Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda. It was declared Rwanda’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. They were agriculturalists and cattle keepers.
Kigali offers many fun activities, such as golfing at the Kigali Golf Club, swimming in luxurious hotels, bowling, skateboarding, zip-lining, and more.
It is also a starting point for Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali.
Top 10 Things to Do in Kigali
Below are the top 10 things to do in Kigali:
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Monument: The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the final resting place for over 250,000 Rwandans, especially Tutsis who were killed during the Rwandan genocide. The genocide began in 1994 when the Hutu tribe massacred millions of Tutsis while the world remained silent.
- Visit Hotel Rwanda: If you have watched the movie Hotel Rwanda, you should visit Hotel des Mille Collines. This is where Paul Rusesabagina saved hundreds of Tutsis during the 1994 genocide. Visiting the hotel will provide more details about how he saved lives and escaped from the Hutu.
- 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 in the grounds as genocide victims. There are mass graves for over 45,000 victims behind the church. A commemoration is held every year on April 11th to honor those who died in the church and surrounding areas.
- Visit the Inema Art Centre: The Inema Art Centre is a privately owned art gallery in Kigali. It features paintings, sculptures, and other beautiful works of art. Cultural performances are also held at the center, and you can buy souvenirs to take home.
- Visit Camp Kigali Memorial: Camp Kigali Memorial is the burial site of ten Belgian soldiers who were UN peacekeepers murdered on the first day of the genocide. Each tomb has the soldier’s name and age.
- Visit the Nyanza Genocide Memorial: The Nyanza Genocide Memorial is the burial site for over 4,000 Tutsis who were massacred during the genocide after the Belgian soldiers were killed.
- Mural Art Tour: The Mural Art Tour is perfect for art lovers. It includes seeing works like Kurema, Kureba, and Kwiga, which mean “create,” “see,” and “learn.” These pieces focus on meaningful street art.
- Climb Mount Kigali: Mount Kigali is located in the heart of the city and is ideal for hiking. Several routes are available, and the hike is not difficult, requiring no special skills. The hill offers breathtaking views of the city and fresh air.
- Horseback Riding: Fazenda Sengha, a horse riding school on top of Kigali Hill, offers horseback rides along the hillside or horse riding lessons.
- The 1000 Distillery Tour: The 1000 Distillery Tour shows how locally distilled spirits are made, from grain to alcohol. Each step in the process is demonstrated during the tour.
What to Do Near Kigali
Kigali city is close to Rwanda’s national parks, which are accessible via good tarmac roads within 3-4 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 you one full hour to observe mountain gorillas and other primates like 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 unique peaks with spectacular views of the countryside.
When to Visit Kigali in Rwanda
Kigali can be visited year-round, as the weather is good and favorable.
