I recently had a chat with a client, pitching our Kigali package and she laughed. She asked me “What does Kigali really have to offer?”. I enlightened her about the Kigali story and she became more appreciative of the city but then it hit me. A lot of people don’t know about Rwanda and its beautiful sites. This article is written to keep you abreast of the wonders of Rwanda.
Kigali despite its dark history of Genocide is a captivating city and has become the world’s ninth safest country and also the one of the most sought after vacation destinations in Africa. Today, Rwanda has been voted the country with the lowest crime rate which also has really affordable Transportation and accommodation services.
Without further ado, lets dive into the wonders of Kigali.
- KIGALI GENOCIDE MEMORIAL
It’s almost impossible to visit Kigali without understanding more about the country’s eventful history. A visit to this Memorial gives a fascinating insight of the country’s post genocide recovery as the locals believe the world turned their backs on them during those trying times. There is also a children’s room dedicated to the youngest victims of the genocide. Although it is very heartbreaking, take a walk to the Gardens of Reflection and pray for the souls of the 250,000 victims interred there. You should also make your way to the Presidential Palace Museum which is the genesis of the 1994 genocide. This is where the plane of the then President was shot down by unknown suspects as it was coming out of his residence. It is worthy to note that the debris of the plane is still there till today.
- THE MARKETS
There are so many markets in Kigali but just few stand out which are, The Kimironko market and the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre. The Kimironko Market is the largest and oldest of them all. The market has made a name for itself as the busiest market in Kigali as hundreds of vendors set up shops to showcase their wares. If there’s something you should definitely purchase at this market is Bespoke Clothing as there are thousands of options. A lot of tourists from all over the world visit this market.
The next market to visit is the Nyamirambo Womens Centre. The women-funded center was set up in 2007 to address Gender inequality and empower women. There are a lot of locally made products to select from here such as tote bags, hand-woven baskets in every shape and size, patterned place mats, crocheted rugs, beaded jewelry clothing and lots more. You can also get a guided tour by the locals to their local salons, places of worship, agricultural businesses and more. Tourists cold also participate in their cooking and weaving classes on offer.
- THE WILDLIFE
I can’t even begin to describe the wonders of Kigali without mentioning it’s fascinating wildlife. There are a whole lot of parks showcasing a variety of species of animals, birds and plants. The most popular is the Volcanoes National Park, home to a number of endangered mountain gorilla. You will engage in an activity called Gorilla Trekking which usually begins with a guided hike through mystical bamboo forests, wild meadows, and swampy areas and would lead you to the habituated gorilla families where you can carefully observe how the gorillas interact with each other, eat, feed their babies and their general behavior. This is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
If you want something more exciting and adventurous, head over to the Nyungwe Forest National Park where You’ll walk across a 91-meter-long suspended bridge dangling more than 50 meters above the rainforest, getting a dazzling view of the treetops and mountains in the distance.
- QUESTION COFFEE CAFÉ
If you feel you’ve had great coffee, head over to Rwanda. Rwanda grows one of the finest coffee beans and also exports to different parts of the world. Visiting Question café gives you a tour and insight on how these beans are grown and also how it is brewed. You have the opportunity to taste the coffee Rwandan Style with a variety of specialty espresso beverages, pour-over coffee, and also take some beans home!
- HOTEL DES MILLE COLLINES
I really can’t end this article without mentioning this world famous hotel. It was home to a lot of people who sought refuge in it during the genocide and drank from the swimming pool to survive. But I’m sure you already know this story after watching Hotel Rwanda. Yes, this hotel is the inspiration behind the movie. Till today, the luxury hotel is one of the best places to stay in Kigali and you can still experience a piece of this unique place at the hotel’s Culture Night, held every Friday. It celebrates Rwandan culture with live music and dance performances, as well as meals made with nearly all local ingredients. While you’re there, take a stroll to the fourth floor od Hotel Des Mille Collines. I won’t tell you why but a pleasant and breath-taking surprise awaits you. One tip though, if you’re going with your better half, do put on a suit or a dinner gown.
So what do you say? Take a trip with ASPOM TRAVELS to Kigali this festive season and enjoy all the wonders of the city listed here and the ones that aren’t because trust me, there’s a whole lot in Kigali that can’t be written about. Its best to experience it.