Kigali City, Top Things to do and See
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History about Kigali City
Kigali City was established in 1907 just as a tiny colonial out-post by Dr. Richard Kandt, who was the very first resident German colonialist in Rwanda. he live at the foothills of Mounts Jali and Kigali in the middle of the city and today this was turned into a Natural History Museum honoring his great work; it is a very common stop for the city tours.
Kigali is a great place to begin or end any Rwanda journey as it’s conveniently located in the geographic center of the country. The city is clean and safe, with extremely welcoming people. Travelers will enjoy exploring the great cultural activities – including several award-winning museums, burgeoning music scene, and some of East Africa’s most memorable dining experiences.
THINGS TO SEE & PLACES TO VISIT IN KIGALI RWANDA
During the tour, guests will pass through the older commercial “quarters”, residential areas and business areas of Kigali, visit some of the historic sites established in memory of the 1994 brutal Tutsi Genocide, have a guided tour to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial, as also find out more about the various neighborhoods as well as local attractions of the city. Come and personally experience this beautiful yet very clean country.
[/cz_title]Kigali Genocide Memorial
Opened a decade after the genocide, the memorial is a solemn, tear-inducing museum. With giant wall displays, archival documents, photos, video footage and weapons encased in glass, the indoor exhibit sheds light on the Rwandan genocide, as well its pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial roots. The room filled with human skulls and bones was chilling but most heart-wrenching was the children’s memorial.
The Memorial is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.[/cz_title]
Kigali cultural centre
Characteristic of our design for the Art & Culture Center is the use of symbolic patterns, inspired by African culture. A raised square connects the ensemble to buildings. The square is divided into planes, each with its own symbolic pattern and layout. Central to the grid is the large-scale cultural center across the square, which offers protection against the tropical climate.[/cz_title]
Kigali Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace, residence of the former president of Rwanda, President J. Habyarimana – is near the airport on the eastern outskirts of Kigali. Habyarimana was the president whose plane was shot down on the 6th April 1994, the event that some say triggered the Rwandan Genocide. The former state house is now a museum that gives an overview of Rwanda’s history and a visit to the remains of the Falcon 60 presidential jet.[/cz_title]
Kimironko Market
For a truly immersive shopping experience, head to the vast warehouse complex known as Kimironko Market. This is the busiest and most popular market in town with vendors selling wares from all over Rwanda as well as East, Central and West Africa. You’ll find souvenirs and crafts for rock-bottom prices and swathes of kitenge fabric that can be transformed into unique clothing by the market’s on-site seamstresses. Kimironko is also a market place for local Rwandans with different sections selling colorful fruit and vegetables, clothing, home supplies and pungent meat and seafood. It’s chaotic, loud and often overwhelming, but the kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and smells serves as an authentic insight into everyday life in Kigali.[/cz_title]
Pictorial ~ A Visit to Kigali City
[/cz_title]WHERE TO STAY WHILE IN KIGALI CITY
Accommodation Plan for Hotels, Lodges and Lounges
[/cz_title]Hotels & Lodges in Pictures
[/cz_title][cz_gallery layout=”cz_grid_c2 cz_grid_l2″ hover=”cz_grid_1_yes_all” hover_fx=”cz_grid_siv” img_fx=”cz_grid_zoom_in” icon=”” id=”cz_48847″ custom_size=”400×300″ sk_con=”padding-right:40px;” images=”1373,1372,1371,1370,1366,1365″]Inzora Rooftop Cafe
Nestled at the back of Ikirezi book shop, Inzora Rooftop Café offers a fine example of Kigali’s flourishing café culture. Spectacular views of the city and the surrounding hills make the rooftop terrace special, while the house coffee is grown, picked and processed by women’s co-operatives throughout Rwanda. The menu would do justice to any Western hipster hangout—think macadamia and chia seed granola followed by gluten-free brownies. Plus, everything from the ingredients to the furniture is locally sourced. The café is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekends, making it the ideal spot for a leisurely brunch or for an evening with a view.[/cz_title]
Repub Lounge
Known amongst expats and locals alike as the place to unwind after a busy day, Repub Lounge has a loyal following in Kigali. Its African interiors use kitenge fabrics and hand-crafted furniture to create a convivial atmosphere while the outside deck impresses with mesmerizing views of the city lights. The menu features Rwandan and East African cuisine with a focus on grilled meats (though there are options for vegetarians). The brochettes (a.k.a. skewers) are a particular highlight and are great for sharing dishes are perfect for larger groups.[/cz_title]
Kigali Serena Hotel
Discerning guests seeking the finest accommodations and services may opt for the Kigali Serena Hotel. Conveniently located in the central business hub of Kigali, it has sensational Rwandan art highlighting the plush lounge, where you can relax or hold a meeting. Visit the in-house Maisha Health Spa for expert wellness advice, or stop by the Maisha Health Club to get in a workout. Offering a range of facilities and amenities, this hotel boasts 148 rooms, including some accessible ones for physically challenged travelers. Guests requiring a smoking room should advise the hotel prior to arrival. Dine in the hotel’s two restaurants, which serve a range of traditional Rwandan and international cuisine.[/cz_title]