Things to do in Kigali

Looking for Things to Do in Kigali? Follow the links to continue reading. The capital Kigali is no exception to Rwanda’s reputation as a lovely nation with endless hills and stunning scenery. Kigali, which has a population of over a million people and is situated in the country’s center, is simple to reach by road from all of Rwanda’s surrounding nations. One of the most peaceful, secure, orderly, and clean towns in Africa is Kigali, which has earned this reputation. In Rwanda, it serves as the hub for the arts, transportation, and culture. The horrific genocide of 1994 didn’t last long in demoralizing the country, but it did help bring the people together. A second chance has been provided to the populace to reconstruct their country on social, economic, and political foundations. In many African nations, there is a severe absence of community, teamwork, and sense of ownership.

You will be astounded by the impressive changes in the capital if you haven’t visited there recently. Despite Kigali’s amazing tourism attractions and breathtaking scenery, few visitors are interested in visiting the city. The majority of tourists only use the city as a stopping place on their way to one of the nation’s far-flung national parks where they can see mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other wildlife, as well as climb one of the volcanoes. Given everything Kigali has to offer, that shouldn’t be the case. While in Kigali, there are innumerable sights to see and enjoyable activities to see and do. We will go over some of the activities and destinations on a 1-day Kigali City Tour. If you’re heading straight to the Northern Province of the nation, you might want to read up on the best Musanze District attractions. A piece about Rwanda’s tourist attractions and cultural events might be of interest to you as well.

Things to do in Kigali

Climb Mount Kigali: If you’re an adventure-loving person, climbing Mount Kigali can be the perfect thing for you. It is not a mountain per such, but rather Kigali’s tallest hill, rising to 6,000 feet. The Sun City Hotel is close to the starting site in Nyamirambo. Overall, the mountain’s mild slopes make climbing to the peak simple. Amazing city views are available from Mount Kigali’s summit, and there are also opportunities to shoot stunning pictures there. You can visit the Mera Neza pub on Mount Kigali’s summit for food and drinks or the Fazenda Sengha horse ranch for horseback riding. Visitors can enjoy BBQ on a platform in the ranch that overlooks the lovely city.

Take a Motorcycle Taxi: Use a motorcycle taxi to get around the city and its suburbs. This is arguably the most efficient and economical option. The motorbikes are perfect for navigating through the traffic and provide flexibility to stop at places of interest. The bikes can be rented by anyone but it is important to move with a trustworthy Guide if you are not sure how to use them. Be careful using them during the rainy season and always put on the helmet provided by the Guide.

Volunteering: If you firmly believe in the virtue of voluntarism, you should be aware that Kigali will provide you the chance to get involved in worthwhile causes. You can apply to assist patients in hospitals, teach English in a school, coach a new sport, or create a website for one of the many non-governmental groups in need of dedicated and knowledgeable foreign volunteers. Be prepared to work in uncomfortable circumstances. Your willingness to volunteer will only bring you the satisfaction of knowing that you have improved the lives of others.

Visit a bowling alley: The Mamba Club was the first location in Kigali to have a bowling alley. The club, which is based in Kimihurura, has contributed to the sport’s increased acceptance among Rwandans. The club organizes additional indoor athletic events that are experienced in a friendly environment with good international and local cuisines on offer, and it boasts high-quality imported bowling equipment.

Visit Art Centers, Crafts Shops and art galleries. A trip to an African city isn’t complete without stopping by an art or craft store, and Kigali is no different. Visit their living rooms and houses to see evidence of how much the people of Rwanda appreciate art. The best art gallery in Kigali is the Inema Art Center. 2012 saw the opening of this center by Innocent Nkurunziza and Emmnuel Nkuranga. Currently, the Centre is home to roughly 13 of the top artists in the nation as well as occasional guest artists from abroad. Kigali tourist destinations If you want to see stunning sculptures and paintings from Africa, this is the location to visit.

A trip to an African city isn’t complete without stopping by an art or craft store, and Kigali is no different. Visit their living rooms and houses to see evidence of how much the people of Rwanda appreciate art. The best art gallery in Kigali is the Inema Art Center. 2012 saw the opening of this center by Innocent Nkurunziza and Emmnuel Nkuranga. Currently, the Centre is home to roughly 13 of the top artists in the nation as well as occasional guest artists from abroad. Kigali tourist destinations If you want to see stunning sculptures and paintings from Africa, this is the location to visit.

