Nestled among several hills, ridges, and valleys, Kigali has been the capital city of Rwanda, the country of a thousand hills, since July 1, 1962, after the country gained independence.
It was made the capital because of its strategic location in the central area of Rwanda, good transport links, industry, trade, and its vastness. It is Rwanda’s geographic, economic, and cultural center.
It also hosts the country’s administrative and commercial centers and is home to over a million people.
During the pre-colonial era, under the watchful eye of the Bami (kings), Mount Kigali was a site for magical renewal and a major stopover on the cross-African caravan trade routes.
Kigali city was officially established by the German Empire in 1907.
The empire had acquired the colonial concessions of Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi in 1885 at the Berlin Conference.
The Belgians took control of the region through the mandate system established by the League of Nations after the First World War.
During this period, the administration of the region was concentrated in Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura, and as a result, Rwanda grew slowly during this time.
There are three main districts in Kigali city: Kicukiro District, Gasabo District, and Nyarugenge District.
Kigali is a pleasant, modern city spread out on several hills. The city’s motto is “Cleanliness and Security,” and in line with this motto, Kigali is a clean city.
When you visit Kigali, you’ll notice that it is entirely clean, which is why it has been recognized as East Africa’s cleanest city.
The governance of the city also focuses on hygiene and cleanliness.
The city hires cleaners who work for private companies or cooperatives to clean the highways, streets, and public gardens.
The government of Rwanda has an initiative called “Umuganda” where residents and friends of Rwanda participate in community projects like cleaning the streets, tending gardens, and constructing houses, schools, and hospitals on the last Friday of every month.
Every last Saturday of the month is a public holiday in Kigali.
In 1998, plastic bags were completely banned in Kigali to help reduce litter. Every six months, the cleanliness of the city is checked, and if necessary, measures such as planting gardens and improving pavements are taken.
Cleanliness aside, Kigali is also a safe place to live, work, or visit at any time of the day or night.
The police keep a keen eye on the streets, and citizens are urged to report any incidents that could cause harm to others.
Most visitors from different countries consider Kigali to be the safest place in Africa.
In 1994, there was massive loss of life due to the genocide against the Tutsis in Kigali. Many of the city’s buildings were destroyed in fighting between the Rwandan Armed Forces and the Rwandan Patriotic Army.
Other buildings were destroyed out of hate, frustration, and anger.
Since this time, Kigali has undergone a period of rapid growth and development.
The country has been recognized and is now showing signs of progress and growth.
Despite its tropical location, the city is characterized by a moderate high-altitude climate and hosts the main residence and offices of the Rwandan government.
In addition, it acts as the main gateway into and out of the country with Kigali International Airport.
Tourist Attractions and Activities in Kigali
Kigali is a welcoming city and a great destination to spend a couple of days exploring its attractions. Some of the activities to engage in while visiting include:
Kigali Genocide Memorial Site
The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre in Gisozi is one of the frequently visited places in the city.
The center officially opened on April 7, 2004, to commemorate the anniversary of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, where approximately 250,000 victims were buried.
Today, people who lost family and loved ones visit the center to mourn and remember them.
The center is also a museum open to local and international visitors to learn about the history, implementation, and consequences of the genocide.
This site is open to the public free of charge, and visitors are welcome to donate any amount to support it.
Richard Kandt’s House
Richard Kandt was the first colonial German governor of Rwanda. Today, his house serves as a museum with three main parts.
The first part showcases the social, economic, and political life of Rwandans during the German colonial period until 1916 when the Belgian government assumed control under the League of Nations Mandate after the First World War.
All Richard’s actions in Rwanda are documented in this house.
The third part of the museum covers the history of Kigali from its establishment as the capital city in 1962 to the end of the colonial period and beyond.
Nyamirambo Town
Nyamirambo is one of the most vibrant and colorful towns outside the city center of Kigali, and it never sleeps. It is very noisy, with lots of parties and social gatherings.
It is also well-known for the Muslim community in the city, with many interesting areas to visit.
If you are interested in the local aspects of the city, like busy streets, markets, corner shops, mosques, and local cuisine, Nyamirambo is the place to go.
Kimironko Market
Kimironko Market is one of the cultural and traditional markets in Rwanda, featuring all kinds of crafts made by the locals to earn a living.
Visitors flying out of Kigali often visit the market to buy products as souvenirs. The Inema Art Gallery also has amazing art pieces to look at.
Other attractions in Kigali include the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology, Kigali Camp, the genocide site where the Belgian Blue Berets were killed at the beginning of the genocide, the hero’s cemetery, and the Dancing Pots, where visitors can learn about the Batwa people and engage in their traditional pottery, workshops, and dance.
Other Places to Visit in Kigali
- Kigali Public Library
- The Gaddafi Mosque
- Climbing Mount Kigali
- To name a few
Where to Stay in Kigali City, Rwanda
Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali, hosts a wide range of accommodation options that visitors can choose from during their stay.
The hotels are strategically located near the main shopping and commercial areas.
Kigali hosts some of the finest hotel structures in East Africa, offering top-notch services.
Des Mille Collines Hotel
This is a historical hotel that provided shelter to over 1,260 people during the genocide in Rwanda, making it very famous.
During that time, Paul Rusesabagina was the hotel manager, and he is remembered in Rwanda’s history.
He was even an inspiration for Terry George’s famous film “Hotel Rwanda” in 2004. If it’s your first time visiting Rwanda, a stay at Des Mille Collines Hotel will make your visit more interesting.
You can use the same swimming pool that supplied water for the people to use.
The rooms are classy and have stunning views of the city of Kigali because it is situated near the city center.
Kigali Marriott Hotel
This five-star hotel is conveniently located near Kigali Convention Center, offering luxurious amenities and high-end services.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable with stylish designs and luxurious suites.
The bathrooms are superb, and the beds are luxurious.
Other hotels include Urban by City Blue Hotel, Golf Hills Residence, The Retreat Hotel, Step Town Motel, and many others.
All these accommodations will make your stay in Kigali city an unforgettable one.
Best Time to Visit Kigali City
The best time to visit Kigali city is during the dry season between June and mid-September when less rain falls compared to the wet season between March and May.
However, the city can be visited any time of the year because every season has its advantages.
From the shadows of genocide, Kigali city has emerged to become a major tourist destination with beautiful and lush landscapes, hospitable people, a peaceful climate, rich culture and history, and is continuously developing its tourism potential by providing world-class hotels, Mount Kigali attractions, historical monuments, and other necessary amenities to ensure that tourists get the best value and unforgettable experiences during their visit to Kigali city, Rwanda.
