Kigali City Tour – 1 Day Excursion Around Rwanda’s Capital

A Kigali City Tour is the perfect introduction to Rwanda, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the country’s inspiring transformation and modern charm. From deeply moving memorials to colorful local markets, artistic spaces, and scenic hilltop views, Kigali delivers an unforgettable blend of past and present in just one day.

Here are the Top 11 Places to Visit on a Kigali City Tour with Luxland Africa Vacations.

1. Kigali Genocide Memorial – A Place of Reflection and Remembrance

The Kigali Genocide Memorial, located in Gisozi, is one of Rwanda’s most significant landmarks. It serves as the final resting place for over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Established by the Aegis Trust, the memorial educates visitors about the genocide’s history, causes, and consequences while promoting peace and reconciliation.

Inside, three permanent exhibitions tell the story through powerful photographs, videos, personal testimonies, and artifacts. The “Children’s Room” is especially moving, commemorating young victims and their stolen futures. Outside, beautifully landscaped gardens hold mass graves and offer space for quiet reflection.

Visitors should expect an emotional yet enlightening experience that sheds light on Rwanda’s resilience and unity.

• Location: Gisozi Hill, Kigali
• Visit Duration: 1–2.5 hours
• Note: Photography inside requires a permit (US$20).

2. Kimironko Market – The Heartbeat of Kigali’s Daily Life

Bustling, colorful, and full of character, Kimironko Market is the largest and most popular market in Kigali. Here, locals from across Rwanda and neighboring countries come to trade everything from fresh produce and spices to handcrafted baskets, African fabrics (kitenge), and household goods.

A stroll through the market immerses you in authentic Rwandan life the chatter of vendors, the aroma of fruits and spices, and the laughter of shoppers bargaining with smiles.

Don’t miss the fabric section, where skilled tailors can stitch you a custom outfit on the spot.

• Location: Kimironko Neighborhood, Kigali
• Best Time to Visit: Morning to early afternoon
• Tip: Bring small cash for easy bargaining.

3. Inema Arts Centre – Creativity at the Core of Kigali

Founded in 2012 by brothers Innocent Nkurunziza and Emmanuel Nkuranga, the Inema Arts Centre has grown into Rwanda’s leading hub for contemporary art. The gallery showcases a rotating collection of vibrant paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works created by young Rwandan artists.

Visitors can explore open studios, meet the artists, and even attend workshops or cultural performances. The center also supports community programs, teaching art to underprivileged children and empowering women through crafts.

The lively atmosphere, creativity, and music-filled courtyard make Inema a must-visit for culture lovers.

• Location: Kacyiru, Kigali
• Open Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

4. Kandt House Museum – Where Kigali’s Story Began

Perched on Nyarugenge Hill, the Kandt House Museum is Kigali’s oldest surviving colonial building. Once home to Richard Kandt, the first German colonial resident of Rwanda, the museum now documents Rwanda’s natural and human history.

Its three main sections include:

1. Pre-colonial Rwanda: Exploring traditional monarchy, culture, and livelihood.
2. Colonial period: Focusing on Kandt’s legacy and German administration (1897–1916).
3. Birth of Kigali: Detailing the transformation of a small trading post into a modern capital.

Outside, visitors can view live reptiles, including snakes and crocodiles, symbolizing Rwanda’s natural diversity. The museum also offers panoramic views of Mount Kigali, Mount Jali, and Mount Shyorongi.

• Open Hours: Daily 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (closed on April 7 and during Umuganda mornings).

5. Kigali Centenary Park – Relaxation and Leisure in the City

Located in Nyarutarama, Kigali Centenary Park is a tranquil oasis offering fine dining, lush gardens, and scenic city views. It’s a perfect stop for a leisurely lunch or coffee break between museum visits.

With several restaurants, lounges, and boutiques, the park reflects Kigali’s modern lifestyle and growing reputation as a clean, safe, and green city.

6. Rwanda Art Museum – Where Creativity Meets History

The Rwanda Art Museum, situated in the former Presidential Palace in Kanombe, is a fascinating blend of art and history. Converted into an art museum in 2018, it displays contemporary works from both Rwandan and international artists.

One of the most striking exhibits is the wreckage of the presidential jet that crashed on 6th April 1994, triggering the genocide. This historical artifact sits in the museum’s garden, symbolizing Rwanda’s turbulent past and creative rebirth.

Visitors can also explore the “Art Kids’ Studio,” a space designed for young visitors to express their artistic imagination.

• Location: Kanombe, near Kigali International Airport

7. Nyanza Genocide Memorial Centre – A Testament of Courage

Located in Kicukiro, the Nyanza Genocide Memorial marks one of the most tragic episodes of the 1994 genocide. More than 10,000 Tutsis who had sought refuge here were abandoned by UN peacekeepers and later massacred.

Today, the memorial stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of human responsibility and protection. Visitors can see tiled mass graves and symbolic wooden crosses representing the victims.

• Location: Kicukiro Suburb, Southeast Kigali

8. Campaign Against Genocide Museum – A Story of Bravery and Rescue

Situated inside the Parliament Building, this museum tells the story of 600 Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) soldiers who defied odds during the genocide to rescue thousands of civilians.

Visitors learn how the RPA strategized from within the building, executed daring missions, and ultimately ended the genocide. Artifacts, photographs, and a preserved machine gun help illustrate this extraordinary story of courage and resilience.

• Opened: July 4, 2014
• Location: Near the Kigali Convention Centre, about 5 km from the airport

9. Hike Mount Kigali – Panoramic Views of the City of Hills

Rising to about 1,850 meters above sea level, Mount Kigali offers one of the best viewpoints in the city. The trail winds through eucalyptus forests, local villages, and scenic hillsides, giving hikers a perfect blend of exercise and culture.

At the summit, you can relax at one of the hilltop cafes or simply take in breathtaking views of the entire cityscape.

• Tip: Combine your hike with a visit to Nyamirambo for a cultural walking tour.

10. Kigali City Walking Tour – Discover the City on Foot

Walking through Kigali with a knowledgeable local guide gives visitors an authentic feel of the city’s rhythm and charm. The Kigali Walking Tour includes stops at landmarks such as the genocide memorial, markets, art galleries, and coffee shops.

It’s an interactive experience that allows travelers to meet locals, sample street food, and hear stories of Rwanda’s transformation firsthand.

11. Camp Kigali Memorial – Remembering the Fallen Peacekeepers

At Camp Kigali, 10 stone columns stand in honor of the 10 Belgian UN peacekeepers who were killed on the first day of the genocide while protecting Rwanda’s Prime Minister. Each column represents one soldier, and the horizontal cuts symbolize their age.

The small museum and bullet-marked building provide historical context, making this a solemn yet important site in Rwanda’s history.

Plan Your Kigali City Tour with Luxland Africa Vacations

Whether you have a full day or just a few hours, a Kigali City Tour with Luxland Africa Vacations gives you a well-balanced experience  history, culture, art, and everyday life.