Visit a sauna and get a massage: There are many places to visit in Kigali that offer pedicures, facials, and manicures. Massage and sauna services are available everywhere in the city center, not just in upscale hotels.

Visit one of the large shopping malls: Nakumatt is located within the Union Trade Centre and is arguably the largest super market in the town center at the moment. You can find almost everything there.

Skydiving: Despite just being recently introduced, this activity has already gained enormous popularity in Kigali. Your excitement will shoot through the roof when you jump from a little plane to the earth. Anyone can participate in the exercise, although it requires significant mental preparation. The instructors provide a safety orientation that covers all relevant topics, including how to set up the parachute. All the way to the ground, the teacher will fly beside you or close by. If you intend to travel to Kenya soon, I advise you to study up on the best things to do in Nairobi.

Ride a Horse: Horseback riding is available in Kigali through the lovely countryside and around Mount Kigali, which gives breathtaking city views. At the Fazenda Sengha on Mount Kigali and at Rugende Park, horseback riding is offered. Participation in horseback riding is open to everybody. Participants are taken for a practice ride around a corral or tree before the long ride begins to teach them the fundamentals of horse handling.

Skating: One of the more recent outdoor activities in Kigali is this. At the SOS School in Kacyiru, there is a skating park. The SOS School gives skaters of all ability levels the chance to master the basics of skating as well as pick up new tricks.

Golfing: Non-members can play for a nominal charge at the Kigali Golf Club in Nyarutarama, which also offers golfing equipment and bags. The club’s 18-hole course is well-kept and gorgeous.

Play Tennis: Non-members can play for a nominal charge at the Kigali Golf Club in Nyarutarama, which also offers golfing equipment and bags. The club’s 18-hole course is well-kept and gorgeous.

Go Fishing: In Kigali, Lake Muhazi is the ideal location for fishing. The road trip from Kigali to the lake takes about an hour. There are various fishing locations in the 32 km wide lake where you can cast a line from a canoe or a motorboat. Amazing beauty in the area surrounding the lake enhances the action.

The Kigali Convention Center: The renowned Radisson Blu Hotel is located near to The Center. One of Kigali’s well-known locations is the convention center. It was constructed in the form of a beehive and has lovely lights that glow brilliantly at night. The King’s palace in Nyanza, which has a comparable design, is thought to have served as the architect’s source of inspiration.

Go to the local markets: The local markets are the ideal places to find information about a country’s culture. You can learn about their preferred foods and social interactions from the market. Possibly Kigali’s biggest local market is Kimironko Market. The best selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, species, and flours are found there, and it is situated outside of the city core. The market also contains a number of electronics, clothing, and other craft shops in addition to food stalls. Brightly colored indigenous Rwandan textiles are available for purchase and can be sewn into a skirt, top, or dress for a nominal charge. The local markets are the ideal places to find information about a country’s culture. You can learn about their preferred foods and social interactions from the market. Possibly Kigali’s biggest local market is Kimironko Market. The best selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, species, and flours are found there, and it is situated outside of the city core. The market also contains a number of electronics, clothing, and other craft shops in addition to food stalls. Brightly colored indigenous Rwandan textiles are available for purchase and can be sewn into a skirt, top, or dress for a nominal charge.

The Nyamirambo market is the other significant marketplace. Since this market is larger, you may interact with the people while learning about their goods. French and Kinyarwanda are the two main languages in Rwanda. When visiting these markets, it is crucial to travel with a guide who can assist you with translation when necessary.

Consider a cup of coffee or tea: Kigali is renowned for producing some of the world’s best coffee. Over time, the city’s supply of coffee shops selling delectable coffee and tea has grown. Imagine spending a nice evening at one of the neighborhood coffee shops, sipping hot coffee and observing the people going about their everyday lives. The greatest tea and coffee cafes include Camellia (located inside a sizable mall), Poivre Noir, the well-known Sundowner, Shokola Cafe, Inzora Rooftop Café, Le Panorama (with stunning city views), and Cafe Neo for freshly brewed coffee and sandwiches. Also available are Blues Café’s burgers and salads as well as fresh fruit juices at Bourbon Coffee and sandwiches at Bourbon Coffee.

