Kigali
ONE OF AFRICA’S FASTEST GROWING CITIES
Kigali Overview
Kigali is one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities. Suitably located in the heart of Rwanda, Kigali spans across a series of scenic hills and valleys, boasting of its good road network making it easier to connect to the country’s remotest parts.
Comprising of about 1 million people, Kigali has for decades recorded incredible transformation. Besides, it is popular for its cleanliness thanks to its active community participation to keep the country clean.
Kigali is listed among the newly created cities in Africa and the world at large. It began as an administrative outpost in 1907 and in 1962, it was officially a capital city. Kigali became Rwanda’s official capital upon attaining independence. Originally, administrative offices were located in Huye till 1962 when the focus shifted to Kigali.
Kigali boasts of its wide tree-lined boulevards and immaculate squares. The area is all safe and secure to take a walk while you get an incredible treat to Rwanda’s unmatched hospitality. Even if you are looking for areas to dine out from, Kigali has you covered with its wide range of restaurants and classic hotels.
Unlike in the past, Kigali is currently one of Africa’s most vibrant cities, and Rwanda’s administrative centre, cultural, transportation and commercial hub. On Kigali city tours, visitors have a lot more to explore. Each year, different kinds of travellers flock to Kigali for different reasons including leisure, MICE and business.
Among the many towns in Rwanda, Kigali was selected by Richard Kandt considering its strategic location and incredible views that it offers. While in Kigali, the art scenes and plenty of other tourist sites are available for visitors to explore and experience.
Nyarutarama Lake/Lover’s Lake –located at the border of an 18-hole golf course, one of the major valleys. If you are interested in urban nature walks, there is a well-established track to take along the lake and you enjoy the view of the lake and sight some birds.
A visit to Kigali is never complete without a tour of the Kigali memorial site. Located at Gisozi, the Kigali memorial is the resting place of more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The site features three permanent exhibitions and beautiful gardens. A visit to the Kigali memorial offers a deep insight into the Rwandan genocide where nearly 1 million people died.
Kigali Cultural Village is where local artisans and food vendors showcase and trade their goods. Within the city, there are lots of classic shopping malls and office structures and ideal MICE centres.
On the Kigali city tour, don’t miss visiting the biggest market – Kimironko. At Kimironko, there are fresh fruits, vegetables and several other items to grab.
Launched in 2007, the Art gallery –Ivuka happens is a must visit place for visitors to find unique artwork. The area features over 10 galleries including Niyo and Yego art galleries.
The Muslim quarter lies about three kilometers. You need a long day to have a deep exploration of the quarter.
Rising up to 6000 ft, Mount Kigali offers relatively moderate hikes. This is the highest peak of Kigali capital with hikes not as challenging as trekking to the summits of Karisimbi volcano in Volcanoes National Park.
Other sites to consider visiting
- Kigali Marriott Hotel,
- Onomo Hotel,
- Villa Kigali
- The retreat hotel
- Amata n’Ubuki Hotel
- Four Points by Sheraton
- Kigali Serena Hotel,
- Governors Residence
