Kigali

Eco-friendly travel guide to Kigali advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Kigali, Rwanda.

Kigali city view

Air quality: 3/ 5

Exploring by foot: 3 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 3 / 5

Public transportation: 3 / 5

Parks: 3.5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.5/ 5

Locals' English level: 3 / 5

Safety: 3 / 5

Accommodation: US$150 - $220

Budget per day: US$270 - $300

Responsible Travel

The capital city of Rwanda and the land generally called the home of a thousand mountains, Kigali has built its reputation as the cleanest city in Africa.

That is no mean feat considering the population of this city as well as its dynamic and progressive nature. There are a lot of ways to see its beauty without compromising on environmental standards. These were for the general health and safety of residents.

Some of these means of travel are:

Although relatively new in the city, tourists can hire electric vehicles and use them to move around the city.

Tourists and visitors can also travel the city using bicycles and scooters. It is not unusual to see people cycling alone or as part of a tour group.

Moving around with public means of transportation also helps to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. It would consequently reduce the number of pollutants in the atmosphere.

There is a lot of emphasis on environmental sustainability. Therefore, visitors are encouraged to travel in a way that expresses appreciation for the city and its local people.

Some ways to do these include:

Limit your means of transportation to environmentally friendly means.
Support the local economy by purchasing locally made products.
Be considerate while bartering the price with local sellers since a lot of them might accept a price below the cost price of the product because of the financial need of their families.
Eat in local restaurants and cafés. It would boost the local economy and also makes for a unique holiday experience.
Ensure you do not leave any litter whenever you visit parks and reserves as these can be harmful to the wildlife.

Air Quality and Pollution

While a lot of cities struggle with air pollution, the situation is not so dire in the city of Kigali. A reason for this is the commitment of the government towards environmentally sustainable policies.

Data presented at the 2019 National Seminar on Air Pollution in Kigali indicates that the leading cause of air pollution in Kigali is vehicle emissions.

There are periods of the year when concentrations of some types of particulate contaminants rise above the globally accepted standards.

A lot of these vehicles that move around the city do not adhere to environmental standards prevalent in other developed parts of the world. However, in recent times, the government has taken steps to reduce the number of substandard vehicles that contribute mainly to this pollution.

Respect the Culture

Rwanda has always been defined by three who possess prominent aspects of the economy. The Hutu have been greatly associated with ownership of large tracks of land, the Tutsi are greatly known own cows, and the Twa people have been greatly associated with the forests. Each community possessed a unique dressing code and performed different roles during public rituals.

The Twa community has maintained its cultural tradition comprising of songs and dance. Lulunga is a musical instrument comprising of eight strings whose appearance looks like that of a harp. It is usually played alongside traditional songs with drum orchestras comprising of nine drummers at most joining in during bigger festival dances.

Pots made of clay, woven mats, and baskets made with papyrus, wood carvings, art pieces, and jewelry are some of the beautiful souvenirs that the Rwandan people have on offer. The country is dotted with many art and craft villages with the most common ones being the Ivuka art center, Rwanda Nziza, and the Caplaki craft village.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Kigali Genocide Memorial: Rwanda’s history is not complete without the genocide of 1994. As such, a memorial that depicts the horrors Rwanda went through during the genocide has been built. One of the popular presentations at the memorial is an introductory short documentary film. After the introduction, travelers can proceed to view the three permanent exhibitions housing the artifacts, detailed information of the past, and photographs. The history and timelines of the 1994 genocide are in the main exhibit.

Inema Arts Center: Africa is nothing without its deep appreciation for unique art. Inema Arts Center takes this appreciation to a whole new level. Travelers can expect a taste of traditional crafts and art pieces portraying African life. This center was first commissioned in 2012. Also, you do get a chance to be wowed with the prolific Rwandan artworks by the various artists present during your time of visit. Every week, travelers can enjoy dance performances and concerts held by Rwanda's finest. The arts center also offers yoga classes inspired by art.