Visit a coffee cooperative: Why not visit one of the coffee cooperatives on the outskirts of the city after sampling and enjoying the coffee from one of the outlets. Question A non-governmental organization and coffee cooperative called Coffee organizes day trips to their fields and coffee plantations so that people may learn about the full process of growing coffee from seed to sold-ready bag.

Watching Movies or visiting the Night Clubs: In Kigali, there is a thriving nightlife. Kigali’s primary movie theater is Century Cinema, which is situated in the heart of the city. They display the newest blockbusters in 3-D and 5-D with fantastic action, special effects, and surround sound (some before the US officially releases them). On specific days of the week, the Goethe-Institute and the Korean Embassy, respectively, broadcast thematic films from Germany and Korea.

It would be ideal for those who enjoy dancing, partying, and meeting new people to go to one of the nightclubs. All social strata of people who are eager to have fun and have a good time throughout the weekend frequent these nightclubs. You can take dance lessons from a local studio, such Chillax Lounge for Salsa dancing, before storming one of the clubs. Although K-Club is perhaps the best dance club in Kigali, Wednesday nights feature Karaoke at Club 514 and ROSTY Bar. Every Friday during the week, a live band performs African music (Lingala, Zouk, and Rumba) at Tiamo in Kiyovu. Larger, more expensive concerts featuring well-known international performers are organized by the Serena hotel.

Soccer at the Amahoro Stadium: The largest soccer stadium in Rwanda, Amahoro Stadium in the Remera region, can hold 30,000 spectators. Rwandans are huge fans of soccer, and every time the top teams play, the stadium is packed. Rayon Sports FC, Police FC, and Armée Patriotique Rwandaise FC are the top and most well-liked league teams in Rwanda. The cost of the match tickets is affordable. Therefore, go and cheer for one of the teams while mingling with the locals to have fun and meet new people.

The Kigali Public Library: The new Kigali public library is a location you should go if you enjoy reading and learning. The library offers a calm setting with both physical and electronic book collections. While sipping Rwanda coffee offered by the Shokola Storytellers Cafe on one of the floors, people are welcome to use the library computers, browse the internet, or view documentaries on a huge projector. One must be a member in order to take a book home. Visit the Ikirezi bookshop if you’re interested in buying books on Rwanda.

Visit restaurants: Try local specialties like akabenz (cooked pig), brochettes (roasted meat with fries), nyama choma (roasted beef), ibirayi (goat combined with potatoes), and enormous fried fish while you’re in Kigali. These delectable dishes are made in hotels like Hotel des Mille Collines or in specialty eateries located across the city. Brachetto is the first location to check out. This upscale establishment is run by an Italian leader and is well-known for its delicious Italian fare, including pasta, grills, risotto, sandwiches, and gourmet.

Apart from Brachetto, Kigali has countless other restaurants offering quality services. The Heaven restaurant prepares intercontinental dishes and is frequented by expats, businessmen and staff from international aid organizations. One can also visit the restaurant at Pili-Pili or Sol et Luna for their Italian dishes. The Afrika Bite, Meze Fresh and Chez John specialize in local Rwandan dishes/buffets but I can’t forget to recommend Dolce for their beautiful interior and tasty pizzas or Zen for offering the best Asian meals in Kigali. For Indian dishes, look no further than Zaaffran and Khana Khazana. I also give strong mentions of The Repub Lounge for tasty meat dishes and cocktails, Fantastic Restaurant for local/international cuisines, Lalibela Restaurant for Ethiopian cuisines, Trattoria for tasty pasta/buffets, Brioche Bread and Pastries for bread/cakes and Sakae for Korean, Chinese and Japanese food. If you find this article interesting, please read the one about the top attractions in Mombasa Kenya.

The Nyamirambo Women’s Centre: The Nyamirambo Women’s Center is located in a Kigali suburb. In 2007, a group of local Rwandan women who had previously experienced gender abuse founded this center and training. The Nyamirambo Women’s Center is a non-governmental organization that works to prevent gender-based violence while simultaneously providing victims with English language instruction and computer literacy workshops. The ladies use the center’s cutting-edge sewing machines to make local clothing, purses, and other accessories using materials found in the area. The finished result is of a high caliber, and you may help the center by purchasing some of the nicest, most vibrant Kitenge (a native cloth) from their boutique. The Nyamirambo Women’s Center arranges walking tours in Kigali to introduce tourists about rural life there. The two-hour walking excursions include stops at the State House Museum, Natural History Museum, neighborhood hair salons, neighborhood residences, local markets, and local stores.

