A Rwanda Safari experience is not complete without including a Kigali city tour. Kigali city is a pristine definition of an African modern city. Categorized among the greats as a modest city, Kigali shapes the African skyline with immense beauty. Kigali defines Rwanda as a steadily developing country shaped by years of reconstruction and reconciliation from past battles.
Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, situated on different hills, depicts the country as a definite land of a thousand hills. This city tour aims to expand the tourism scope of the country’s untamed beauty, including its natural wonders and wildlife, to include its beauty and history. From an informed view, Kigali stands out as the cleanest city in Africa, competing with other international cities.
The Kigali city tour aims to bring out Kigali as a potential destination for exploration. This objection is affirmed by its incredible adventurous sites. Over the years, tourism has shifted from only the wildlife to also including historical and unique sites. With this changing dynamic, the Kigali city tour offers a great chance to align the modern exploration of sites with the wildlife.
Historically, Kigali city is a representation of the resilience of the Rwandan people after years of trauma. Being at the center of the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi, Kigali city faced an intense period that marked the error of blood that would later shape its existence. What was once a site of mass graves now stands out as a reminder and celebration of life. This is why Kigali city offers visitors a chance to learn about what happened, appreciate life for what it is, and protect it.
Rwanda’s security in recent years has made Kigali city a safe place for travel and exploration. As safety is key to development, visitors also have a chance to enjoy their time safely in the city.
What to see on a Kigali city tour?
As much is said about Kigali city, a lot can be seen once one ventures on a tour in this city. From history to culture to food, name it, all can be seen on this city tour as detailed below.
State House Museum
Once a modest presidential palace, it now stands as a museum that showcases historical and cultural artifacts. The State House Museum is the former residence of three different former presidents of Rwanda. This state house was built by the former president, Juvenal Habyarimana, in 1976. Upon his death in 1994, the interim president, Theodore Sindikubwabo, lived there during the genocide. Pasteur Bizimungu was the last president after the genocide to live in this house.
The state house museum is located in Kanombe, a few kilometers from the Kigali International Airport. The compound of this museum holds the plane wreckage that claimed the life of Juvenal Habyarimana, which was shot down. This plane crash was the trigger for the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi by the Hutu extremists.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial
To understand the impact of the 1994 Rwanda genocide, visitors can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This is one of the major genocide sites in the city that visitors can explore on a Kigali city tour. The Rwandan 1994 genocide is one of the most tragic events in modern history. It is estimated that over a million people, largely Tutsis, died over 100 days.
As tragic and unbelievable as it may sound, it actually happened, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial depicts it well. Located at Gisozi Hill, this memorial is the final resting place of over 250,000 people. This memorial has different areas that showcase the names of the victims, open graves, and child victims, among others.
Nyamata church
The dark side of humanity comes to life at Nyamata church as another genocide site. Once considered a haven for believers, the Nyamata church became a center for massacre. At the peak of the genocide, over 10,000 people hid in this church. The walls and doors of this church were forced open with grenades and guns.
Approximately 10,000 died in this church, and over 50,000 killed in the surrounding areas are buried in mass graves at the compound of the church. Clothing and other belongings of victims, like identity cards, can still be seen in this church. Remains, like skulls and bones, are also visible.
Inema Art Center
Started by brothers passionate about art and culture, the Inema Art Center portrays beautiful art pieces. This center is located in the heart of Kigali and offers locals a platform to showcase their art. During a Kigali city tour, visitors can explore this art center and witness the different art pieces exhibited there. Visitors can grab a piece as a souvenir from the galleries to support the local artists. This center also offers cultural dance performances from the local groups.
Kimironko Market
Kimironko market is the center of trade in Kigali city. This market is the main commercial hub of the city that attracts people from different areas. Visitors have a chance to explore and interact with the local people as they visit this market. Different products can be sold here, from foodstuffs to goods like clothes, and home-use materials, among others. Explore the trading life of the locals by visiting the Kimironko market.