Rwanda Art Museum: This is another example of art taking a central role in everyday life in Kigali. The museum was built in the previous Presidential Palace located in the suburbs of Kigali. Ever since its opening in May 2018, it has hosted thousands of travelers giving each one of them as pleasant an experience as possible. It is in this museum that you will find creative art pieces from both local and international artists. Travelers should take note that the grounds of this museum are littered with debris from the presidential jet shot down on the 6th of April, 1994.

Kimironko Market: Kimironko is the biggest and busiest market in Kigali. Here, tailors can sew your clothes on the spot and you can even carry along as souvenirs. Vendors in this market are photo-phobic. Hence, travelers are advised to seek their consent first before photographing them.

Nyamirambo Women's Center: Women's empowerment is a huge issue in Rwanda as it should be anywhere in the world. As such this center was commissioned in 2007 to counter gender inequality and to strengthen women. Services offered by the center include free education together with vocational training for women. A large proportion of the center’s funds are channeled towards employing women who make culture-related products such as hand-woven baskets, crocheted rugs, tote bags, and beaded jewelry. Tourists are also encouraged to take part in the traditional cooking classes and basket-weaving events offered at the center.

Amahoro Stadium: The two biggest football clubs in Rwanda are Armée Patriotique and Rwandaise FC. These two have many fans divided based on club loyalty. Whenever they play against each other, thousands come together at the 30,000-seater Amahoro Stadium to watch the match. To fully utilize the stadiums' potential, it has also hosted rugby matches and other events such as live performances.

Question Coffee Café - The local coffee business employs thousands of people across the value chain from farmers to retailers to consumers. As such, most coffee farmers in Rwanda adore coffee as it empowers them to generate authentic beans and boost the growing and roasting methods used by the farmers. Tourists can enjoy this locally sourced commodity and may even arrange to be able to take some with them when they head back home.

Hôtel des Mille Collines - By now travelers have gotten a picture of how highly Rwanda rates its culture and art. In addition to that, hotels frequently host culture nights for travelers to acquaint themselves with Rwanda’s heritage. Live music together with dance performances, not forgetting the food, which is mostly prepared by locally sourced ingredients, are usually on offer during such nights.

Camp Kigali Memorial - The 1994 Genocide took a turn for the worst when 10 Belgian lost their lives. So significant was the moment that 10 stone pillars were erected in a circle in their remembrance. As noted earlier, the genocide has tainted Rwanda’s history that it is almost impossible to talk about Rwanda without making some reference to it. Camp Kigali gives visitors a broader understanding of what transpired during this period.

Kigali City Tower - The tower lights up Kigali and it is a pure work of engineering marvel. It is the tallest building in the country standing at 20 stories high. Kigali City Tower is the brainchild of Rwandan businessman, Hatari Sekoko, who inspired its construction. Work on the project commenced in 2006 and was completed in 2011. At 4 stories high within the tower is a commercial center and a car parking block, which can be used by travelers.

Amahoro Stadium

Explore

Trust that there are many very exciting places and activity worthy of being explored in this city.

City Parks

Green Park: A medium-sized green park with beautiful flowers. The park has got beautiful scenery for pictures and for travelers to take a break from the busy city. The park is closed during the genocide memorial week; therefore, travelers should schedule their visit outside this week.

Kigali International Airport Park: The park is located at the address 24PC+65 Kigali, Rwanda. This is another place to enjoy the beauty of Rwanda’s nature. Travelers are advised not to bring plastic as it is not allowed at the park and in Rwanda generally.

Imfura Park: This is Kigali's first public park located in the city center. It is open to public use 24/7. One of the unique features at the park is the availability of free internet, which the public can use. Imfura Park needs more online push than it is getting because it is a stunning place where travelers are going to be tempted to want to read a book.

National Parks

All of Rwanda’s national parks are located outside Kigali. Here is a look at some of the National Parks:

Volcanoes National Park: The park is situated in the far northwest of Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – which is home to the endangered mountain gorilla. Volcanoes National Park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif.

