Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda, declared the country’s capital after independence in 1962. The Twa people were the first inhabitants of Rwanda, living there between 8000 BC and 3000 BC as hunter-gatherers.
Between 700 BC and 1500 BC, the Hutu and Tutsi migrated to the country, arriving as agriculturalists and cattle keepers.
Kigali offers many fun activities, such as golfing at the Kigali Golf Club, swimming at luxury hotels, bowling, skateboarding, zip lining, and more.
It is also a starting point for Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali. Many travelers combine a stop here with our Rwanda tours.
Top 10 Things to Do in Kigali
1. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Monument: The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the final resting place for over 250,000 Rwandans, particularly Tutsis killed during the Rwandan genocide, which began in 1994 when Hutu extremists carried out mass killings of Tutsis while much of the world remained silent.
2. Visit Hôtel des Mille Collines: If you’ve seen the film Hotel Rwanda, this hotel is worth a visit. It’s where Paul Rusesabagina sheltered hundreds of Tutsis during the 1994 genocide. Touring the hotel offers more insight into how he protected lives during that period.
3. Visit the Nyamata Genocide Memorial Church: The Nyamata Genocide Memorial Church is one of the main genocide sites in Kigali. It was established in April 1997 by the Catholic Church. One person is buried inside the church, with many more buried on the grounds. There are mass graves for over 45,000 victims behind the church, and a commemoration is held every year on April 11 to honor those who died there and in the surrounding area.
4. Visit the Inema Art Centre: The Inema Art Centre is a privately owned art gallery in Kigali, featuring paintings, sculptures, and other artwork. Cultural performances are also held at the center, and visitors can buy souvenirs to take home.
5. Visit Camp Kigali Memorial: Camp Kigali Memorial is the burial site of ten Belgian soldiers, UN peacekeepers who were killed on the first day of the genocide. Each tomb bears the soldier’s name and age.
6. Visit the Nyanza Genocide Memorial: The Nyanza Genocide Memorial is the burial site for over 4,000 Tutsis massacred during the genocide, after Belgian soldiers stationed there were killed.
7. Mural Art Tour: The Mural Art Tour is a good fit for art lovers, featuring works like “Kurema, Kureba, Kwiga,” meaning “create,” “see,” and “learn.” These pieces focus on meaningful street art around the city.
8. Climb Mount Kigali: Mount Kigali sits in the heart of the city and is well suited for hiking. Several routes are available, and the hike is not difficult, requiring no special skills. The hill offers wide views of the city and fresh air.
9. Horseback Riding: Fazenda Sengha, a horse riding school atop Kigali Hill, offers horseback rides along the hillside as well as riding lessons.
10. The 1000 Distillery Tour: The 1000 Distillery Tour shows how locally distilled spirits are made, from grain to alcohol, with each step in the process demonstrated along the way.
What to Do Near Kigali
Kigali city is close to Rwanda’s national parks, accessible via good tarmac roads within 2.5 to 3 hours.
Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the most popular tourist activity. It can be done in Volcanoes National Park for $1,500, giving visitors a full hour to observe mountain gorillas and other primates, such as golden monkeys.
Mountain Climbing: Volcanoes National Park is home to five of the Virunga mountains: Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Bisoke. Each mountain leads to a distinct peak with wide views of the surrounding countryside.
When to Visit Kigali
Kigali can be visited year round, as the weather remains generally good and favorable throughout.
