Kigali has been part of Rwanda's history for just over a hundred years, founded by Richard Kandt when it was a German settlement it did not become the capital of Rwanda until 1962 when the country gained independence. It then replaced Butare as the capital which had been the seat of the king. Since then Kigali has had a major growth in it's economy and today it is the cultural, transport and economical centre of Rwanda. It is home to around one million people and has a mix of wide streets, international hotels, restaurants, shops and an airport. Take time whilst you visit Rwanda to have a guided city tour and learn more about the country and city you are visiting. Driving around Kigali, you can't help but be inspired by the clean streets and industrious attitude of the Rwandans. It's an uplifting and forward thinking place and worth spending time here.
The Kigali City Tour can include a visit the Kandt Museum of Natural History where you can learn about the co-existence of people and their environment in the old colonial buildings. Visit the Caplaki craft centre with many small stalls offering a wide range of local curios, arts and crafts.
The highlight and probably the most impacting visit of this tour is the Genocide Museum, a startling reminder of Rwanda's terrible past. Tour around the city and see new developments, the central business district and the parliament buildings, residential suburbs and shops. If time permits you can also visit the Nyabugogo second hand clothes market - a colourful and interetsing sight!
The recovery of Kigali and Rwanda from the genocide has been remarkable and as more tourists visit this beautiful country, the infrastructure and economy continues to improve.
