Travel news: Seven things to do and see in Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali is the capital of Rwanda that sprawls across numerous hills, ridges and valleys with lush green forests throughout.
I visited the "City of a Thousand Hills" in February 2020 alongside a charity that gave supplies to expecting mothers and young children in school.
Here, Travel News Blitz’s Ayla Vaughan discusses seven things to do and see in Kigali, Rwanda.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
On the first day of my trip I visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial in order to learn the history of this nation in a straightforward manner, starting with the Belgian colonisation of the country.
The whole site was built in remembrance of more than one million victims of the genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group, and is also where more than 250,000 victims of the tragedy have been laid to rest.
Through visiting the museum, I learned so much about the story of the country and how the deadly events came to be from 7 April to 19 July in 1994.
Kimironko Market
Kimironko Market is a stunning display of African craftsmanship, with vendors selling colourful clothes, beautiful bags and traditional artwork.
Furthermore, immerse yourself in the local culture by buying some local fruit or vegetables, which are fresh, tasty and juicy.
Ntarama Church
Ntarama Church is the site of a massacre in April 1994 where more than 5,000 people who had gathered for shelter inside this tiny Catholic church were murdered.
The bones and belongings of the dead still lie among the aisles, altar and mass graves, showing the brutality of this violence as well as a solemn tribute to those who were slain.
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Kigali Convention Centre
Kigali Convention Centre is a spherical structure that lights up in the colour of the nation’s flag at night, making it stand out in the center of the city.
The building has four major components which are a five-star Radisson Blu Hotel, a conference center, Kigali Information Technology Park of rentable office and retail space and a museum.
Nyamirambo Women's Centre
Nyamirambo Women's Centre is a place that offers free education for women with classes in English, literacy, computer, sewing and handicrafts.
Visitors can buy their beautiful creations which support the women of Kigali directly as they establish their own small businesses.
Mt. Kigali
Mt. Kigali offers stunning views of the city and is accessible by horseback, zip-lining, walking or driving up the mountain to its peak at 1,853 meters or 6,070 feet.
Make sure to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and appropriate footwear as the hike can last 8 km or 5 miles.
Amahoro Stadium
Amahoro Stadium is a multi-purpose venue with a capacity of 45,508 people, making it the largest in Rwanda, and hosts football matches, concerts and public events throughout the year.
Additionally, it was built in 1989 by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, yet was renovated in 2022 by a Turkiye-based construction company.
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