Akagera National Park: Akagera is located in the relatively warm and low-lying plains of Akagera. Vegetation makeup includes savannah, woodland, wetland, and a dozen lakes. The largely open expanse is ideal for game viewing, and they are taking steps to ensure that over time, the Big Five roam the park in greater numbers.

Nyungwe National Park: One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife; a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s Monkey Endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Gishwati Mukura National Park: Rwanda’s fourth national park, Gishwati Mukura is made up of two separate forests – the larger Gishwati and small Mukura, forming a total of 34 square kilometers plus a buffer zone. The forests sit on the ridge which divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas, along the incredibly biodiverse Albertine Rift in the west of the country. It is made up of 60 species of trees, including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo.

The beautiful Volcanoes National Park

Beaches

Rwanda is a landlocked country. Consequently, natural beaches are absent. Artificial beaches have been skillfully built up with the classic example being Jambo Beach.

Jambo Beach: This is found on the shores of Lake Muhazi in Kigali. Couched on a hillside of a lovely lake. Jambo Beach is the perfect location for a full-tilt weekend pitch. Travelers can stop at Jambo on their way from Akagera National Park (and Nyagetera). Despite food taking a bit of time, the scenery eases every anxiety. Restaurants at the beach serve fine food setting up travelers for a beautiful day. Jambo is located an hour’s drive away from the city center. For travelers interested in swimming, there is safe swimming with flotation stations mid-lake.

Kingfish Hotel Beach: Access to the beach comes as a complimentary package when staying at this luxurious hotel. The hotel has a great location, nice rooms, decent food, and friendly service. Travelers are however advised that very loud music is usually a bit of a distraction at the beach.

Landmarks

Parliament: Rwanda's parliament tells an interesting tale of the 1994 genocide which travelers may find different from the first-hand experience as narrated by guides at Ntarama. The end of the tour is on the roof from where one can see other important places in the distance (e.g. the stadium) as well as an unrepaired wall that still reveals bullet holes.

Muslim Quarter: This is located in the oldest parts of the city and is usually very busy. The place is very clean and filled with friendly people ready to assist travelers. Although travelers should be able to navigate their way safely, there is still a need to adhere to safety measures.

Ntarama Church: Most travelers who visit the church recall intense feelings of hurt and pain from genocide details explained by guides. Despite the anguish, previous travelers describe the experience as vital in understanding how Rwanda became what it is today. Before entering the church, a thorough pre-tour briefing is given to travelers on what they can expect inside which eases the anxiety.

Nyamata Church: There is nothing much to see at the church but is it where the 1994 genocide took place and the church is a painful remember of mankind's not-so-greatest moments. Travelers are recommended not to visit the place if they are not prepared for gruesome facts about the genocide from the well-informed guides.

Nyamata Church

Museums

Kigali Genocide Memorial: As mentioned before, the museum is mainly focused on all this concerning the 1994 genocide.

Kandt House Museum: This museum still focuses on Rwanda’s history but presents a different timeline to it. It focuses on Rwanda's experience through the European scramble for the partition of Africa. Travelers can expect to see history about Rwanda during the period when European were subdividing Africa at their ease. This led to Rwanda becoming a German colony till the end of the 1st world war.

Rwanda Art Museum: Besides the art exhibition on display, the art museum also contains the ruins of ex-president Habyarimana's plane crash. It is well worth a visit for the art and those interested in architecture. The design of the museum is done using a more conventional exterior with a more interesting interior.

Kigali Genocide Memorial

Eat

As one of Africa’s greatest food-obsessed cities, Kigali stands out in particular for its culinary offering.

While it is long been known for its markets and casual restaurants, the city is now turning heads with its contemporary fine dining scene in which Rwanda’s seasonal produce is championed.Whether you prefer it hot, spicy or vegan, there is a good spot in the city for you.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Fusion Restaurant: The restaurant offers African, international, fusion, vegetarian-friendly, vegan dishes for travelers from all over the world. Fusion Restaurant is located at The Retreat, the new luxury boutique hotel in Kigali. Its unique service features farm-to-table international fusion cuisine, top-notch service, and magnificent poolside seating. Fusion provides Kigali visitors with a fresh new innovative menu and wines from South Africa.

