Rwanda, The African Hidden Gem!
Rwanda was never originally included in our safari plans when organizing our trip to Kenya and Tanzania. However, after learning about its reputation for safety and its impressive development, and considering its proximity to our main destinations, we ultimately decided to give this unique country a chance. And to our delight, Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, captured our hearts. It astounded us with its pristine cleanliness and impeccable tidiness, mirrored by the warm and welcoming nature of its people. In this article, we aim to provide a brief yet compelling description of the remarkable aspects of Kigali, urging you to consider adding it to your list of must-visit African countries.
Rwanda is most known for Gorilla trekking (as Uganda also offers this incredible experience). However, it costs quite a hefty sum, making it inaccessible for many travelers. Despite our longing to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, we reluctantly decided to skip it due to our limited budget… Fortunately, there was still plenty of things to enjoy in Kigali!
Visit of the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, holds a profound history marred by a tragic event known as the genocide. This dark chapter initiated a long-lasting feud between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, spurred on by the influence of Belgium and intensified by France. As uncomfortable travelers, we found ourselves unwitting witnesses to the devastating effects of human nature and the insidious power of political propaganda.
In this once peaceful land, friends and neighbors were transformed into ruthless enemies, perpetrating unthinkable violence upon one another without remorse. However, amidst the desolation, it is truly remarkable to observe how Rwanda has managed to rise from the ashes of this horrifying genocide.
Today, Rwanda stands as one of the safest countries in all of Africa, having eradicated the animosity that once plagued the nation. In a powerful testament to the resilience of its people, Rwanda has triumphed over the shadows of its past, united as one nation no longer divided by ethnicity.
Kigali is at the heart of the equator, boasting a vibrant mix of tropical flora that lends a refreshing and lush ambiance to the cityscape. Unlike other major cities like Nairobi, Kigali stands out for its impeccable tidiness and cleanliness, with the exception of bustling areas teeming with activity.
As we explored the city, we couldn't help but admire its picturesque hillsides adorned with evergreen trees, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
The delightful experience of strolling along the hilly streets, enveloped by the vibrant colors and scents of tropical plants, added an extra flair to our day and night adventures in Kigali. The delightful experience of strolling along the hilly streets, enveloped by the vibrant colors and quaint charm of the surrounding buildings, truly transports one to a world of timeless beauty and tranquility.
The land of 1000 hills, literally!
Food outside is very scarce in Rwanda. Unlike Tanzania or Kenya, finding good restaurants here is a struggle. There is only one KFC and a couple of other options, but they didn't quite meet our expectations. In our quest to experience the local culture, we stumbled upon a hidden gem called Issa Coffee in the Nyamirambo Muslim neighborhood. This restaurant not only served delicious local food but also introduced us to the flavors of Pilaw, a traditional African rice dish that quickly became a favorite.
Food, Mototaxi and the Local market
During our time in Kigali, we couldn't resist exploring the city's biggest local market, Kimironko. Here, one can find everything from food to decorations to clothes. However, we soon realized that our lighter skin tones attracted a curious kind of attention. In the market, locals would surround us, eager to make a sale. At first, it was amusing, as they exclaimed their excitement and pulled us towards their small shops. But as their enthusiasm turned pushy and insistent, we began to feel overwhelmed. This is where having a local guide by our side could have been beneficial, but we were determined to navigate the experience on our own terms.
Getting around in Rwanda is easiest with a mototaxi, which costs around 1 euro for a 3km trip. Taxis, on the other hand, are exorbitantly priced compared to local standards and are seen as a service primarily for tourists. Thus, our choice was clear: we embraced the local mode of transportation to truly immerse ourselves in the Rwandan way of life.
We generally like to explore things on our own and navigate any new environment without the help of a local guide. However, during our recent trip to Kigali, we had the unexpected pleasure of meeting Ally, a local guide who made our last day memorable.
It was purely by chance that we crossed paths with him while strolling near our hotel, and his friendly demeanor immediately intrigued us. In a spontaneous moment, we decided to embark on a half-day tour with him, hoping to uncover hidden gems in Kigali that had eluded us thus far.
To say that our experience with Ally was delightful would be an understatement. His kindness and warmth were evident from the moment we met him, and it was clear that he had an extensive knowledge of Kigali's history and Rwanda's captivating past. He shared with us stories and insights that left us in awe and further deepened our appreciation for the city. What impressed us the most was Ally's impeccable guidance, leading us to lesser-known treasures that are often overlooked by tourists.
Ally's passion for his work and his genuine desire to ensure that we had a memorable experience made the tour worthwhile.
If you ever find yourself planning a trip to Rwanda, we highly recommend reaching out to Ally. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and personalized approach will surely enhance your exploration of Kigali and provide you with a deeper understanding of this remarkable city. You can easily contact Ally through Whatsapp at +250783384458. Trust us, with him as your guide, you will discover and learn more than you would have done by yourself.
