This is the country’s capital city and is enriched with a moderate high altitude climate of the tropical location. The city is located conveniently with in a distance of 3 hours drive from the country’s major tourist sites. The country’s capital city is made up of 3 districts and these are Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge. The city has a population of approximately 1 million people of which most of them are youth of about 60% and women of about 50% in terms of Gender.
Kigali is sub divided into three (3) towns which include; Gasabo, Nyarugenge and Kicukiro with its total population that is represented by about one million people. To begin your city tour, there are historic sites where you will be guided via the ancient modern building from which Kigali was established and then proceed to one of its fast growing neighborhoods that are uniquely changing the out look of the city. Kigali is renowned as the cleanest, the friendliest and secure cities in Africa continent a reason why many tourists and investors have been and still attracted to the area.
Kigali city was founded in 1907 as a small colonial out post by Dr. Richard Kandt, the first German colonial resident of Rwanda. Dr. Richard Kandt stayed in the foothills of Mount Jali and Mount Kigali in the middle of the city which has been changed into the natural history museum in honor of Dr. Kandt’s work and it is one of the first stop over for most visitors en-route to the city. The stop over at Mount Kigali as well, has got the perfect view of the city and the country side, milk bar, neighborhood market. Some of the international restaurants range from Chinese, Italian, North Africa, East African, Thai and Greek cuisine and Resto bars which are Kigali’s most favorite bar for delicious meals. While in your city tour, never miss to visit Rwanda’s restaurants or bars for memorable experiences in your life.
History of Kigali
It was in 1906 that the history of Kigali started, when Dr. Richard Kandt the first imperial resident governor for Rwanda selected Nyarugenge hill as the site of the capital, due to its central location in the country. Until now, Kigali is still the capital city of Rwanda and its commercial hub.
Kigali, a city that is located almost in the center of Rwanda, went through the recent redistricting arrangement too, and the city is at the moment headed by the Executive Secretary-Ndayisaba Fidèle while people in Kigali continue to wait for their Mayor to be elected-democratically.
The city has experienced a high population increase over the past twenty years, which was even boosted by the genocide period, when the returning Rwandans flocked the capital in the name of looking for security. The population is therefore believed to have shot from 6,000 in 1960 to 603, 049 to-date.
Kigali city, which is almost in the center of the country, with altitude of 1057’S and on longitude 30004’Eis now facing a number of challenges. The city needs to get more modernized so as to look a real capital city, it needs to form jobs for all those who can, making the city more attractive, supportive or business and investment, both within the Central/East African region as well as within the world’s economy.
Bwanacyambwe, which is an area of interlocking hills surrounded by two major hills of Jali and Kigali is th natural region of Kigali.
Things to See in Kigali
The city has tourist attractions like Genocide Memorial sites, gift shops with cow bone jewellery, the famous local Batik and nestling basket called Agaseka. Other attractions in the city include the local market of Nyabugogo which is the largest in the country.
Kigali city tours provide tourists with a great opportunity to explore its unique attractions that portray the real heartbeat of this remarkable city. Being one of destined cities within the Equator area, Kigali has one of the moderate climatic conditions all the year round and it is some thing worth appreciating in life. The city also forms one of the sparkling commercial centers in East Africa. In reality Kigali is one of the magnificent cities especially at night as the city lights shine all over the country’s thousand hills.
The most amazing thing is that most safaris in Rwanda start from Kigali its capital and end in same city. A precious city well located has variety for every one including Rwanda locals. Taking a wonderful sightseeing tour to discover the must see genocide sites, royal treasures plus the many shopping centers and markets. The pretty sky views escort you all through along with musical atmosphere. One of my favorites about Kigali is that one can spend a night in the city and will still go on safari especially tight schedule travelers.
