Presidential Palace Museum;
The whitewashed state house is situated 4km from Kigali International Airport near the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the museum showcases Rwandan contemporary art and cultural history. The museum is located in the former Presidential Palace, which was the residence of President Juvénal Habyarimana and provides a fascinating glimpse into Rwanda’s recent history. On the ground there are information boards describing various everyday aspects of Rwanda from jewelry and hairstyling to traditional dress from the early 1900 the rest of the house has been left largely unchanged since it was last occupied in 2000 including the threadbare sofa rumored to be the place where Habyarimanas wife Agathe was sitting at the moment her husband plane was shot down on 6 April 1994,
The guide will talk you through the some of the decisions made by the Habyarimanas during their 20- year stay in the palace how those decisions contributed to the genocide, on the outside in the extensive grounds of the museum lie the remains of the plane crashed that killed Habyarimana serving as a reminder of how Rwanda fell apart during the events of April 1994.
Kigali City Tour;
A guided city tour is the best way to explore Kigali’s charm and complexity. It offers a well-rounded perspective on its urban life, history, and architecture.
Highlights:
Radisson Blu Hotel: Perfect for a relaxing coffee or meal while enjoying panoramic views of the city.
Nyamirambo: A bustling neighborhood known for its cultural diversity and energetic street life.
Kiyovu: One of the oldest suburbs, offering colonial-era architecture and quiet charm.
Kigali Convention Centre: A modern architectural marvel. Its dome lights up the city skyline and offers incredible photo opportunities.
Kimironko Market
If you want to experience the local Rwandan life, visit Kimironko Market, one of the busiest and largest markets in Kigali. Here, you’ll find fresh produce, spices, clothing, crafts, and other local goods. It’s an excellent spot for cultural immersion and souvenir shopping.
Inema Arts Center
Kigali has a vibrant arts scene, and the InemaArtsCenter is one of the best places to experience it. This contemporary art gallery showcases works by Rwandan artists, fro m paintings and sculptures to multimedia works. It’s also a great place to engage with local creatives.
Nyarutarama Lake;
The lake is situated at the south end of Kigali Golf Club, in the valet between Nyarutarama and Kacyiru Hills,it is a small artificial lake with woodland which make it a good spot for birdwatching in the city centre, it supports a variety of ducks, pelicans, herons and egrets, along with black crake, African jacana and pied malachite kingfisher plus the handsome long-crested eagle, further more in Nyarutarama the Kigali Cultural Village offers visitors the opportunity to experience Rwanda’s traditional music, dance, and local crafts. You can enjoy performances of traditional dances like the Intoredance and learn about Rwandan culture and history.
Ubumuntu Arts Festival
If you’re in Kigali during the summer months, the UbumuntuArtsFestival is an incredible event. It’s a celebration of Rwandan and African arts, featuring music, theater, dance, and visual arts, often centered around themes of unity and healing.
Rwandan Cuisine Experience
Kigali has restaurants which stand out for the size of its buffet and a great downtown atmosphere within easy walking distance in Kiyovu, the suburb sloping eastward from the city centre do not miss the opportunity to try traditional Rwandan food like ugali (maize porridge), brochettes (grilled skewers), ibihaza (pumpkin), and isombe (cassava leaves). Many local restaurants and cafes namely Al-Mannu Fast Food, Blues Café, Bourbon Coffee, Chez Venant, Fantastic Restaurant, Kribu Restaurant among others in Kigali offer these delicious traditional meals, often served with a modern twist.
Local Craft Shops
Kigali is full of craft shops where you can purchase handmade goods like woven baskets, wooden carvings, jewelry, and clothing. Caplaki Craft Village and KimironkoMarket are great places to find these local items that make for meaningful souvenirs.
