Kigali

City in the Hills

Many visitors to Rwanda have seen only the airport as they connect to gorilla tracking safaris further to the west. But Kigali offers travelers a fascinating destination in itself. From the vibrant local markets to the solemn Genocide Memorial, the city will keep you interested in staying a whole day rather than a few minutes between transfers.

Activities at this Destination

9 photos
Add to favorites
City Tour

Kigali is a relatively small but bustling and exciting city. Flourishing, colorful markets give you a great slice of life while the Genocide Memorial provides a sobering testament to the darkest time in the cities history.
1 photos
Add to favorites
Crafts Market

The thriving craft market in Kigali is an incredible place to find some African culture to take home. The surprisingly skilled artisans create all sorts of items, from small trinkets to very ornate works of art.
22 photos
Add to favorites
Educational Excursion

Learn fascinating facts and understand the bigger picture. Knowledge can make safari viewing even more enthralling.
15 photos
Add to favorites
Family Friendly Activities
2 photos
Add to favorites
Genocide Memorial Centre

The World Needs to Remember

The Kigali Memorial Centre was opened on the 10th Anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide, in April 2004. The Centre is built on a site where over 250,000 people are buried. These graves are a clear reminder of the cost of ignorance. The Centre is a permanent memorial to those who fell victim to the genocide and serves as a place for people to grieve those they lost. The Centre in Kigali was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. It contains a permanent exhibition of the Rwandan genocide and an exhibition of other genocides around the world. One of the principle reasons for the Centre's existence is to provide educational facilities. These are for a younger generation of Rwandan children some of whom may not remember the genocide, but whose lives are profoundly affected by it. The Centre includes three permanent exhibitions, the largest of which documents the genocide in 1994. There is also a children's memorial, and an exhibition on the history of genocidal violence around the world. The Education Centre, Memorial Gardens and National Documentation Centre of the Genocide all contribute to a meaningful tribute to those who perished, and form a powerful educational tool for the next generation ...show less
The Kigali Memorial Centre was opened on the 10th Anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide, in April 2004. The Centre is built on a site where over 250,000 people are buried. These graves are a clear reminder of the cost of ignorance. The Centre is a permanent memorial to those who fell victim to the genocide and serves as a place for people to...show more
...show more activities