1 Day Kigali City Tour

1 Day Kigali City Tour

Day Kigali City Tour – The 1 Day Kigali City Tour offers an incredible exploration of Rwanda’s capital. Named after a mountain (or rather a hill), Kigali is the commercial heart of Rwanda, housing most of the country’s important political offices. It stands out as one of the cleanest and safest cities in Africa, boasting some of the continent’s best roads and transport systems. A stroll around the city center reveals impressive five-star hotels, high-end restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Thanks to its modern infrastructure, clean streets, safety, and good governance, Kigali has been selected to host many significant international conferences, including the upcoming 2020 Commonwealth Conference.

These remarkable achievements are even more impressive considering Rwanda’s devastation during the 1994 genocide. Under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, the new government has rebuilt the country, making it a magnet for investors and tourists. Learn more in an article about interesting facts about Rwanda.

Besides its cleanliness, excellent organization, and picturesque hills, Kigali enjoys a pleasant climate year-round. The best views of the city can be seen from Jurapark and Mount Kigali. From these vantage points, you can observe all the surrounding hills, business centers, slums, and residential areas.

This tour offers a deep dive into Rwanda’s culture, history, and progress since the end of the 1994 genocide. It can be part of a comprehensive Rwanda safari, which may include gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, cultural visits, a game drive in Akagera National Park, exploring Lake Kivu, biking along the Congo Nile trail, and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.

While Kigali is easily traversed by bike or on foot, we utilize a vehicle to maximize our time and visit as many sites as possible during the 1-day tour. The number of places we visit will depend on your preferences, interests, and budget. You can request to exclude certain landmarks or be taken to points of interest not listed in this itinerary, as long as they are within Kigali.

Note: The tour begins in the morning after breakfast. Pickup can be arranged from your hotel, residence, or any location in Kigali. The tour can be tailored for half a day or the entire day, depending on your schedule and preferences.

Places To Visit On Kigali City Tour

  1. Visiting the Kandt House
  2. Visiting the Natural History Museum
  3. Visiting the Presidential Museum
  4. Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site
  5. Visiting the Campaign against Genocide museum
  6. Visiting Artisan/Craft Centers
  7. Lunch is a major City Restaurant or Hotel des mille collines (Hotel Rwanda)
  8. Visiting the Kimironko Market
  9. Visiting Mount Kigali
  10. Visiting the Kigali Convention Center
  11. Visiting Lake Nyarutarama

 

Details About The Places

Mount Kigali: Begin your tour at the tallest hill in Kigali, offering breathtaking views of the city, countryside, and beautiful hills. At the hilltop, you’ll find a restaurant and a company organizing horseback safaris.

Natural History Museum: Formerly known as the Kandt House, this museum was the former residence of Dr. Richard Kandt, who named Kigali. Learn about Kigali’s history and colonization era, and discover how it evolved from a colonial outpost in 1907.

Kigali Convention Center: Visit the hub of major conferences, meetings, and exhibitions. This center, close to Kigali International Airport, boasts the Radisson Blu hotel and various facilities, including shopping malls and offices.

Presidential Museum: Explore the former residence of Rwanda’s former presidents, where much of the tour focuses on President Habyarimana’s life and the events surrounding the 1994 genocide.

Campaign Against Genocide Museum

Learn about the Rwandan Patriotic Front’s role in ending the genocide at this museum located at the Parliament House.

Kigali Genocide Memorial Site: Pay homage to the over 800,000 genocide victims buried here. Explore exhibitions on the 1994 genocide, memorializing innocent children, and other genocides worldwide.

Craft Centers: Visit artisan shops like Inema Art Center, Ivuka Arts studios, and Caplaki to buy souvenirs, supporting local artisans.

City Restaurant: Taste local Rwandan cuisine or opt for international dishes at a top city restaurant, offering opportunities to meet locals.

Kimironko Market: Immerse yourself in the local culture at this bustling market, where you can shop for spices, herbs, vegetables, fruits, and more.

Nyamata Church: Explore one of the prominent genocide sites, where about 50,000 people sought shelter but tragically perished.

Hotel des Mille Collines: Discover the significant role this hotel played during the genocide as over 1,000 residents sought refuge within its walls.

Lake Nyarutarama: Experience local life outside the city center at this lake, known for swimming, fishing, and birdwatching.

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