10 Free Things to do in Kigali That You Shouldn't Miss

March 13, 2022 Madelene Haan

Inhabited since the 11th-century, what is now Kigali has been the home of Twas, Tutsis and Hutus. The city sits on a series of verdant ridges and lush valleys, and has a Muslim Quarter and a bustling market. Rwanda's capital is the site of battles that left over a million, mostly Tutsi and moderate Hutus, dead. Kigali Memorial Centre is a permanent memorial to 1994's Genocide, built on a mass grave where 250,000 are buried. Kigali City Tour Bus offers an excellent introduction to this now safe, friendly city.
Restaurants in Kigali

1. Kigali Genocide Memorial

KG 14 Ave, Kigali Rwanda +250 784 651 051 [email protected] http://www.kgm.rw/
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5.0 based on 2,713 reviews

Kigali Genocide Memorial

A permanent National genocide memorial in remembrance of more than one million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The memorial is a place of remembrance and learning where more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide have been laid to rest. Many people who lost loved ones in the Genocide visit to remember and grieve. There is no entrance fee and donations are gratefully accepted.

Reviewed By RefaatG

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a must visit. It is not for the faint hearted though. It at times graphically captures the period in time when about a million people were killed within 30 days. The quiet spaces around the memorial allows one to reflect on the atrocities in solitude, which is very helpful to help unwind from the emotional experience.

KG 5 Ave, Kigali Rwanda +250 784 525 185 [email protected] http://www.joemukuna.com/tongo-art-gallery/
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Tongo Art Gallery

Tongo is a small contemporary art gallery offering unique professional paintings and stylish jewelry and accessories with an African flair. Showcasing the works of painter Joe Mukuna and designer Sarah Manion - Tongo is unlike anything else offered in Kigali's art scene. In addition to fine art, Tongo offers art classes for adults, commissioned art, murals and more. Come visit our quaint space located on the main road across from Intersec Security headquarters. We welcome you to our space and can't wait for your visit! Please contact us directly for any questions.

3. Rwanda Clothing Store

Avenue de la Justice (KN 2 Ave) 86 (at Sky Hotel) Gitega, Nyarugenge, Kigali P.O. Box 4104 Rwanda +250 786 134 128 [email protected] http://rwandaclothing.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 33 reviews

Rwanda Clothing Store

THE FASHION STORE OF RWANDA. By RWANDA CLOTHING. RWANDA CLOTHING is a Rwandan-international fashion brand from Kigali producing fashion in Rwanda designed by Joselyne Umutoniwase

Reviewed By 111petere

Visited as part of my Fashion Tour from Heaven Tours. Immediately struck with how wonderful the whole shop was. Items of clothing edged by African material prints. Although I found nothing for me, I bought my husband a great shirt. The home section was incredible and I wanted to buy everything, but settled for two cushion covers - easier to fit in a suitcase.

25 KG 572 Street, Kigali Rwanda +250 788 932 111 [email protected] http://www.niyofoundation.org
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5.0 based on 178 reviews

Niyo Art Gallery

Niyo Arts center, is a collection of Rwandan creative artists and also hosts different artists from the region. we provide a space for 13 artists in residence to explore their creative talents. contemporary African art works, Music and Dance going with Drumming. Niyo Art Gallery is also dedicated to supporting street children and single mothers living in poverty in Rwanda. Our aim is to change lives through utilizing our artistic gifts - allowing us to provide basic necessities, such as education, health care, shelter, food etc. Our founder NIYONSENGA Pacifique has delved into a humanitarian visionary, bottomless barrel of music and art through multiple mediums in his decades-spanning practice. He expresses the very essence of every particular theme in a simple yet sensual and fascinating technique. According to Niyosenga, art and music help youth serve as evidence that something as easy as a beat of the drum contributes to the fight against global poverty.

Reviewed By africanaddict - Kigali, Rwanda

This is a lovely art gallery very close to the US Embassy and the Kigali Public Library - an easy walk from either location. When we visited, Niyo (founder/owner) of the gallery was there and shared with us his story and the history of the gallery. 40% of the proceeds from sales of paintings goes back into the Niyo Foundation for working with street kids. The gallery carries quite a few artists - across the range from those more on the beginner's end of the spectrum, all the way to artists who are very advanced and talented. It's a joy to walk through and look at all the art, and learn a bit about the various artists whom we fancied. They ship around the world, so don't be concerned about suitcase space. Well worth the trip!

