Have you been to Rwanda? It is such a fascinating and beautiful country and a great introduction to East Africa. I recently traveled there with a friend to go trekking with the gorillas. (Spoiler alert – it was AMAZING!) Fortunately, I also got to explore Kigali, the nation’s capital. Now that I’m back from my travels, I want to share my tips and recommendations with you about how to spend 24 hours in Kigali.
What is Rwanda Like Now?
Before I dive into all of my tips for how you should spend 24 hours in Kigali, I want to talk a bit about the genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994-1995, because it is still very much a part of the culture there. Almost everyone we met, all over the country, had a story.
It was very hard to hear these terrifying tales of brutality and survival but we also knew how important it was to listen and bear witness to their stories. And while we couldn’t relate to the stories from direct experience, we could recognize the power of the human spirit and how much the people of this country have overcome.
What was incredible to see, is how much rebuilding Rwanda has done – physically and emotionally – since the genocide. This was evident everywhere we went, from strangers who were quick with a smile and a wave to the immaculately clean streets and hillside towns. (Rwanda is as progressive as California, outlawing the use of plastic bags.) Everyone here takes so much pride in their country and it is such a joy to see.
While there, we managed to squeeze in 24 hours in Kigali, the capital, which is definitely worth a visit. The city is manageable and pretty easy to get around, so most of it can be seen within 24 hours. You can either hire a driver/tour guide for the day at a reasonable price, catch a motorbike taxi, or even Uber your way around the city.
Below is our itinerary for 24 hours in Kigali, plus some additional tips and recommendations about spending time in the place they appropriately call, the land of a thousand hills.
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Travel Guide: 24 Hours in Kigali
The pool at Hotel de Milles Collines
My friend and I enjoying a poolside dinner at Hotel de Mille Collines
Checking In:
For a whirlwind 24 hours in Kigali, the first thing we did was check into our hotel. We stayed at the Hotel de Mille Collines, the same hotel that was depicted in the movie, Hotel Rwanda. The hotel is a bit dated and could use a facelift, but I didn’t regret staying there. It was one of the ways we could pay homage to the genocide.
Hotel de Mille Collines also has one of the nicest views of Kigali, with twinkling lights scattered across the hilltops everywhere you look. We arrived in the evening and had a lovely poolside dinner at the tiki-inspired bar and restaurant.
If you’re looking for other accommodations in Kigali, try the Radisson Blu or Marriott for modern conveniences or Heaven for a more intimate boutique hotel experience.
Morning Coffee:
If you’re only spending 24 hours in Kigali, you’ll definitely need some Rwandan coffee to keep you fueled for the day. After we filled up on breakfast at the hotel, our driver, and guide, Shema, took us to Bourbon Coffee.
Bourbon Coffee is like Rwanda’s Starbucks. There are multiple locations throughout the city. While the cafes don’t exude the coziest of atmospheres, the coffee is strong, rich and they offer multiple, bold flavor profiles.
My favorite beans were the Kivu Lake blend, which has hints of chocolate, spice, and jasmine, and Virunga, which has a sweet, clean berry taste. I stowed a few bags in my suitcase to bring home!
Other great coffee spots in the city include Question Coffee (book an experience), a fair-trade business that sells coffee farmed by women, and Inzora Café, which offers incredible city views.
Rwandan women at the Kimironko Market
A motivational quote on the wall at Kigali boutique, Haute Beso
Shopping:
One of the boutiques Amy and I were very excited to check out was Haute Baso. It is a small shop that is a bit challenging to find if you don’t have the right address, but worth the hunt. The ethical fashion brand focuses on African-inspired designs, incorporating beautiful prints and patterns in their garments. The brand also supports local artisans and promotes job creation for women and Rwanda’s youth, so we were more than happy to support their mission of making a few purchases.
Azizi life is a small gift shop located next to Heaven Restaurant, but its bigger mission is to support rural Rwandan artisans. They run a program called Experience Days, where you can visit the artisans in their local villages and learn more about their craft. We loved the beautifully hand-woven baskets and homeware they had on display.
For bold, chunky, and colorful jewelry, head to Inzuki. And if you want a full-on, traditional market experience, visit Kimironko Market, but be ready to brave the crowds!
We also visited Caplaki, Kigali’s largest souvenir market. Be warned that this market is very touristy. You will see the same products here that you see throughout Rwanda at other large markets. I did purchase a couple of small tchotchkes to help support the local vendors, but I much preferred the unique items at some of the more curated shops.
Lunch:
The food scene in Kigali is booming, and there are quite a few good restaurants to choose from. For lunch, we ate at the open and airy Khana Khazana Kiyovu, which serves Indian food. The menu is extensive, and the food rivals any good Indian restaurant in NYC. I highly recommend it.
Other restaurants recommended by locals (that we didn’t have a chance to try because there is only so much you can eat in 24 hours!), include Car Wash Grill & Sports Bar, a low-key establishment with basic food but a buzzing atmosphere and Shokola, a charming rooftop café, known for their smoothies, pastries and Mediterranean fare.
History & Culture:
You can’t spend 24 hours in Kigali without visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial. When our driver, Shema, dropped us off at the Memorial, we learned that his father was one of 250,000 Rwandans buried there. It is challenging to personalize these massive tragedies when you have no connection to them, but when Shema shared his story with us, we felt a more immediate connection to the tragic past of Rwanda.
The museum is well thought out, taking you through the history of Rwanda leading up to the genocide. Parts of the exhibit are very hard to experience but necessary. The mass graves and gardens are sad but also tranquil. They’ve done an excellent job of creating a place of remembrance and learning.
A traditional Rwandan meal
Dinner:
Our last stop during our 24 hours in Kigali was for dinner, at Heaven Restaurant. Perched on top of a hill with a stunning view of the city, it was the perfect antidote to our heavy hearts after spending time at the Genocide Museum and Memorial.
An American couple started the restaurant, and they’ve written a book about their story, called, A Thousand Hills to Heaven. After an incredible final meal in Kigali, I promptly bought and finished the book by the time we landed in New York. (I highly recommend it!)
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Other popular dinner spots in the city include Poivre Noir, which offers a fusion of French and Belgian techniques with Rwandan ingredients, and Repub Lounge, which serves the very popular brochette – skewered cubes of meat and fish.
Lake Burera, near Volcanoes National Park, in Rwanda
Are You Ready to Spend 24 Hours in Kigali?
If Rwanda is not on your travel list, I highly recommend adding it! The country is safe, prospering, and despite what happened 20-plus years ago with the genocide, the people are open and friendly. Visiting Rwanda is the perfect introduction to East Africa, and spending 24 hours in the capital, Kigali is a great introduction to the country.
Now I’d love to hear from you!
Have you spent time in Africa? Which countries have you been to and what would you recommend? Please share in the comments below!
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