The Gaddafi Mosque: In Nyamirambo, the Gaddafi Mosque is a striking building. Although it wasn’t created by the previous Libyan leader, he is mentioned by name in honor of a road he constructed that passes past the mosque. Although the mosque’s actual name is the Islamic Cultural Center, no one in Rwanda calls it that. The mosque also houses a community center, a school, and a clinic for Nyamirambo’s residents.

Go jogging or walking: You can stroll or jog through a beautiful city like Kigali to discover its lovely hills. Both daytime and nighttime walks are possible. Kigali’s streets are both well-lit and crime-free. You can stroll around the Nyarutarama and Kacyiru valleys, as well as behind MTN’s main building close to Kibagabaga. You can visit Nyamirambo if you want to stroll around a populated region. The hills in Kigali might be challenging for joggers, but if you can persevere and get it to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city. Other walkers and joggers prefer the relatively level terrain in the area surrounding the Kimihurura roundabout.

Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial: The people had to witness one of the deadliest genocides in history take place in 1994, but Kigali and Rwanda now stand for many of the positive aspects of a new and rapidly evolving Africa. In addition to commemorating the nearly 700,000 genocide victims, the Kigali Genocide Memorial also serves as a warning to future generations about the horrors committed. Even while it may be unpleasant, visiting this memorial center can help you understand what happened and appreciate the current accomplishments of the. You can learn about Rwanda’s general history, its colonization, and other elements that contributed to the horrifying massacre from the exhibitions. You can witness Interahamwe brutally slaughtering small toddlers at the scene. Beyond Rwanda, the Kigali Genocide Memorial educates visitors on other major tragedies done by people worldwide. The third exhibit details the horrific crimes committed by the Nazis during the Holocaust as well as the genocides in Armenia and Cambodia. Spend around two hours watching all the videos and listening to all the audio files.

Visit the main city museums: The best museum in Kigali, the Museum of Natural History, was created to preserve Rwanda’s natural beauty. The majestic volcanoes and the animal and bird life of Rwanda are displayed in the museum’s northern wing. On the other side, the Southern Wing focuses on the nation’s mineral wealth. You may find out how much each of these has added to the nation’s wealth.

To comprehend the events that led to the 1994 genocide, visitors can also go to the State House Museum (the former Presidential Palace) outside of the city limits. Pasteur Bizimungu and Habyarimana were the two most recent presidents to dwell here. The genocide was started when Habyarima perished in a plane accident close to his own presidential complex. Explore the palace’s intriguing artifacts, which include weapons cabinets, detection equipment, and a nightclub for the president and his friends. Additionally, a church and another ritualistic room are visible. Next to the royal gardens are the remains of the downed Falcon 50 presidential jet.

The Campaign Against Atrocity Museum is located in the Parliament building if, at this point, you are still curious to learn more about the genocide. After UN troops withdrew and the Tutsi were left at the Interahamwe’s mercy, this museum explains how the Rwanda Patriotic Front intended to stop the genocide.

The Belgium UN Troop Memorial: The memorial, which was unveiled in 2000, was created to honor the 10 Belgian UN troops who died while defending Prime Minister Agathe Uwiligiyimana and her family. Along with her husband, the prime minister was assassinated as well. After a protracted stalemate, the soldiers from Belgium made an effort to defend themselves but ran out of ammo.

The massacre of the Belgian peacekeepers was done with the purpose of driving the UN peacekeeping force from Rwanda and allowing the genocide to go on unchecked. The only western UN peacekeeping forces in Rwanda were the Belgians. The other teams were composed of soldiers from various hemispheres. The Interahamwe and their allies had taken a page out of Somalia’s book when they killed American UN personnel. The Interahamwe believed that by killing the Belgian troops, it would stir anger and force the removal of all UN peacekeeping forces, and they were correct. The assassination of the American soldiers pulled the UN out of Somalia, and their plan to kill the Belgian soldiers did the same.