Kigali – places to visit and activities

Question Coffee Café

Rwanda is renowned for producing some of the finest coffee beans in the world, (much of which is exported).  A visit to Question Coffee Café in Gishushu offers you an immersive discovery of what happens behind the scenes of coffee production, right from the bean to brew.

The initiative works directly with local growers to source the best Arabica, Caturra, and Catuai beans. It also improves the growing and roasting techniques.

You will also have an opportunity to taste made-in-Rwanda coffee products.  Baristas who are very passionate about coffee serve a range of specialty pour-over coffee, espresso beverages, as well as related caffeinated drinks infused with locally ground ingredients, like tree tomato.

For a more in-depth immersion into Rwanda’s coffee culture, you can enroll for the café’s roasting and cupping classes, in addition to cooperative tours. It breaks down the entire process, from farm to cup.

Camp Kigali Memorial

Camp Kigali Memorial is a laid-back historical arena in Kigali—where 10 Belgian soldiers became some of the earliest victims of the Rwandan genocide. They had been deployed at the residence of moderate Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana to protect him and his family. This was after the conflict started becoming tense following the murder of the president. In retaliation, the Presidential Guard soldiers arrested the Belgians, took their weapons, and led them to this spot where they were executed.

Today, Camp Kigali is a Memorial for each of the 10 victims who died on duty. It features 10 solemn stone pillars that have been carved to represent each soldier and their age. The broken axles of the pillars are symbolic of their brutal end. Outside the memorial is a small museum, riddled with bullet holes from this important day.

The prime objective of Camp Kigali Memorial is to give visitors a better understanding of the genocide and an insight into the eventual unification of all Rwandans irrespective of their ethnic background.

Nyamirambo Women’s Center

Nyamirambo Women’s Center is a one-stop craft shopping precinct where you can buy handmade souvenirs designed with a Rwandan touch. It is a 13 year old initiative that was established to address gender inequality and empower women.

Besides offering free education and vocational training to women from underprivileged backgrounds, it hires them (at fair wages) to create intimate boutique with ethically-made goods. Visitors can pick up gorgeous baskets in every pattern, size and colour. You can also shop authentic paintings made out of cow dung, beautifully tote bags with African prints, colourful mats, beaded jewelry, crocheted rugs, and local-inspired fashions.

What’s more, Nyiramo offers community immersions that give travellers an insider’s view of Rwandan culture. Local guides offer walking tours around the neighbourhood where you can participate in basket weaving and traditional cooking. Other points of interest include local markets, restaurants, mosques, tailors, and subsistence farms.

Niyo Arts Gallery

Niyo Arts Gallery is one of the main studios where you can see works from local creators. It is a creative space for 17 artists in residence. They have a wealth of experience in oil painting, graffiti art and anything in-between. It’s a good place to spend a few hours as you have a meet and greet with artists. You can also study their vibrant works (displayed in rooms throughout the gallery). Thereafter, you can catch occasional performances of Rwandan drumming and dancing.

The big catch with Niyo is that it is more than just an art center. It is a progressive organization on a poverty eradication mission. Part of visitors’ proceeds are used to support local orphanages.

Hotel Rwanda / Hôtel des Mille Collines

This mid-range hotel (located in Central Business District)is one of the most iconic sites in the country. It was the focus of the genocide story from the 2004 film, Hotel Rwanda. The film documents a hotelier’s efforts to save the lives of his family and more than 1,000 other refugees who he housed in this hotel at a time it was besieged. Hotel Rwanda further explores genocide, political corruption, and the repercussions of violence.

They (refugees) took cover here in groups of 6-10 in unnumbered rooms as they waited for things to calm down. Out of desperation, they often relied on the pool for drinking water.

Today, the hotel has been revamped into a luxurious state, making it one of the best places to stay in Kigali. However even if you are staying elsewhere, you can still experience its celebration of Rwandan culture. There are live music performances and traditional dances as well as foods made with local ingredients.