Referred to as the “Land of Thousand Hills”, Rwanda is an East African country, home to amazing nature and a diverse ecosystem, breathtaking scenery and views (including the mountainous landscape it’s known for), incredible wildlife, and a growing arts and culture scene. Touch down in Kigali, take in the scenery, and you’ll immediately see the “Land of Thousand Hills” come to life.

If Rwanda is not on your radar, it should be! Curious about why Kigali should be on your top list of cities to visit? Read below to find out what makes Kigali a unique destination.

Rwanda’s History and Transformation

Some may remember or know Rwanda because of the 1994 genocide. To rebuild the nation after the genocide, Rwanda focused its efforts on fostering and embracing peace, adopting policies for environmental protection, empowering youth and women, and reviving its economy.

20+ years later and the country is experiencing strong growth and has become an increasingly popular travel destination amongst nature lovers, artists, and many more. It’s capital city Kigali, boasts a youthful and growing international community, and is home to many businesses, restaurants, and international organizations.

Why Kigali stands out

Here are 3 reasons Kigali, Rwanda stands out.

Range of activities for different types of travelers

Kigali, Rwanda offers a variety of activities for different types of travelers. Are you into nature? Into the arts? Or maybe interested in history? Whatever your interest may be, the city offers a diverse range of activities. From walking tours to galleries to taking in nature, your itinerary will not be lacking.

Cleanliness

When was the last time you visited a city that was clean? I mean...actually clean. So clean that it made you stop and acknowledge it (take a moment to think about it). Kigali, Rwanda is clean. Upon touching down it’s a noticeable factor that stands out. In fact, as you prepare for your trip, be aware that plastic bans have been banned from the country since 2008. Any plastic bags in your luggage will be confiscated at the airport or any other point of entry.
From your experience, what are global cities or countries you know that take pride in being clean and are known for its cleanliness? For me, Singapore comes to mind. Often referred to as the “Singapore of Africa”, Rwanda’s success is attributed to the vision and development strategy the country’s leadership implemented, which was inspired and based on Singapore’s economic development strategy and model of governance under the late Lee Kuan Yew.

Safety

For me personally as a female traveler, Kigali was one of the safest cities I’ve been to globally (I don’t say this lightly). As a female traveler, this was vital for me and I’m sure is probably top of mind for you to. Because it’s safe doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be alert and conscious. While there, I would suggest maintaining the same alertness and taking safety precautions as you would in any major city.

Unmissable Activities to do in Kigali

Statue of Woman and Child (To honor the strength of Rwandese Women), Kigali Convention Center

Here are some top activities to do in Kigali, Rwanda.

Arts

Kigali has a growing and thriving arts scene, which is home to a variety of art and artists from all over the African continent. While there I recommend visiting a variety of galleries. My favorite was Inema Arts Centre and I really enjoyed their Happy Hour Mixology, which happens weekly on Thursday night. If you attend, be prepared to enjoy great live music, yummy drinks and food, and to meet amazing people from all over the world.

History

Rwanda has a painful and impactful history, particularly as a result of the 1994 genocide. Post genocide, the country has been on a journey of healing, reconciliation, and embracing peace. While in Kigali, I recommend visiting the Kigali Genocide Museum and Memorial, which commemorates victims of the 1994 genocide, provides a space for survivors, and educates visitors on the genocide. The museum goes over factors that led to the genocide, the killings, global response, and the impact it’s had for the country and its people. Carve out sufficient time to visit both the museum and outdoor memorial, and to hold space and process the many emotions that come from learning about the atrocities of the genocide.

Nature

Rwanda is referred to as the Land of Thousand Hills for a reason. Kigali is built on and surrounded by hills fused with greenery, which creates such a beautiful landscape that can leave you breathless. Nature is not only accessible within the city but also through day or weekend trips to surrounding areas, such as lakes or national parks. I highly recommend exploring outside of Kigali and setting aside minimum 2-3 days for it. The country is gorgeous and you won’t want to miss it!

While there I enjoyed visiting Lake Kivu, which lies between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and is a 4 hour drive from Kigali. The lake can be accessed through a variety of waterfront towns and I visited the lake from Gisenyi, located on the north shore. Gisenyi is home to a variety of activities, such as nature walks, boat trips, relaxing at the beach, and much more. 1-2 days in the area can easily fly by, so plan wisely.

Curious about how to spend your time in Kigali?

how to spend 4 days in kigali, rwanda

From exploring the arts scene to learning about History, check out this 4 day Kigali itinerary.

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Your Turn!

Visiting Kigali was an unforgettable and transformative experience. The city offers so much to do, is clean, and is safe. Above all, it was impactful to see how the country has and continues to rebuild and heal. If Kigali is not on your radar or bucket list, I highly recommend adding it. Happy traveling.