Africa bite: Fancy a bit of Rwandan Buffet? African bite serves potato, banana, rice, beans, beef stew at cheap prices. The quality of food is very high served in a buffet style. This is a great spot for African food served with cleanliness in mind. Travelers are advised to visit the restaurant for either breakfast or supper as lunch meals are only non-local.

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant: Lalibela is the definition of Ethiopian cuisine at its finest. Travelers are advised to try the vegetable buffet and meat on the side which is highly rated. All dishes are served in the traditional Ethiopian way. Dinners at Lalibela are special as they are lit up by a fire and guests are allowed to eat in the garden.

Repub Lounge: Coconut fish curry is top of the menu list and a favorite for many at Repub Lounge. Wednesday meals at the restaurant are made even better with live music on the play. For first time travelers to Kigali, the staff is present to help you to order your main dish and pairing it with sides that complimented the main dish.

Vegetarian and Vegan

Meze Fresh: Meze offers different African cuisine that is westernized to fit tourists that are not used to local food. Vegetarian dishes are altered to slowly ease travelers into the African vegetarian style. Travelers are recommended to try cassava which tastes like amadumbe (a type of African potato) yet looks like sweet potato.

Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel: The whole menu at the restaurant is built around vegetarian-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. This is a hotel restaurant and guests staying at Heaven Hotel are highly recommended to try it out. The outdoor setting with lovely landscaping is a gorgeous spot.

The Hut: Rarely are vegan restaurants renowned for their exquisite bars. However, from the bar, travelers are recommended to try the “Ginger Dawa” with vodka and ginger. Avocado fries are popular here as well as a couple of curry dishes, and a lamb burger.

Khana Khazana: The food at the restaurant can be ordered online via the VubaVuba app. The food served on delivery is as great as eat-in. Khana’s Indian dishes are as good as any served in India, London, or the US.

Street Food

Travelers in a hurry can always grab a bite at street food outlets in the capital. Most street food outlets serve food that is prepared as the customer watches for freshness. A list of recommended street food outlets in Kigali include:

Lavana
Now Now Rolex
Kubrom's Place

Drink

There is no shortage of alcohol and other city drinks in Kigali. Travelers will find many decades-old bars and breweries that serve unique and popular liquors.

Tap-water

Always exercise caution with your drinking water. In areas where hygiene and sanitation are challenging to maintain, taking precautions with drinking water is essential.

Tap water quality and access to clean drinking water vary from region to region. The safety of the drinking water at your destination depends on context-specific factors such as the local supply and distribution system as well as the monitoring and enforcement of water quality standards.

Water quality can be affected by lack of safe water storage, old pipes or water treatment systems, poor sanitation infrastructure.

Organic Cafés

Inzora Rooftop Café: The food options are limited as result the few dishes offered here are mastered to perfection. It also means that everything they do is delicious. The rooftop part is tiny, but the view is divine. Travelers are recommended to try the variety of drinks on offer at the café.

Vital Organic Foods: Popularly known for its smoothies, and scrumptious energy-loaded health bars, Vital Organic Foods is a favorite smoothie stop in Kigali for many. Drinks available include organic juices and snacks with pleasant services in Kigali. Added attractions include enlightening customer service and a very accessible location.

Koko House: Koko House is a nice, safe, and friendly place with private parking for guests. Travelers with kids can use playsets and toys set out for kids. This is great for families traveling as a whole as parents get to watch from park benches or join in on the fun. Surprise Vietnamese food is available for guests on the menu which is not found in many other restaurants.

