Kigali city has a population of more than 1 million people, this was according to the last population census carried out. It’s the capital city of Rwanda situated near the geographic center of the nation. The city has also been the transport hub, economic as well as the cultural hub of Rwanda since it was made a capital city of this country after independence. This city is filled with the provinces of Kigali which enlarged in January as part of the local government. More so, this city’s area also covers about 70% of the municipal boundaries of the country.
The city was founded in 1907 by famous Dr. Richard Kandt during the German Colonial rule and was made a capital city in 1962 when the country got its independence. This traditional capital was the main seat of Mwami in Nyanza and the colonial seat was in Butare. Butare was to be chosen as the capital city of Rwanda, however Kigali was chosen because due to its central location. Since this time, the city has grown quickly and it’s now an economic, political as well as a cultural Centre of Rwanda. Even though the genocide affected the city in 1994, it has been able to recover to greater heights.
This city is also built in hilly country with four ridges as well as valleys, it’s located on one of these ridges. These ridges have got an elevation of about 1600m and the valleys are about 1,300m. This city is also surrounded with a tropical savanna climate with a very dry season. This type of climate is cooler throughout the year than other many cities due to its unique elevation which results in warm rather than hot nights.
Kigali city is Africa’s cleanest city and it’s the capital city of Rwanda commonly known as a land of a thousand hills. Just a visit to some of its attractions is a life time experience which leaves tourists wondering how its recovery has been since the genocide that happened in 1994 and left many people dead with their property destroyed.
This city is blessed with a moderate climate throughout the year, it’s a vibrant commercial center full of cultural historical sites. You can as well witness its beauty in the early evenings and at night when its full lights are out. These lights steer up the hills which lie a few kilometers from the center and you can as well enjoy the many beautiful views of the city as you rest at your hotel booked within the city. This city is divided into 3 districts of Kicukiro, Gasabo, as well as Nyarugenge.
This city offers the best view of the capital of Rwanda, i.e. the past as well as the present of the reconstructed city. The city tour begins with a historic journey through the city with a guided tour from the first modern constructed building from which the capital city was founded.
The tour begins as a historic journey throughout the city accompanied with a guide to visit the first modern building from which the capital city was first founded, this will be followed with rapidly growing neighborhoods which are changing the face of the city. This city is one of the cleanest, friendliest and safest city in Africa, this city attracts many visitors as well as investors.
The tour includes visits to the small colonial out spot by Dr. Richard Kandt who was the first German colonial resident of Rwanda, his residence was found at the base of mount Kigali and mount Jali , these have been converted into the natural museum in honor of Dr. Kandat’s work.
Along your tour, you will visit Kigali’s older commercial quarters, residential and business areas, visit the historic sites of the 19944 Tutsi genocide, take a tour to the Gisozi Genocide memorial and learn about the city’s local attractions as well as neighborhoods.
The city is filled with coffee shops, local and international restaurants like the Chinese, Italian, North African, Greek and east African cuisines. , bars and the so called Resto bars are favorite for the people of Kigali. The city night life is entertains many visitors to the city. You will be relaxed at some of the luxury hotels and lodges which are found in Kigali Rwanda.
Detailed 1 day tour in Kigali city
Early in the morning, our company local tour guide will meet you at your lodge or Hotel for your briefing about your safari around Rwanda. You will then proceed to Kigali which is Rwanda’s capital that was named by Dr. Richard Kandt, who was the first colonial governor of Rwanda. This city is surrounded by the lush hills of green vegetation.
On your city tour, you will visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial site, the artisan shopping Centre to view and also purchase crafts, local arts, and Kigali museum and learn about the history of the city as well as the pre-colonial and colonial period that took place in Rwanda. You will as well tour the city to see firsthand post genocide development and expansion of the city.
Visit the famous Juru Park to view the city as well as the surrounding hillside of the country side. Later in the evening, you will proceed to Crystal View Cocktail Lounge to view the panoramic views overlooking the entire city of Rwanda.