5. Haute Baso

39 KG 9 Avenue Nyarutarama, Kigali Rwanda +250 733 186 103 [email protected] http://www.hautebaso.com
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Haute Baso

Haute Baso is an ethical fashion brand for the modern individual looking for thoughtful, simple and functional designs. We are centered around the belief that “two heads are better than one” using fashion as vehicle for positive change towards the empowerment of women and youth who are integral to our value chain while contributing to preservation of culture in Rwanda. We draw inspiration from our vibrant culture to collaborate and merge traditional methods with new techniques to create pieces that are timeless. This philosophy exemplifies the modern African fashion industry’s outlook on combining sustainability, technology, modern design and African craftsmanship to produce beautifully made, ready to wear fashion & accessories.

6. MAMA Rwanda Hostel

KG 503 street Close to Police Headquarters, Kigali Rwanda +250 781 878 141 [email protected] http://www.irembofoundation.wixsite.com/irembo
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

MAMA Rwanda Hostel

Mama Rwanda is irembo's project dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable single mothers in Kigali by providing them with sewing skills with which they are able to make different products with a unique African touch for sale and it becomes their income generating activity. here we make fashionable products out of African fabric and also decoration products of African handcrafts. Irembo also has Education for all project through which vulnerable and street kids whose families could not afford the school fees are identified and sent back to school. irembo foundation therefore opened Mama Rwanda Hostel as a source of income to make all the above mentioned projects possible . we have 10 well equipped rooms, a nice chilling space and in a great location , in the middle of everywhere in kigali which makes it the best starting point to be able to explore kigali. come and stay with us , and Help us make a better change in Rwandan society. - MAKE A MOVE, SHAKE THE WORLD. -

Reviewed By basmahho - Hong Kong, China

This is amazing hostel owned by a warm hearted young man who is contributing back to his community. I thought mama Rwanda hostel is owned by mama. But I find out is owned by papa actually haha. He has lots of story. Everyone stayed with them, you should listen his inspiring story. We are honoured to be invited to visit a primary school which founder was studying there when he was child. Now he is doing a project to help some students there continue their school. I’m looking forwards to meet him in the future and recommend everyone to visit and stay here!

7. Abraham Konga Jewelry Collections

KG 672 St, Kimihurura House 31, Kigali Rwanda +250 785 561 626 [email protected] http://www.abrahamkonga.com
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

Abraham Konga Jewelry Collections

Recycled jewelry from padlocks, Cowbone, Cowhorn and assorted handicrafts from Rwanda and East Africa in general. Masks, baskets and souvenirs

Reviewed By helenamh11 - Panama City, Panama

Abraham makes amazing jewelry that is both classy and unique. Everything is handmade and high quality. I especially love his long necklaces but his earrings and bracelets are beautiful as well! Abraham is also a great guy and a wonderful person to chat with as you browse his creations. There is a souvenir shop next to his store as well as other stores nearby, making this is a great stop for anyone looking to get some memorable souvenirs from Kigali.

8. Go Kigali Boutique

3 Kn Kigali Marriott Hotel, Kigali 00000 Rwanda +250 788 316 607 [email protected] http://gokigalitours.com/boutique/
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5.0 based on 24 reviews

Go Kigali Boutique

The best of the best from more than 35 Rwandan and East African designers all conveniently located in one shop! There are many beautiful items made in Rwanda that weren’t previously available for sale in Kigali - some exported directly to Europe and the U.S., others are made in villages far from Kigali. We have jewelry, leather bags, photography, art, accessories, guide and animal books & more.

9. Abien Arts Center

573 St 19 Kg Near by Muhanga District and x-Military camp to the road of Kibuye, Kigali Rwanda +250 788 993 414
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

Abien Arts Center

Abien art is a short name of Akimana Fabien artist and this make a word in french " bien" means good or fine "abien arts" mean fine art or good art. Abien arts is coolest space to be weather you want, to stay or if you want to exchange Culture and share experience in Rwanda. It's place for Relaxing and culture activities. We're a first Arts center culture in Rwanda. We aimed to build our society

Reviewed By niyigenan

I met Fabiane he is the CEO Director and founder he is also amezing artist , They have nice paintings, craft and photography on display

10. Kigali Center for Photography

KG 5 Ave Close to KAMUTWA Sector office, Kigali Rwanda +250 784 579 943 [email protected] http://www.kigaliphotocenter.com
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Kigali Center for Photography

Established by Jacques Nkinzingabo , The center aims to explore and promote Rwandan and foreign photography, support emerging Rwandan artists and explore beyond the medium. The Kigali Center of photography is entirely to offer free services to local photographers. These include arranging workshops and exhibitions, on top of offering residencies to visiting international photographers and scholars

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