City tours are one of the most exciting experiences not to be missed in the land of a thousand hills. For long, Kigali has been and it is still a renowned city for most of Rwanda’s economy, culture and transportation systems ever since it gained her independence in 1962. Kigali is one of the fast growing cities in East Africa and much more an exhibition city that is designated to enhance visitors’ experiences especially for those who get into Rwanda.
While planning for your city trip to Kigali, there is no need to doubt about activities to participate. Some of incredible activities include the mural walk which is spearheaded by an artist; Rwandan lunch and the best coffee around or take a trip on water taxi and then walk in the neighborhoods of the city. As well, there are other numerous Kigali Genocide Memorial sites for you to explore what happened in the year 1994. Explore is one of the tremendous events that claimed millions of people in 1994. The memorial genocide sites have been introduced to help the Rwandan people remember heartless moments that occurred between the Tutsis and the Hutus of Rwanda at time, some thing that has been painted as “Never Again.” While you are in your safari in Kigali city, endeavor to visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial site.
Kigali City Tours offers a great opportunity to visitors to explore in depth the hidden treasures of Rwanda’s Capital City. With several activities that are found in the city, tourists have a wide choice to make their stay memorable.
Kigali Genocide Memorial Center: Before going out of the capital and to Rwanda’s famous national parks, you will probably want to visit the Genocide Memorial Center in the capital Kigali. The Museum holds the remains of about 250,000 people who were brutally murdered by the Interahamwe Hutu extremists. The center is divided into three sections – one for children killed during the genocide, another for adults and the final section dedicated to learning about genocides which occurred in different parts of the world.
While at the site, you will learn a lot about what transpired before, during and after the 1994 genocide. You can watch short videos about the tragic event or listen to what the resident Guides have to say. The experience can be emotional but the main purpose of the displays is to teach people, especially the young generation about the horrors of genocides so that it never happens anywhere else again.
Kigali Convention Center: This Center is one of the most prominent buildings in Kigali. Its architecture is very impressive but what makes it well-known is that it is where most of the major conferences/meetings are held. Apart from the conference hall, the facility also has a 5-star hotel known as Radisson Blue and large shopping centers. The Kigali Convention Center is excellent for photography, shopping or as a place to have lunch. The Center lights up during the night in a way that is second to no building in the country.
State House Museum: The State House Museum is the former presidential palace. The last president to occupy it was Habyarimana. Habyarimana’s plane crashed in the palace compound after being shot at. The shooting down of the presidential plan is what sparked off a genocide that was already in plan. The palace is now a museum where visitors can go to learn about the events leading up to the genocide and kind of life lived by president Habyarimana. The plane wreckage can still be seen in the compound.
Kimironko Market: A quick way to understand the kind of life lived by people in a new place is by visiting their main central market. Kimironko market is where everyone goes to for cheap fresh fruits, vegetables and food. There are all kinds of things on sale. Shoppers simply visit the different stalls and get what they want. An extension of the market specializes in quality second hand clothes, shoes, handbags and suits. If you are wondering where to get good local fabrics or Kitenge at a good price, then Kimironko is the place to go to.
Inema Art Center: This Art Center was started by two brothers with the aim of supporting and promoting local artists. The Center has got some of the best contemporary artisan products in the country. You can find displays from some of the finest artists in the country and abroad. The center organizes workshops and training sessions for upcoming artists and especially those who are less privileged orphans. On a typical visit, tourists are shown around the facility as they shop for souvenir from the different galleries. There are also dance performances from a resident Intore cultural group. The art pieces at the Inema Art Centre can be bought online and shipped to you anywhere in the world. After visiting Inema, you might also wish to go to Ivuka Arts Centre to learn about their community projects and shop for more art pieces.
Where to Stay in Kigali
Since it’s the country’s capital city, in terms of accommodation facilities, it offers comfortable accommodation places like Hotels, guest houses, lodges, Motels, Inns, which all range from low budget ones to top class 5 star Hotels. The city also provides both a comfortable and welcoming introduction to the land of a thousand hills and an ideal springboard from which to explore the country.