How to spend 1 day tour in Kigali as a first time visitor
(Day tour to visit free/public attractions in and around Kigali)
A day spent exploring Kigali, Africa’s cleanest and safest city, Rwanda’s capital, is an exciting trip that takes you through the vibrant, green capital. Kigali is Africa’s safest, cleanest and most desirable and climate-friendly city, well-planned metropolis with expansive green parks and tree-lined streets.
A leisurely walk through the heart of the city will reveal magnificent five-star hotels, upscale dining options, colorful craft shops, public and private residentials, offices, shopping arcades, pubs, and nightclubs. Kigali is always selected to host numerous significant international conferences due to its contemporary buildings, clean streets, safety, and effective governance.
A 1 day trip in Kigali takes through a deep discovery pf Rwandan culture, history, and progress made after the 1994 dark times of the genocide. this trip can be by bike, guided walking or in a vehicle.
The number of destinations you choose for your exploration are determined by your personal preferences, interests, and budgetary constraints. This simple day itinerary targets places that offer free entrance / low rates.
Below is a planned day trip in Kigali.
Proposed Itinerary:
08:00 AM– Pick-up from hotel
After a relaxed local coffee at the hotel, your driver guide will brief you about the day’s exploration, the places and the time to visit and spend in a particular place.
09:00 AM– Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial (entry is free, optional guided tour)
This is the main highlight of the Kigali city tour. This is a memorial place to honor the victims who lost their lives during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. More than 250,000 genocide victims were laid to rest at this place. Visitors to the museum take quiet moments to reflect on how we all have the responsibility to prevent discrimination and embrace peace and reconciliation.
11:00 AM– Belgian Peacekeepers memorial site
This is a small but highly recognized museum set at the location where the tragic event which involved the murder of ten Belgian UN Blue Berets. In the early days, of the genocide, under the leadership of General Dallaire, the soldiers were assigned to safeguard the residence of the prime Minister Agatha Uwilingimana. after a few days, the presidential guard broke into the residence, disarmed the ten soldiers and transported them to camp Kigali where they were executed.
At the memorial camp are ten pillars that serve as a respectful tribute to the ten soldiers who lost their lives at this place. The building is also still maintained and the gun shot holes can be seen and the names, photos and ages of all the deceased soldiers are displayed in glass boards in the building.
Entrance at this place is free but you can donate to support reservation maintenance of the place for future generations.
06:30 PM– Stop for refreshments/ lunch
Visit Hotel Rwanda/Hotel des mille collines for lunch and refreshment. This is the hotel that helped to provide safety to over 1000 individuals during the genocide. Expect excellent service, good customer care and well-prepared local dishes.
01:30 PM– Drive to Kimironko Market (local crafts and souvenirs)
Markets are the ideal places to learn about new locations and culture. From these markets, many residents and visitors to Kigali visit them to buy food and other goods. Kimironko market is one of the frequently visited places to buy spices, herbs, fruits, vegetables, salt, meat, and fish. Additionally, you will get to interact with the local people selling beautiful art pieces and other items.
03:30 PM– Explore Mount Kigali Viewpoint/ Nyamirambo cultural walk.
Mount Kigali is not a mountain as the name implies. it’s rather a hill with it’s highest point providing scenic views of Kigali city. hiking to the top of Kigali hill is so adventurous as you can start your walk from Nyamirambo women scenter hike to Kigali stadium then proceed to the top where you will enjoy city views, the beautiful countryside and some activities carried out there like horse riding at Fazendha Sengha horse riding school.
If you organise your walk with Nyamirambo women’s centre, you need to fist place a booking and a little fee of 25USD. After the hike, descend for your last activity.
05:00 PM– City drive and stop for photos at Kigali Convention Centre
Wind up your day with a beautiful drive in Africa’s cleanest city, Kigali. the city is mingled with modern shopping centres, malls, midrange and luxury hotels, offices, banks and many businesses run by the locals. Finalise your day with photography at the Kigali convention Centre. A place where major international conferences and meetings are held. The centre can accommodate over 2500 people. Close to the centre is a unique five-star hotel known as Radisson Blu which has 292 rooms.’
A one-day city tour of Kigali with or without a driver is a wonderfully informative experience that combines art, history, food, and culture. Kigali offers something for everyone, whether your interests lie in discovering the nation’s history, viewing modern and ancient art, enjoying local cuisine, or taking in the vibrant city life. Prepare for an amazing trip around Kigali’s colorful streets as you schedule for a Rwanda safari.
In Rwanda, you can rent a car with a driver or go for a self drive as a family, small group, a couple or as a solo traveler. Kigali city has all you need for a perfect stay in Rwanda.