Known as the safest and cleanest city on the African continent, Kigali is the largest and capital city of the Republic of Rwanda geographically located in the region of rolling hills, valleys and ridges that are joined by steep slopes. As a largest city in the Republic of Rwanda, Kigali features the country’s economic, cultural and the transport hub since it became the main city in 1962 as it gained its independence from Belgian rule.
The city is regarded as the most beautiful city on the African continent with amazing and designed roads, plus well-established buildings which make an excellent scene to any visitor. With such buildings, lined trees, security and cleanliness, the city was crowned a UN habitat scroll of honor award in 2008. Due to its amazing location – in the heart of the Republic of Rwanda, the city is made up of several attractions that attract different people world-wide. If you are looking to a Rwanda safari, here are the most popular sites that you should not miss on your itinerary while in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda;
Kigali genocide memorial
This is one of the most common tourism centers in Kigali city that was built on honor of the victims who were murdered mercilessly during the genocide in 1994. The center is believed to be a graveyard of over 250,000 Tutsi who were killed. It is a place where different people converge to mourn for their beloved ones and also a center of learning as different survivor guides explain what happened and video footage of the incident are shown to the visitors.
Kandt museum
In case of anything concerning the beauty, animals, mineral riches and different bird species, Kandt museum is the best place to visit. The building features 3 main parts where each part has a lot to present. In the first part of the monument, you will know the Rwandan aspects of life that is social, economic, and political lifestyle before the colonial period. In the second part, you will be exposed to the lifestyle of the Rwanda people during the German colonial rule until 1961 when the Belgians took over after world war 1 and then the third part represents the history before, during and after the colonial period when Kigali became the capital city in 1962.
Kigali Convention Center
Situated within the heart of the beautiful city, the convention center is also another amazing attraction to sight during your city tour. It was constructed with a beautiful and unique architecture of a be hive with splendid lights that provide a good view at night. The center is a place where different occasions like multiday meetings, events, conventions and many others take place. Also, the center features a café and restaurant where different visitors go to enjoy Rwandan coffee, photographs and delicious meals.
Local markets
Kigali city is a home to a number of markets where visitors can buy different products at a low cost. Among the markets in the city include Nyamirambo market, and then Kimiromko which is the largest and most common. During your visit to these places you will buy stuffs like fruits, vegetables, electronics, fabrics, baskets, art and craft product and many others. As you buy these products, you will get a great opportunity of interacting with the locals as you learn and enjoy their lifestyles, culture and economic aspects.
