Capital Cities of Africa Kigali

Kigali includes a Muslim quarter and spread over four hills. Northeast of the city is a squatters’ settlement, and southeast is an industrial area. Kigali’s light industry includes shoe, paint and varnish, radio-assembly, and tanning factories. It is not only the capital but is also the largest city in Rwands. Its nickname is Land of a Thousand Hills. The official languages are English, French, and Kinyarwanda.

The city has a modern Parliament Building. The Parliament consists of two chambers: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. Guided tours may be available.

Kigali Genocide Memorial is a solemn site that commemorates the lives lost during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. There are peaceful gardens. Visitors can explore the permanent exhibitions that include artifacts, photos, and personal testimonies. You can also get an audio guide.

The Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial is a tribute to those ten fallen Belgian soldiers who fulfilled their duties by protecting Rwanda’s Prime Minister during the Tutsi Genocide in 1994.

Regina Pacis Catholic Church is a lovely church offering great views of the city. Four masses are celebrated in three languages (Kinyarwanda, English, and French).

Muslim Quarter has a green mosque (pictured above)

Campaign Against Genocide Museum features important monuments, depicting the dark history of the genocide in 1994. Learn everything behind those monuments. Moreover, some monuments describe the different strategies conducted by anti-genocidal forces and the government.

The Inema Art Center is among the city's leading contemporary art hubs. It was founded by locat artits and showcases paintings, sculptures, and mixed media in stallations. The center hosts workshops, performances, and cultural events that offer visitors a firsthand look at Rwanda’s thriving creative scene.

Kimironko Market is Kigali's largest and busiest market. Here you can find vendors selling everything from fresh produce to traditional fabrics to handmade crafts and household items. Take the time to sample the delicious street food.

Known as one of the most stunning buildings in Kigali, Kigali Heights is a lovely shopping center that features bars, shops, restaurants, supermarkets.

The Kigali Convention Center is an impressive architectural landmark. It hosts hosts international conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events. It has a futuristic design. The center is surrounded by upscale restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.

The Presidential Palace Museum is now known as the Rwanda Art Museum. Formerly it was the presidential residence. Visitors can enjoy traditional Rwandan art, artifacts, and the remnants of the colonial era. The museum also features the wreckage of the plane that played a pivotal role in the events of 1994.

In the heart of the city you'll find the Kandt House Museum (formerly the Natural History Museum). It is the only remaining historical building from the early colonial period in Rwanda. You can explore Rwanda's natural history and colonial past. It also features the country's diverse flora and fauna.

Take to the great outdoors and hike up Mount Kigali. At the top you'll be rewarded by panoramic views of the city below and the surrounding lush landscape.

The Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-tourism Park offers a chance to explore the green spaces of Kigali and learn about local environmental conservation efforts. You can enjoy the ornamental ponds, gallery forests, and medicinal plant gardens. There are walking paths and cycling routes.

A few hours from Kigali you'll find Lake Kivu which is one of Africa's Great lakes. Along its shores are popular lakeside towns such as Gisenyi and Kibuye providing opportunities for boat rides, water sports, and relaxing by the beach. Enjoy the scenic beauty of terraced hillsides and lush landscapes.

Nyungwe National Park offers panoramic views of Lake Kivu.

Volcanoes National Park is the place for wildlife adventures. You can go gorilla trekking. It is located in Rwanda's northern region near Musanze.

Enjoy trekking through dense bamboo forests and observe majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Akagera National Park is a pleasant day trip from Kigali located in eastern Rwanda. The park offers safari experiences with diverse wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and even lions. The park has Savannah landscapes interspersed with wetlands and lakes.