Tailors Working at the Kimironko Market

Rolling hills for miles lead to valleys and hillsides dotted with houses. Small skyscrapers mark the city skyline. Motorcycles buzz around. People walk around, dressed well, with friendly smiles on their faces. Kigali, the heartbeat of Rwanda, is a wonderful city and unlike most capital cities in Africa. This bustling metropolitan area in Rwanda is very clean and safe. There are several sights of interest to see during a stay in Kigali that will leave an impression on your trip.

Four Can’t-Miss Things To Do in Kigali:

Genocide Memorial:

While it is a sight hard to see the Genocide Memorial cannot be missed. Be prepared for a gut-wrenching and extremely sad experience. It is an amazing museum as well as burial grounds for an estimated 300,000 people. They do an excellent job explaining the issues in Rwanda, what led to the genocide, why it occurred and the results. It also goes beyond Rwanda to talk about other past genocides as a memorial for those victims all over the world.

List of Names of Those Affected During the 1994 Genocide

Belgian Memorial:

10 soldiers who protected the Prime Minister, were taken by rebels to a military compound and slaughtered. They fought back with only two handguns and the standoff lasted hours. This memorial stands where the massacre occurred, with the building untouched showing the damage done by rebels. There are 10 stones that represent their brave lives.

Entrance to the Belgian Memorial

Hotel Rwanda:

This famous hotel is actually named Hotel des Mille Collines, but known as Hotel Rwanda from the critically acclaimed movie released in 2005. The movie depicts some brief history but turns to the story of this hotel acting as a refuge and safe house during the genocide of 1994. The management and workers risked their own lives by helping save so many, giving shelter inside the hotel. Nearly 1,300 people took refuge here. Come walk around the hotel grounds and stop in for a coffee. Rooms start from $280 USD.

Genocide Memorial Burial Sites

Kimironko Market:

This excellent market has it all. Enjoy the many rows of fresh fruits and vegetables. Food stalls are separated by category like aisles in a supermarket. Following the food, there are hundreds of stalls for home gadgets, electronics, clothing, crafts, and eventually at the far end, fabrics. Fabrics are a specialty in Rwanda with beautiful bright patterns and excellent tailors for women’s dresses and clothing. Buy one sheet of fabric for 5,000 franc ($6) and have it made into a dress, skirt, or tops for an additional 5,000 franc.

It is best to get fabrics and fitted one day, then return the following day for alterations. Ask for Ellainne and Christina, both excellent tailors.

Market

Fabric Patterns

For an excellent website with tons of content on things to do as well as weekly events such as concerts, check out living in Kigali www.livinginkigali.com