Breweries

Kigali has a vibrant brewery sector as evidence by the number of different organizations involved in coming up with different liquor beverages. Here is a list of the breweries found in Kigali:

Skol Beer Brewery
Braliwa
Speranza Group
Star Bar
Africa Improved Food Processing

Activities

Kigali is so vibrant that even after exhausting all the top 10 places to visit mentioned above, there is still a lot that travelers can do. Here is a list of further activities travelers can do whilst in Kigali:

Shop at Kimironko market
Watch a soccer game at Amahoro Stadium
Visit a milk bar
Eat big fish in Nyamirambo
Check out Kigali’s recent changes

Yoga and Retreats

Yoga is increasingly becoming popular in Rwanda. In the capital, there are plenty of yoga stations where travelers can attend classes.

American Embassy: sessions here are probably run by an American person through the Embassy. Travelers looking for more information on this are advised to visit the American Embassy in Kigali.

City Arts: Kigali has a community arts center offering yoga sessions. All kinds of yoga; vinyasa flow, ashtanga, power flow, and yoga basics are offered along with lots of art and dance classes.

Other centers where yoga is offered include:

Mamba Club
Private Lessons
Serena Hotel

Accommodation

There are several accommodation options in Kigali city, which are found everywhere around the city. The hotels range from low-cost to expensive and posh lodges; the hotel's rating varies from three-star, four-star, and five-stars.

Kigali Serena Hotel, Heaven Retreat, and the renowned Hotel des Mille Collines are a few of the luxurious and gorgeous hotels. These are beautiful places to visit when on a vacation or business trip.

Green Hotels

Kigali Serena Hotel : Kigali Serena Hotel is situated in Kigali, Rwanda, and it is an enjoyable and cozy place to be. The services offered in the hotel are excellent and very satisfying. It is a lovely hotel with a calm environment and a fantastic pool to enjoy the sun. It has a superior bar and lounge that offers a quiet spot for relaxation. The hotel contains big and comfortable rooms and the meals are also very delicious and come with variety. Every room has an air condition system, a kettle, a flat-screen tv with a satellite channel, a hairdryer, a shower, and a desk. The hotel has a personal bathroom and a wardrobe; there is also a range of wellness solutions involving a sauna and a spa.

Heaven Retreat: Heaven Retreat is located in Kigali city center with a fantastic view and mouth-watering meals. The hotel is well known for its wellness service, including meditation, fitness classes, yoga, massage, and spar treatment. They offer fresh organic meals that are grown in their backyard garden. The rooms are spacious and luxurious, suitable for families with children, and the price is also affordable. When traveling to Kigali, consider relaxing at Heaven Retreat.

Hotel des Mille Collines: The hotel is located 1.5 km from the Belgium peacemakers Memorial and 10.5km from Kigali International Airport. The hotel offers a 24 hour-front desk, a fitness center, and an entertainment joint. Every room has a desk and a personal bathroom installed with a hot shower and free toiletries. The rooms also have free wifi, while a few places have a pool view. There is also a flat-screen tv and air conditioning.Hotel des Mille Collines offers a daily breakfast that includes full English/ Iris and buffet options; they deal specifically in European and American cuisine. Visitors can rent a car, make use of the business premises, or buy presents at the stalls. The hotel has popular facilities such as free parking, an Airport shuttle, a Swimming pool Bar, a Fitness center, and free wifi.

Kigali Marriott Hotel: Kigali Marriott hotel is conveniently situated near the financial district. Every traveler will be delighted with the perfect and accessible location, it is just seven miles from Kigali Airport. Moreover, it has flexible venue spaces and outstanding catering. The facility is well equipped with all amenities to meet the expectation and needs of a modern-day tourist. Indoor pools, health clubs are also available just for recreational activities. Also, they have facilities that are accessible and convenient for people with disabilities. As a tourist, you need not worry since your needs are well taken care of.

Hostels and Guest Houses

Murugo Rwanda Hostel: Murugo Hostel consists of 6 well-furnished rooms, with a bathroom each. This magnificent hostel offers added services such as wifi internet, laundry, and cabled tv. Muruga Hostel is close to the national police Headquarters, Ministry of Agriculture, and the President's Office.

