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Local crafts, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Home Destinations Africa Rwanda Kigali

Kigali

Small, charming and with a surprisingly buoyant atmosphere, Kigali is a great place to explore on foot.

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Whilst there is little to do in the way of tourist attractions, the dignified Genocide Memorial Centre offers a testament to the strength and dignity of the Rwandese people. The city itself is scattered across a number of hills and a handful of smart, boutique cafes and restaurants allow for the coffee fix if needed – but given where you are, you should really ask for tea.

Whilst Kigali itself is a colourful and chaotic city, it does not suffer from many of the problems of other African cities and is welcoming and clean (Rwanda has banned plastic bags and runs a number of buses on bio-fuel). Kigali also offers a good place from which to start or end your journey given its central location with a number of surprisingly great restaurants and cafes and a number of colourful markets keeping you busy.

Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda

Why visit Kigali

  • Explore the Nyamirambo district, stopping at one of the lively bars and cafes
  • Visit the local handicraft co-operative at Capalki for some colourful souvenirs
  • Pay your respects at the moving – and very emotional – Genocide Memorial
  • Take in the views across the city at the State House and Natural History Museum
  • Once a month, the whole country gets involved with a national day of clearing up – known as Umuganda – streets are swept, rubbish cleared and neighbours welcomed. The Rwandese rightly take pride in their beautiful country.
Young wet gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda
Holiday Idea

Highlights of Rwanda

11 days

from $18,975 pp

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Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Basket weaving, Rwanda
 

Capalki Co-operative

Visit Caplaki Handicrafts Cooperative in Kigali city, a collection of around 40 small shops selling colourful locally made products.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Local crafts, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
 

Nyamirambo Tour

Explore the Nyamirambo district, led by a community guide. Visit local cooperatives, shops and markets, learning the history of this Kigali neighbourhood.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Sunset over Kigali, Rwanda
 

Kigali Natural History Museum

Known locally as “Kandt House,” this small museum celebrates the work of Dr. Richard Kandt, a German physician and explorer who explored Rwanda in 1897, searching for the source of the Nile River. The museum showcases artefacts from his expedition, including a ship that was sunk off the shores of Lake Kivu during World War I.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Genocide memorial, Kigali, Rwanda
 

The Genocide Memorial

Pay your respects at the moving – and very emotional – Genocide Memorial in Kigali.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Imigongo art, Rwanda
 

Creative Rwanda

Visit Choose Kigali, a creative space in the heart of Kigali city, founded by world renowned artist Emmanuel Nkuranga. View the creative side of Rwanda at this gallery which showcases the latest African contemporary art.

Suggested Hotel

Heaven Boutique Hotel, Main area, Exterior view, Kigali, Rwanda
Heaven Boutique Hotel
Where to Stay

Heaven Boutique Hotel

With beautifully decorated rooms and a tranquil ambience, Heaven Boutique Hotel is an ideal stopover between gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or a safari in Akagera National Park. The staff are renowned for going the extra mile; if you have time to spend in Kigali, Heaven’s expert concierge team can plan a unique experience for you.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

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  • 1(800)272-4163
Chris Johnston
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Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each tailor-made itinerary I create.

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  • 1(800)272-4163

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