Covering an area of 730 square kilometers, Kigali is the largest city and capital of Rwanda located in the central region at 1,567 meters above sea level. It consists of 3 major districts – Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge, it’s surrounded by beautiful hills, valleys and plateaus which confirm the statement that Rwanda is the country of “a thousand hills.”
According to the 2012 population census, it is estimated to have around 859,332 people. It is one of the smallest cities on the African continent and yet the cleanest of all. The initiative of making Kigali the cleanest city commenced by the banning of plastic bags and since the ban was put in place, the city is almost spotless. The government also introduced a system of “Umuganda” which happens on every last Saturday of the month where Rwandan citizens take part in cleaning the country by tending to their gardens, sweeping the streets and burning rubbish.
Kigali became the capital city officially on 1st July, 1962 when Rwanda attained its independence, it has since become the major commercial and administrative center with continuous infrastructure development like beautifully constructed roads, buildings and to register this success, Rwanda recently hosted the commonwealth summit successfully. It is also the main entrance into the country through Kigali International Airport.
When the Rwandan genocide occurred in 1994, growth of the city drastically declined however, it immediately picked up and the buildings that were destroyed were reconstructed. Kigali city has also developed to become one of the safest cities to visit in the world.
Kigali city, is a beautiful and amazing city full of exciting discoveries and adventure, here are the top attractions to visit during your stay in Kigali.
Attractions in Kigali City.
Kigali Genocide Memorial Site
Located in Gisozi, this site holds the remains of over 250,000 people who died during the 1994 Genocide. In commemoration of the 1994 genocide, the site was opened on 7th April, 2004. People who lost their beloved ones still pay a visit to the site to pay their last respects and grief.
This memorial site also has a museum where visitors can learn more about the tragedy of the traumatizing genocide including how it started, its causes and effects. This is one of the most visited sites in Rwanda and once here visitors can donate and the money is used to maintain the site.
Kimironko Market
This is a traditional market where all kinds of art and craft works are displayed and sold. Various local Rwandan artists with magical art pieces that depict the African culture and society and also other beautifully inspired art pieces display most of their work here, tourists can visit this market and purchase some souvenirs to remember Rwanda by.
Inema art gallery
An art gallery located in the city center displays different art works inclusive of fashion designs from 10 different fashion designers in Rwanda.
Presidential Palace Museum
This is home to former president of Rwanda whose plane crushed during genocide at his residential home in Kigali. Till today, the remains of the plane still exist at this site. The site is also home to the Rwandan Art Museum where historical relics and contemporary art works by Rwandan artists are displayed.
Richard Kandt’s House
Rwanda was once ruled by Germany until 1916 when Belgians took over. During the German rule, Richard Kandt was the first governor of Rwanda. His house was turned into a museum and partitioned into three different parts – the first shows the social, economic and political lifestyle of the people of Rwanda, second shows how people of Rwanda lived during the Germany rule and the third section displays how Kigali came to be the capital of Rwanda, how Kigali was during colonial times and how it is in post-colonial times. This is the place to go for all history lovers.
Dancing pots
This is a fun filled spot where culture enthusiasts get to meet the Batwa people and learn more about them – including their traditional dances, take part in art and crafts workshops where participants engage in pottery, basket making and beading.
Nyamirambo Women’s Center
Located on the outskirts of Kigali City, this is the most colorful town, also known as the Muslim town of Kigali since it has a large population of Muslims. The area is very loud and busy with markets, local food restaurants and mosques that are always open, and ready to welcome visitors.