August 29, 2023 | Bujo Safaris
Located in the immediate heart of the country, Kigali is the largest city and the capital of Rwanda. The city is famously known for its neatness, calmness, and well-maintained streets with modern and top-notch infrastructure. Kigali city is a beautiful city rich in culture and history to tell and exhibit to its visitors/ tourists who visit. Kigali city is also blessed with several tourist attractions when it comes to city tours that one can visit and have a good experience.
Founded in 1907 under the German colonial administration and rule, the Kigali City of Rwanda used to be a trading center (that was after 1895) before being a regional center under the Belgian colonial period from 1919 to 1962. The history of Kigali is such an interesting one that when the Germans lost in World War 1, they were overshadowed by Belgium who took over Rwanda. Compared to German rule, the Belgian rule was the worst, most harsh, and unpleasant one as they favored only a few privileged Tutsis and it was at that time that Kigali became a regional center. It should however be noted that the Germans did know of significant change and did nothing to develop the country in economic terms and administration system.
After Rwanda was declared independent in 1962, Kigali was made the Capital City of Rwanda due to its strategic location. Kigali started to bosom and grow slowly until the tragic genocide in 1994 when the Rwandan armed forces and the Rwandan patriotic army were fighting which left several buildings destroyed and major routes inaccessible. This horrific genocide perpetrated against the Tutsis also led to several deaths and many people lost their lives in the City of Kigali. Kigali City has been rebuilding since then thriving and developing step by step up to date.
Kigali is now a famous city known for its cleanliness. The Kigali Motto is “Security and Cleanliness”. This explains why the city is a favorable tourist destination in terms of hygiene, safety, and security plus great accommodation with organized improved infrastructure hence favoring and booming the tourism industry in the country.
The government of Rwanda strictly imposes hygiene policies in the City and untidiness can be punishable for example throwing trash on the streets and using polythene bags is highly prohibited in the City. Most international visitors will witness and confess that Kigali City is the safest city on the African continent. This explains why Rwandan police are always carrying out patrols on the City streets and ensuring citizens of firm security. Citizens are cautioned to report anything that is a threat or any form of insecurity to the security operatives.
Visitors will see cleaners along the Kigali streets, roads, public places, and gardens daily as a tradition to clean the city. To reduce litter and untidiness, there has been an absolute ban on polythene bags since 2008 in the entire Country and now visitors can anticipate an extraordinary Rwanda safari in a cool and clean environment. There is also voluntary community work in Kigali city and its neighborhood locally known as “Umuganda” that involves voluntary work by locals and friends of Rwanda that assist in cleaning schools, hospitals, streets, and other public places in the City. This is the Uniqueness of Kigali City, Rwanda.
About 5 languages are spoken in Kigali city and these include Kinyarwanda, French, some little Kiswahili, and English. But the most used is the French language since it has been used for a very long time and Kiswahili and English have just been introduced when the country joined the East African Community.
The local currency used in Kigali city is the Rwanda franc and also the UK dollar, Euro, and pounds can be used or exchanged in Rwanda Kigali city.
Kigali city is a very interesting city to tour and you can move around the city using different transportation means like buses, taxis, motorcycles ‘’motos’’ or bicycles.
What to see or visit in Kigali city?
Kigali city is filled with many different tourist attractions or destinations that happen to link with the history and culture of the country. Some of these places that you should consider visiting include;
This is a place that provides informative knowledge about the remembrance and dedication of this center to the victims of genocide against the Tutsis. Over 250,000 victims were buried at this center and their final resting place where some Rwandan citizens come to grieve their loved ones. This famous center was inaugurated in 2004 in the Gisozi District of Rwanda’s Capital City, Kigali. This is one of the famous tourist attractions in Rwanda and the entire Africa at large. It’s about a 10 to 20-minute drive by road from the City and passionate visitors wishing to explore more of Rwanda can even walk there.
Inema Cultural and Art Center is located in the heart of Kigali city home to Rwanda's contemporary art and culture. Inema Cultural and Art Center was started by two brothers who had the desire for art and to teach other people how to express themselves and promote their art talents. The center exhibits different beautiful arts and crafts and cultural dances. Other art-related places in Rwanda. These include the Niyo Art Gallery, Uburanga Art Gallery, and Ivuka Arts Kigali.
You can visit the local markets of Kigali city and enjoy seeing busy people selling and buying fresh goods or vegetables. These markets not only sell fresh vegetables but also sell souvenirs and some of them include Kimironko Market, and Nyamirambo Market to mention a few.
Talking about nighttime, nightclubs, and lounges are the best places for party lovers to visit and blow off some steam. Some of these places for partying include Joy Time Bar, Legacy Lounge, Sky Lounge, Lemon Tree, and Rosty’s Club, to mention a few.
Other places to visit during your Kigali city tour include Rwanda Art Studio, Nyamirambo Women's Center, and Nyamata church, to mention a few.
Situated in the southwestern corner of the City, Mount Kigali is the highest hill in Kigali City and its hiking can just be a one-day climb that gives stunning views of the clean Kigali City. The walk to the highest hill in the City will commence from Nyamirambo Town area though it can be accessed by several routes in the City, Nyamirambo remains the easiest one.
Mount Kigali can easily be accessed especially if you proceed following the same route that directs you to the destination. This is not a mountain as it famously sounds but a hill of stones with local communities in the neighborhood. This hill will also take guests on an amazing adventure of its wilderness and proximity to the City.
Accommodation facilities in Rwanda Kigali vary from luxury to budget-friendly, this depends on what a tourist or visitor wants and how your finances stand. Some of these accommodation facilities include four points by Sheraton Kigali, Kigali Eye Studio Apartments, and Kigali Marriot Hotel, to mention a few. For more information or bookings concerning the Kigali city tour, do not hesitate to contact our company, we shall be glad to help.
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