Keva Guest House: This guest house is situated 6 km off MTN center Kigali. The guest house offers free wifi and terrace rooms with free private parking for visitors who drive. All rooms in the guest house are fitted with tv cable channels and a wardrobe and air conditioning. The guest house provides vegetarian or continental breakfast. Keva Guest House can easily give information at the front desk to help guests move around the area.

Peponi Hostel: Peponi provides quality accommodation in Kigali; visitors love the restaurant. Some rooms also have a sitting area to cool down after a tiresome day. The guest house has a flat-screen tv and a 24-hour front desk; the hotel management offers free wifi and free private parking for its guests.

Apartments

Renting an apartment in Kigali is very easy; one can get a furnished apartment at a reasonable price, equipped with furniture like seats, wardrobes, beds, flat-screen tv, and kitchen tries.

There is also a compound and parking with 24-hour security to ensure a safe stay. Residents in this town are friendly and peaceful to get along with them. An additional advantage is the free wifi connection and solar panels installed in the apartments.

Couchsurfing

Arrangements for couch surfing is very available in the city. The people are friendly, hospitable, and welcoming. However, there is a need to apply caution while deciding on where to stay.

Camping

Tourists who have plans to enjoy in Kigali town, who adore nature and are looking for the perfect place to camp and relax during their trip in Rwanda can consider Kigali campsite.

Magnificent-selected grounds will be a fantastic place to stay during your trip. Kigali's first campsite is only 2.3km from the city center with excellent views of the town. It is near to transport sites and shopping centers. Below are 10 other fantastic campsites to consider visiting during your stay in Kigali.

Nyungwe National Park Safari
Chimpanzee Tracking and Tropical Waterfall or Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Congo Virunga Gorilla Trekking and Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
Akagera National Camping Safari
Bisoke Volcano Hike, Twin Lakes Canoe, Nature Walk, and Iwacu Cultural Tour
Golden Monkey Trek and Ibylwacu Cultural Tour
Rwanda Eco-tourism Safaris
Lake Kivu Safaris
Karongi Destination Safaris

How to Get There

The entry point into the country is most likely to be Kigali International Airport. It is approximately 10km/6ml from the capital Kigali. Mostly, transportation is done by vehicles within the country. Akagera aviation provides licensed helicopter transportations anywhere in the country. Although you are already in Rwanda, there are various means of transport you can choose from depending on the distance you are going. Motorcycles and taxis are the best ways to cover short distances swiftly. Local minibusses are cost-friendly and move on various routes around many places in the town. Below are the types of methods used to get to Kigali town.

Air

Suppose you plan to visit Kigali Rwanda, that is good because you shall be flying into Kigali International Airport. If you are a traveler and desire to go to Kigali town using road transportation, you have many buses, taxis, and motorcycles options.

Kigali International Airport

Bus

The buses are very comfortable and clean with large windows for fresh air, and you can book them online.

Train

The Rwanda Standard Gauge Railway is a railway structure that is still growing, connecting the country to Tanzania and Uganda's nearest countries.

The system is expected to join two other Rwanda neighbors soon, being Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo; the SGR will permit quick access to the Kenyan port of Mombasa, Rwanda's main entrance to the sea via Uganda.

It means you cannot depend on the train as a means of transport in Kigali as it is yet to be constructed.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking in Kigali is not uncommon; this is not something to worry about. The majority of people seem to be nice and friendly, but some people cannot be trusted.

Therefore, it is essential to be careful when asking for a ride or when a person offers a ride. As a foreigner, to avoid being robbed of your valuables, it is advisable to use a bus when traveling for your safety.

Others

Reaching the city of Kigali by other means of transportation is common. You might get travelers using taxis as an option to move around and even outside the city.

Nonetheless, as an eco-friendly traveler, you should stick to conventional means of transport and have a comfortable journey without any compromise. Therefore, if you travel via sustainable means of transportation you are assured to reach your destination safely.

Moving Around

Kigali is a gorgeous city packed with lots of offers and amazing views as well. Therefore you can walk around as everywhere you turn seems to be either a valley or fascinating facing hills; attracting hundreds of thousands of foreigners each year.

