The city of Kigali became the capital city in 1907 and officially accepted as the country capital city on the 1st of July 1962. Built at the feet of Mt Kigali, Kigali has 730km and the largest city in Rwanda with ober 1,500,000 people.
Known for its cleanness and safety, Kigali was chosen after Butare, called Astrida. From a population of around 5640 people in 1962 Kigali has been growing quickly and is now the major political and economic center of Rwanda.
Situated in the heart of Rwanda Kigali provides a convenient gateway to the country by road or air. Kigali has got three districts Gasabo, Kicukiro both mainly residential and Nyarugenge which is a commercial hub.
The name Kigali means “Large” it got its name from Mt Kigali which has an elevation of 1850 m and the highest in the area. Kigali is a greenest, safest and cleanest city in the region, surrounded by many trees and hills, Kigali enjoys a moderate climate despite its tropical location. Centrally located in Rwanda Kigali is a convenient location to access all tourism sites and provinces.
Getting around Kigali City
To explore the city’s main attractions take the Kigali city tour, rent a car in Kigali, the city tour is done twice a day: one from 8:00 to 11:30, another from 2pm to 4:30, this guided tour includes the Genocide memorial center, the Natural history museum, the new and the old part of the city, a craft market of your choice/ a local market and it takes you from the colonial times, the history of Kigali from the time it became a capital city, the massacres and genocides against Tutsi, peace and reconciliation, Development and reconstruction of Kigali, implementation of the master plan and vision 2025.
The faster and most popular way to get around town are the thrilling Motorcycle taxis, also known as Moto taxi. It can be a little scary balanced on the back of a motorcycle, but the undeniable advantage is being able to manoeuvre more easily through traffic. Avoid moto taxis without valid permits. Riders with permits are easily recognized by the numbers on their green helmets and jackets. Also note that wearing a helmet is compulsory and will be provided as part of the service.
You can rent a car with Self-Drive Kigali, this allows you more privacy to see the city at your own pace.
Shopping Centers and Malls in Kigali
If you are looking to shop, visit the area covered by KN3, KN6, KN67 and KN2. Should you be looking for a mall experience, head for the biggest mall in Kigali: the Union Trade Centre, situated at the eastern side of KN3. Also referred to as the Nakumatt Centre, it offers a wide range of imported goods, bakeries, coffee shops and banks.
If you are looking for an African Market experience then explore Nyabugogo market, which is the largest market in Kigali, Kimironko market selling predominately fresh produce, fabric and household items or watch carpenters at work at the Gakinjiro market which sells furniture.
Arts and Handcrafts to see while on a self-drive tour in Kigali
A wide range of handicrafts are produced in Rwanda, ranging from basketry and traditional wood cravings to paintings and Jewellery. Rwanda’s traditional “Agaseka” baskets have become famous around the world. You will find a good selection of painted and handcrafted artefacts in craft villages, shops and art galleries around Kigali.
Caplaki Handicrafts Co-operative is a charming craft market situated near the Cercle Sportif, is a great craft market with 30 craft stalls making and selling handicrafts.
Hand crafted souvenirs such as Imigongo paintings, Agaseka Baskets, handmade Jewellery, woodcarvings and more at Africa Gift Corner, Mode Savane, Aziz life Boutque, Amahoro Ava Hejura, COOTRAC, to name but a few. Ibaba Rwanda are worth the visit for their beautiful embroidered work, Umatako Iwako Co-operative makes unique hand crafted furniture and crafts.
Kigali handcraft community with several excellent places to view and purchase contemporary art work in Kigali are, Inema Art Centre, Inganzo Gallery, Ivuka Arts Kigali, Yego Arts studio and Uburanga Art studio.
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