Africa

Rwanda

At a glance

Kigali’s cleanliness

Kigali is one of the cleanest cities I have ever visited, with organised streets, well-kept public spaces, and a calm urban feel.

A city of hills

Rwanda is known as the “Country of a Thousand Hills”, and Kigali shows this clearly through its slopes, viewpoints, and neighbourhoods built across the hillsides.

Language

Kinyarwanda is the national language. Older generations often speak more French, while younger people are more likely to speak English.

Cards work well

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted across Kigali, which makes payments easier than in some other major African cities.

A visual journey through Rwanda

Kigali

NP Arts Center gallery in Kigali, Rwanda — **NP Arts Center adds colour and creativity to Kigali.** Founded by painter Patrick Nzeyimana, the space supports artists from different backgrounds and brings together painting, community work, and local creativity.

Kigali city sign in Rwanda — **The Kigali sign captures the city’s modern and welcoming feel.** It sits in a clean, organised part of the city and reflects the calm, well-planned atmosphere that makes Kigali stand out.

Night view of Kigali hills in Rwanda — **Kigali’s hills become even more visible at night.** The lights spread across the slopes, giving the city a dramatic evening view and showing how much the landscape shapes Kigali’s identity.

Agatogo traditional Rwandan food in Kigali — **Agatogo is one of Rwanda’s traditional comfort dishes.** Often made with plantain or matoke, vegetables, and sometimes meat or fish, it brings together soft textures, rich flavour, and the everyday warmth of Rwandan cooking.

Akawunga with stew in Kigali, Rwanda — **Akawunga is a staple side dish in Rwanda.** Similar to ugali, it is usually served with stews, sauces, vegetables, or meat, making it a simple but important part of many local meals.

Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial exterior in Kigali, Rwanda — **The Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial is small but deeply meaningful.** The site remembers the Belgian peacekeepers who were killed at the start of the 1994 genocide. The bullet holes still visible on the building make the history feel immediate.

Interior of the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda — **Inside the memorial, the atmosphere is quiet and reflective.** The flags, flowers, plaques, and preserved damage help tell the story of the peacekeepers and the violence that marked the beginning of the genocide.

Intore dancer mural in Nyamirambo, Kigali, Rwanda — **Nyamirambo reflects Kigali’s grassroots energy.** This mural shows an Intore dancer performing the classic warrior dance, linking the neighbourhood’s street life with Rwanda’s cultural identity and performance traditions.

Travel notes

Getting around

Mototaxis are excellent in Kigali. Many use battery-powered bikes, riders provide helmets, and payment by mobile money is common.

Hotels

Four Points by Sheraton is reliable and comfortable, while the Hotel 2000 is a strong downtown option with very spacious rooms and excellent views over Kigali.

Walking

Kigali is not a huge city and many areas are walkable, but the hills can be tiring, so comfortable shoes make a big difference.

Umuganda

On the morning of the last Saturday of every month, Rwanda observes Umuganda, a nationwide community service day. Shops, businesses, and roads largely close until around midday, with participation encouraged and enforced.