Before embarking on a journey to Kigali, you should beware that any walk-in Kigali involves walking up in Kigali's superb hills.

Nonetheless, walking isn't the only way to move around the city there are various means of transportation to make your trip fantastic and memorable.

Such vehicles include Taxis, motorcycles, matatus, and several car rentals. However, in this section of the article, you will encounter all forms of transportation briefly discussed.

Walk

As already mentioned above, the city of Kigali is not that wide compared to other popular cities in Africa and does offer the opportunity to walk around.

You can walk around the city or even you might want to explore nearby places. Moreover, there're plenty of walkways in the city to enable you to walk freely and reduce congestion.

A good example of this is a great road behind the RDB that stretches towards Rehema, a fantastic place to explore.

Bicycle

Riding in the city of Kigali isn't something that is not common and it's an option to move around the city. Nonetheless, bicycles are mostly used by commuters in rural areas and as well a small number of locals in the city.

Therefore, on every city's corners, you may see people riding bicycles. Cargo bicycles are superb and widely used for the transportation of goods and passengers as well.

Traveling via a bicycle is quite slow; it doesn't fit for long distances, the m ajor merit is that it is very cheap and affordable. As a visitor, there are bicycles to hire for you to explore fabulous hill places in the city and make your trip hassle-free.

Electronic Vehicles

The option of renting electric cars in the city of Kigali is quite low. There are electric cars known as e-Golf and bikes but these are only a few since people use diesel and petrol vehicles. Also, they find such kind of vehicles more reliable.

Randa is an African pioneer to have e-Gold electric vehicles. Volkswagen partnership with Siemens and launched these superb electric vehicles which enhanced the sector of Entrepreneurship.

The launching of the vehicle by the two parties was done in the presence of Prime minister Edouard Ngeirwnte. As an eco-friendly tourist, you should rent one of these vehicles for a fabulous and more experienced trip.

Public Bus

As a visitor, you have the option of traveling to the city of Kigali through a bus. Buses are the most reliable means of transportation. Examples of buses that operate in the city and other close places include; KBS, Royal Express, and Toyota Coasters.

Moreover, they are cheap, designed comfortably, they are accessible and efficient as well. Furthermore, They are numerous and eco-friendly while connected to all city's corners.

Tram, Train and Subway

In the city of Kigali, there is no train as well. As a tourist, you don't have these options for you to shuttle to small towns and cities on the outskirts.

However, the Rwandan government is developing a railway system known as Rwanda Standard gauge Railway which links the county to Tanzania and Uganda.

The network is also expected to soon link Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Via Uganda, the SGR would facilitate faster access to the Kenyan Port of Mombasa and Nairobi as well.

Sustainable Shopping

Rwanda is a small vibrant country but it does have its unique design that is echoed in its baskets, clothing, and other various memorabilia.

Moreover, Kigali is a fantastic place to shop while you're on your trip and find extraordinary products to take to your home country.

Markets in Kigali offer superb things at a reasonable price and sustainable as well. Examples of items you would encounter in the vibrant marketplace include crafts, jewelry, textile, etc.

Food Markets

Kigali has numerous food markets and we'll stock, you won't see any market getting drop because of a good supply chain which is an advantage to entrepreneurs.

Moreover, the food cooked here is mouthwatering and a visit worth certainly be worth your time. Below are listed examples of food markets you can visit:

kimironko Market
Isoko Mini-Market
Rwandes Market

Flea Markets

Even though Rwanda is a small country, it's home to the best places that offer open markets where you can grab items at a reasonable price.

The city of Kigali has robust markets that mainly support low-income earners who are unable to afford expensive items sold in exhibition stalls.

As a tourist or local you have the opportunity to bargain items in such markets. Some of these markets are open on specific days whereas others run throughout the week. Such markets include:

Kigali Famers And Artisan's Market
Rwandan Clothing Store
Kigali City Market

Second Hand Stores

In Rwanda, the majority of people rely on second-hand clothes because they are cheap and affordable. The manufacturing textile industry has fallen in producing sufficient products leading to the importation of second-hand clothes from the USA.

