KIGALI, RWANDA CITY GUIDE

GETTING AROUND KIGALI, RWANDA

From the ashes of its tragic past, Kigali has emerged as a friendly city with a thriving art and culture scene. It’s an exciting place, and you’ll want to spend some time exploring it before your Rwanda safari. The best way to make the most of your visit is with a private driver guide or day tour. However, you can also navigate this capital city by cab. The most adventurous option is taxi-bikes. Also known as motos, they’re commonly used by locals to get around. We suggest you observe them in action before negotiating a fare and getting on!

If your Boundless Journeys Rwanda gorilla tracking safari includes a Kigali city tour, please contact us to check your itinerary details so you don’t visit the same sites twice.

THINGS TO DO IN KIGALI

Between the city’s natural beauty and its attractions, there’s a lot to experience. We’re happy to arrange pre-safari day tours or private guides.

Kigali Genocide Memorial

Profoundly moving, this site is a memorial that educates visitors about the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Over 250,000 victims of the genocide are interred on the grounds, and exhibits explain how the tragedy occurred. Though it’s a place of solemn remembrance of those lost, there’s a recurring message of reconciliation and peace. There is no fee to visit to the memorial, however a paid audio tour is available to help you navigate and learn more about the exhibits and gardens.

Kimironko Market

To feel the spirit of the city, wander its busiest market. Kimironko is where locals go to shop for fresh produce, meats, and household necessities. Amongst the hustle and bustle, you’ll get a real taste of everyday life. Don’t miss the market’s colorful array of arts and crafts, or its famous kitenge fabric.

Kandt House Museum

The former residence of the first colonial governor of Rwanda, this museum explores the country’s pre-colonial and colonial eras. Through its photographs and exhibits, you’ll gain interesting perspective on Rwanda’s history.

Mount Kigali

Take this popular hike up to Kigali’s highest point and be rewarded with fresh air and spectacular views. At the top, you can have a bite at the village café. Then, if you’re up for some more fun, arrange to ride a horse at the horse farm. If more relaxing is on the menu, enjoy a book in the shade of the plentiful pine trees before you make your way back down to the city.

Nyandungu Eco-Park

Stretch your legs and do some birding in this green space in the heart of Kigali. Nyandungu Eco-Park is a restored urban wetland ecosystem with over 10km of walkways and bike lanes that wind through lush flora and trees. A wide variety of birds call this place home, so bring along your birding book! Before you leave, enjoy a drink and bite to eat at the wonderful on-site café. While you’re relaxing, check out the adventures that await in our Boundless Journeys Africa hiking tours.

Niyo Art Gallery

This beautiful arts center houses an impressive collection of works by artists from all over Africa, including 17 artists in residence. Different art forms—from sculpture and painting to dance and music—are showcased at the gallery. You may even have the opportunity to join a drumming session with the gallery’s founder! Though free to enter, a portion of the proceeds from purchases go toward supporting children and women living in poverty in Rwanda.

Sundays Art Hub

Marking art accessible to everyone is the goal of this art collective and gallery. Works from artists across diverse backgrounds are on display along with rotating exhibits and events. While there, tap into your creative side by joining one of the painting workshops.

Nyamirambo Women’s Center

Founded to combat gender-based violence and inequality, the center’s mission is to improve Rwandan women’s lives through free education and vocational training. By taking one of the center’s cooking classes or basket-weaving workshops, you’re also contributing toward that goal. All the profits earned from offerings are used to fund the center’s initiatives.