This is the capital and administrative city of Rwanda. Renowned as a bustling, colourful, noisy but clean and safe, Kigali has several attractions to see while on holiday in Rwanda. With a population of almost 1 million Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda. It is situated near the geographic centre of the nation.
Since 1962, Kigali city has been the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda since it became capital at independence. The main residence and offices of the President of Rwanda are located in the city, as are the government ministries. The city is coterminous with the province of Kigali City, which was enlarged in January 2006, as part of local government reorganization in the country.
Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, straggles over several hills, with the city centre on one and the government/administrative quarter on another.
The centre of Kigali is bustling, colourful, noisy but clean and safe. Its occupants, from smart-suited business people to scruffy kids, go about their activities, only lessening their tempo briefly in the middle of the day.
Peaceful tree-lined residential streets stretch outwards and generally downwards from the city’s heart, and give visitors ample scope for strolling.
Hotels in Kigali
There aren’t many tourist attractions in Kigali itself and you’re unlikely to want to spend many full days there, but there are some good hotels, where the services are plentiful and the ambiance is pleasant.
It is a good base from which to explore the rest of Rwanda, all parts of which are easily accessible by road in less than a day.
Kigali’s accommodation options are spread around the city and range from smart four or five star hotels to lower budget bed and breakfasts. While many are of a good international standard, including Hotel des Mille Collines which was the basis for the 2004 film Hotel Rwanda, you should be aware that service can often be quite slow in their bars and restaurants. Take a look here to see our recommended hotels in Kigali.
WHAT TO DO WHILE IN KIGALI
Shopping in Kigali
There are a number of smart shopping malls in Kigali city centre with some chic boutiques and coffee shops. But if you’re after something more authentic, take a stroll around one or two of its lively markets, you’ll usually be met with great friendliness. If you like browsing for curios and souvenirs from your Rwanda holiday, pay a visit to the Caplaki handicrafts cooperative, which sells a variety of local crafts.
Alternatively, the lively Nyamirambo area of Kigali is regarded as the most vibrant quarter of the city, known for its excellent tailors and hair salons, as well as its many bars and cafes. As with any city, take care if visiting at night but during the daytime, Nyamirambo Women’s Centre offers interesting walking tours around their neighbourhood that takes in their own craft shop, a typical Rwandan meal and the local market too.
Kigali Museums and the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Kigali’s museums include the State House Museum and the Natural History Museum, both worthy of a visit if you’re in town with the latter having superb views over the city.
Perhaps the city’s best known landmark, and with good reason, is the very insightful and moving Kigali Genocide Memorial standing amid beautiful rose gardens and fountains. The memorial sets out the history leading up to the genocide in Rwanda and also explains other genocides around the world. It includes poignant displays of victims’ photographs and belongings, bringing the realities of the atrocities to life. While it might seem an unusual tourist attraction and can be upsetting, it does help to put into context how and why the genocide happened and to better appreciate just how far the country has moved on together in the intervening years. It also plays a vital role in educating Rwanda’s new and future generations about the genocide.