Kigali, Rwanda: A travel experience like no other
Kigali, Rwanda is unlike any other city I’ve ever traveled to before. From its exotic local marketplaces to its diverse and bustling music scene, this African destination offers something for everyone. If you’re planning on going, here are the top things you need to know about Kigali, Rwanda before your visit!
Arrived to Kigali
As soon as I arrived in Kigali, I could tell that this was going to be a different kind of trip. The city was bustling with energy and the people were so friendly and welcoming. I immediately felt at home.
During my time in Kigali, I had the opportunity to visit some amazing places. One of my favorites was the Genocide Memorial. It was so moving and eye-opening. I also loved exploring the markets and trying all the delicious food.
Every day in Kigali was an adventure. I’m so grateful to have had this amazing experience and I can’t wait to come back!
Where To Stay
Nyarutarama is one of the most popular areas to stay in Kigali. It’s known for its upscale hotels and restaurants, as well as its close proximity to many of the city’s best attractions. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, stay in the Nyamirambo neighborhood. This lively area is full of markets and small businesses, and it’s a great place to people watch. For those wanting a truly unique experience, consider staying in a rural village outside of Kigali. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the local culture and get a taste of what life is like outside of the city.
Kigali is a safe place to visit. The vast majority of people in Kigali are kind and welcoming. As with anywhere else in the world, you should always be cautious when traveling alone at night. If you’re worried about safety or crime, don’t hesitate to ask your hotel or guesthouse staff for information on local areas to avoid at night. Also keep in mind that there aren’t any ATMs in Kigali that accept international debit cards or credit cards as payment (although some hotels do offer cash-back service). This can make it hard to get money outside of major cities. In most cases travelers will need Rwandan francs (the official currency) before arriving.
Where To Eat
When in Kigali, be sure to check out some of the local cuisine! Tasty options include isombe (a stew made with cassava leaves), matoke (plantains), and ugali (a maize flour porridge). For something a little sweeter, try out mandazi (fried doughnuts) or yakindu (a type of cake). There are plenty of great places to eat in Kigali, so you’re sure to find something to your taste!
Walking Around The City
The first thing that struck me about Kigali was the cleanliness. The streets were swept and there was hardly any litter to be seen. The second thing was the friendliness of the people. Everyone I met was quick to smile and say hello.
Kigali is also a very safe city. Although I was only there for a few days before heading to Uganda and Kenya, Kigali felt safer than many other cities I’ve visited. At night it was fairly quiet — I never heard any sirens or ambulance noises — and during the day most people were out and about shopping or meeting friends in coffee shops or restaurants. If you’re considering taking a trip to Kigali (and especially if you’re traveling solo), consider your safety a priority but know that you won’t need to worry while visiting there.
Cultural Experiences
Rwanda is a landlocked country in Central Africa that is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kigali is the capital city and there are twelve provinces in Rwanda. The two official languages are English and French but there are also three national languages which are Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili and Kirundi. Rwanda is known as The Land of a Thousand Hills because of its mountainous terrain. The climate is tropical with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons.I had the opportunity to visit Kigali last year and it was an amazing experience. The people were so friendly and welcoming.
I highly recommend visiting in April or May next year again for Nyiragongo festiva. Nyiragongo means Mountain of God and it is a stunning display of lava that is viewed from Gishwati forest which is about 40 minutes away from Kigali. As I was there in April, I was lucky enough to see a lot of wildflowers. We also went on a one-day safari to Akagera National Park and saw zebras, buffalos and elephants as well as hippos and crocodiles. There are amazing restaurants in Kigali that serve European cuisine but I really loved all of their traditional dishes like Mandazi which is a type of doughnut made with cassava flour or Matoke which is steamed plantain.
Tourist Attractions
The city is full of life and there is so much to see and do. Here are some of the top tourist attractions that I would recommend:
The Genocide Memorial Centre is a must-see for anyone visiting Kigali. It is a sobering reminder of the horrific genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994.
The Kigali City Tower offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck.
The Nyamata Church is another moving memorial, this time to the victims of the genocide.
The Mille Collines Hotel was made famous by the film Hotel Rwanda and is worth a visit.
There are some incredible shops and markets in Kigali too, including those on Avenue de la Revolution.
The Rwandan Craft Market is also a great place to buy local souvenirs.
However, my favorite place to spend time in Kigali is Nyarutarama.
Experiencing Authentic Rwandan Hospitality
As soon as I arrived in Kigali, I could feel the difference. The people were so warm and welcoming. Everywhere I went, I was greeted with smiles and open arms. The hospitality here is truly unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
