted cultural history to baskets and local accessories. Guests usually never leave the centers empty handed due to the amazing work. A few of those centers include Nyamirambo Women’s Center, Inema Arts Center, Caplaki craft village and several others.

Lunch in a major City Restaurant or Hotel des mille collines (Hotel Rwanda)

While visiting Kigali it is best to have lunch at one of the major restaurants in Kigali with a history known as Hotel des mille collines but famously referred to as Hotel Rwanda. It is located in downtown Kigali and has both the local and modern cuisine to suit each individual’s tastes and preferences.

Kimironko Market:

Kimironko Market is one of the famous local markets in Kigali. It has vendors of all sorts from different parts of the country that come on a daily basis to sell their goods and services. The market is well known for fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat.

 Mount Kigali

Rwanda is famously known as the land of a thousand hills and the tallest hill in Kigali is known as Mount Kigali. Mount Kigali is located in the outcasts of Kigali in a sector known as Nyamirambo. Nyamirambo is one of the old cities in Kigali that didn’t change over the years. It is a vibrant city that still has its originality. If you love to hike or enjoy outdoor activities do not miss a chance to visit this peculiar Mount Kigali.

Kigali Convention Center

This is the first ever convention center to be built in Rwanda. It is very unique in that its design reflects the insides of the King’s palace. The Kigali Convention Center enabled Rwanda to be a major conference hub hosting major local, regional and international conferences.

Visiting Lake Nyarutarama:

Lake Nyarutarama also referred to as the “lover’s lake” is located in one of the major suburbs in Kigali known as Nyarutarama. It is the only artificial lake in Kigali and if you enjoy bird watching this is the place for you to be.

Once you are in Kigali and you are looking to have an amazing trip visiting one, two or all these beautiful places look no further Excellent African Safaris is at your service. We offer the best affordable packages to our clients looking to explore the amazing Kigali city and have a wonderful time while at it.