Kigali City | A Complete Guide to Kigali City Tours
Kigali City
In the heart of Rwanda lies the beautiful Kigali, a city that spans across many spectacular hills and valleys with incredibly good road network to the remotest part of the country. Boasting as a verdant city, Kigali city began as an administrative outpost in 1907 but today, it is the most vibrant city.
Kigali officially became the capital city in 1962 and since then, the focus was shifted from Huye. Unlike the past years, Kigali has positioned itself as one of the most vibrant cities on African continent. It is a transport, commercial, and cultural hub, an ideal place to embark on city excursion.
Kigali is most famous as the cleanest city, founded in 1907 an area chosen by Richard Kandt thanks to its strategic position and amazing views. It remains as the preferred location to start and end Rwanda tour. City tours and Rwanda safaris to protected areas such as Nyungwe, Volcanoes NP and Gishwati-Mukura NP are often combined on a single trip thus guaranteeing you a memorable vacation.
Weather and climate of Kigali
Kigali mainly records temperate and tropical climatic conditions. On an average, Kigali records temperature range of 15 to 27 degrees celsius and September is the warmest month of the year. Each year, the city records precipitation of about 950mm.
People and culture
Kigali accommodates different tribal groups, but the main spoken languages include French, Kinyarwanda, Swahili and English. Rwanda is East African community member state and the others include Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. It is also a preferred cultural safari destination, a place to enjoy traditional dances, and exploring different cultural sites including museums.
Cultural & historical sites
Kigali memorial site –located a short distance away from the heart of Kigali, the Kigali memorial site is the historical burial center where 250000 victims of the Rwandan genocide were laid to rest. At the historical site, there are permanent exhibition, garden and other displays to learn about the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Hotel Mille des Collines –also most popular as Hotel Rwanda inspired by the Hotel Rwanda movie. It was at this hotel where the Tutsi tried to seek refuge during the 1994 Rwanda genocide.
The presidential palace museum –this is where you can find the wreckage of H.E Habyarimana plane.
Muslim Quarter –situated 3km off from the heart of Kigali capital, embark on the long day walk to and around the Muslim quarters.
The art scene –Kigali is vibrant city also most popular for its unique artwork. You can find the unique art gallery Ivuka, launched in 2007 and currently features about 10 galleries. These include Yego arts and Niyo art gallery, etc.
Kimironko market –this is the largest market in Kigali capital, a perfect place to find some fresh vegetables and fruits.
Other places to visit on Kigali city expedition: Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, Gorilla statue, Kandt house museum, saint famille church, Nyanza genocide memorial site and if you love shopping, then don’t miss visiting Abraham konga, haute baso, Kigali cultural village and others.
Places to stay
All kinds of accommodation facilities exist in and around Kigali capital and range from budget to luxury. They include Lemigo Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, Hotel des Mille Collines, Heaven Restaurant and Boutique Hotel, Onomo Hotel, Sweet Stay Guesthouse Kigali, Five to Five Hotels, The Retreat, The Manor Hotel, Kigali Marriott Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel.
Frequently Asked Travel Questions About Kigali City Rwanda
Is Kigali a good holiday destination?
YES!! Kigali is 100% an outstanding destination, offering a range of experiences and opportunities to explore different sites. From the uniquely designed stonework to historic buildings, and scenic gardens, Kigali city should be a must-visit destination on your next Rwanda safari. Some of the city’s iconic landmarks include the Kandt House Museum, bubble-like Radisson Blu Hotel, Genocide sites and more.
Why is Kigali famous?
Kigali is most popular for many reasons, but specifically as a city that is quiet, safe and clean. Above all it is also Africa’s most organized city, with well-developed transportation, arts and unique cultures. The city and country in general has transformed tremendously under the leadership of HE Paul Kagame in the past decades regardless of the dark historic 1994 Rwanda genocide.
Is Kigali the most beautiful city in Africa?
Kigali has on many occasions been recognized as Africa’s most beautiful city. There are collective efforts to transform the city and Rwanda as a whole thanks to government’s policies.
Is Kigali cheap or expensive?
The cost of living in Kigali city is often looked as costly. But for guests who have been there before or used a tour operators such as Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd, they haven’t encountered because as a ground travel company our team is well-versed with areas to visit, accommodation and where to do shopping, etc.
Is it safe to travel to Kigali Rwanda?
YES, Kigali is a safe destination to spend a holiday and attracts different categories of travelers –from business, event and leisure visitors. But be aware of some incidences like pick pocketing, and avoid exposing your valuables while in the busy city centre. Alternatively, keep all your valuables at the hotel and have your rental car doors and windows properly locked.