Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda, in the centre of the country. It sprawls across numerous hills, ridges, valleys and has a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. The Kigali Genocide Memorial documents of the 1994 mass killings in Rwanda, associated with the country’s civil war. The city’s Caplaki Crafts Village has stalls selling traditional handicrafts, including wood carvings and woven baskets.
Green City Kigali caters for both low and middle-income residents and with green buildings, renewable energy, wastewater and rainwater collection systems installed in every house. Also has a recycling plant that ensures the treatment and reuse of effluence.
The green city incorporates multiple green aspects, ranging from bio-gas plants, urban forests and electric vehicles to bicycles and motorcycle lanes meant to reduce air pollution and environmental degradation.
The use local building materials ensure that houses are affordable to local communities and remain environmentally sustainable.
For it to achieve its objective of the green city, a total ban on plastic bags at a time when most of the world was still hesitant on the matter and when many nations had settled for simply imposing taxes the bags in 2008. Passengers are not allowed into the country with plastic bags, with the penalty for doing so being a $150 fine. Store owners found with the bags face a jail term of up to 12 months.
The Umuganda initiative that takes place every last Saturday of the month, the initiative brings together able-bodied citizens in a clean-up exercise that involves cleaning the streets, unblocking sewage systems and clearing bushes. Even the president participates in the exercise.
The introduction of car free zones in a move meant to decongest Kigali and create a pedestrian friendly environment. Cars and minibuses are banned from the city centre, and residents thus rely on buses, bicycles or walking for their daily commute.
Kigali is like a mirror into everything good about the country because everything starts and ends in Kigali. For Instance if you are in Rwanda for a short holiday and you want to do the Rwanda gorilla trek excursion you will have to depart Kigali at 4.30AM to the Volcanoes National Park.
Visit the Kigali Convention Centre: The Centre is one of the newest eye-catching architectural marvels in Kigali city. The Architects came up with an interesting beehive-like design which consists of shinning glass and a powerful beam for the night. Most of the popular conferences are held at the Kigali Convention Centre.
Visit the local markets here, the best markets in Kigali are Kimironko and Nyamirambo. These large markets are excellent for buying fruits, cereals, legumes, flour, spices or vegetables. Apart from food, these markets also have shops dedicated to African fabrics, curios and electronics. The atmosphere is inviting and traders welcome all buyers with a smile. It is important to note that most of the locals speak Kinyarwanda and French. English speakers may need to move with your Guide to help with translations. Finally, you need to learn the art of bargaining because prices are not shown on the shelves.
Visit the Kigali genocide memorial centre one of the top 5 most visited sites in Rwanda. The memorial centre was constructed to remember the gruesome scenes that occurred in 1994 when over 200,000 Rwandans were killed along lines of discrimination and segregation. The remains of many of the fallen were buried here. Its a place of reflection and a constant reminder to current and future generations about the evils of discrimination.
Go to Nyamirambo Women’s Centre which runs different projects to help women enhance their local capacities for self-reliance and livelihood especially after losing their spouses. The women have learnt computing, English speaking, fashion design, hair dressing, pedicure, manicure and craft-making.
Tour the main city Museums: Like any other capital, Kigali has a rich history. Many amazing things were done by people who lived in the city before. Their works are recorded and kept in museums around the city so that they can inspire and motivate future generations. The museums to visit in Kigali include the State House Museum, Kandt House Museum, Rwanda Art Museum and many more.
The Belgium UN Troop Memorial a memorial centre for the 10 Belgian peacekeepers who were killed while working with the United Nations in 1994. The soldiers had been assigned to protect the Prime Minister Madame Agathe Uwilingiyimana. The assailants confronted the soldiers, overpowered and killed them. After killing the Belgium peacekeepers, the Hutu extremists murdered both the prime minister and her husband.
Visit Hotel des Mille Collins: With all its current luxury offerings, Hotel des Mille Collins has a dark past. During the 1994 genocide, an influential Hotel Manager helped hide many Tutsi’s from the Interahamwe militias looking for them. What transpired is featured in a famous movie about the Rwanda genocide known a “Hotel Rwanda”. Tourists love staying in the hotel not only because of the luxury facilities but because of its history. Hotel des Mille Collins has 112 guest rooms, a conference room, a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, health club, lounge area, gardens and more.
Visit local restaurants in Kigali home to many restaurants serving both local and international dishes. The main local cuisines to enjoy while in Kigali are Nyama Choma (roasted meat), Shawama, Ibirayi (goat mixed with potatoes), Rolex, Akabenz (cooked pork), Rwanda special (chips fired with eggs) and biriyani. Western delicacies can also be served in the various restaurants and include hamburgers, pizza, Gelato, Goulash, Paella, omelette.
Kigali public library is ideal for those who love reading or widening their knowledge on different subjects. The library has books on historical events, political issues, the education system in the country, business, adventure and religion. You can also find the latest novels and newspapers on the shelves. After reading your book or newspaper, you can surf the internet or watch documentaries. If you have no time to read, you can simply buy or rent a book.