However, the government of Rwanda recently ban the importation of second-hand clothes to protect its garment and textile industry. Most African countries have improving textile industries but there could be a drop in production due to instability, and increased global competition.

Eco-Fashion

Kigali is a relatively uncharted area in the country, eco-fashion is growing and you would find locals engaging in fashion in an eco-friendly way. Designers in the city of Kigali design their fashion clothes basing on heritage and are not interested in sartorial elegance.

In places such as Nyamassheke, you would find women weaving baskets and make superb artwork and decoration by using beads.

Eco-fashion in Rwandan culture is unique since most of the locals believe in their culture and you will discover that some clothes are made with animal prints.

People have transformed from analog to digital therefore lifestyle has changed and most of the youth are fashion freaks. The list below consist of some of the stores that offer eco-friendly products:

Boyfriend boutique Kigali
Haute Baso
Rwanda Clothing Store

Recycling

When it comes to pollution, Rwanda has a vibrant recycling economy. It's the cleanest country in Africa and is attributed to designated ways of waste disposal.

Waste

There was an assessment done in the city of Kigali that studies the current status of solid waste management. It was carried using systems analysis methodology of "wastewater" benchmark indicators for sustainable waste management in the city of Kigali and the results were released in February 2018. Furthermore, the research shows that tons of 232, 870 waste materials are generated each year.

In Kigali, there's sustainable waste management. Dumpsters are controlled by the city's council and transportation is done by private companies. Locals pay waste collectors depending on their social class and location as well.

There's is no official recycling system but locals are recommended to collaborate with the private companies that are responsible for the disposal of waste materials.

Such wastes like plastic bottles are taken to Tanzania and Uganda to be recycled. This study indicates that the recycling rate was 10% contrary to the 2% recorded by official sources. The government of Rwanda is muchly investing in solid waste management and creating a good relationship between the private waste collectors and the local communities.

Work and Study Abroad

Rwanda is home to thousands of Rwandan businesses and over 50 international companies and organizations as well including the United Natio Agencies office in Kigali. Rwanda mostly emphasis English foreign teachers so, this is your opportunity to teach Rwandan students.

These are the reasons why Kigali has made progress in attracting foreigners both as students and workers. Nonetheless, to own a business in Rwanda, one must obtain a work permit, and with at least 6 months validity from the day they entered the country. As an applicant, you must have a valid passport or even a different travel document.

Exchange Student

Not only Rwanda has popular places that attract foreigners but also has prestigious universities that attract students around the globe.

If you intend to study in Rwanda then you need to identify the right university for you. However, Rwanda doesn't currently have a university that has been ranked by Higher Education World University Rankings but you can still choose to enroll in Universities in Kigali include:

University Of Rwanda
University Of Kigali
The University Of Adventists Of Kigali
Kim University
Vatell Rwanda - International Hospitality School

Au Pair

Au pair in Rwanda is a norm and you would find locals engaging in it. Foreigners must have a Rwanda residence permit for one to be an au pair.

Finding a host in Rwanda isn't a difficult situation since there're families in need of flexibility; having children and are much concerned with preparing their children for a global society. Hosting an au pair depends on individual needs and expectations.

Volunteering

Volunteering in the city of Kigali is the norm. There are lots of things to volunteer and you won't want to miss. As a volunteer, you have exposure to incredible sights and experiences.

Choose a field that fits your skills and goals. In Kigali, you have the opportunity to partner with local organizations to reinforce a thriving community. In this case, you are looking at eco-tourism, education, and as well as conflict resolution.

When you volunteer in the city of Kigali, ensure you make friendships wherever you are. Being a Rwanda volunteer would be immensely rewarding.

Be human and learn to support the needy if you are capable. Furthermore, you can volunteer for charity work or a paying job amongst some organizations in the country and you will have a fantastic trip.