Kigali City Tour on your Visit Rwanda trip will take you to Rwanda’s Genocide Memorial.
Long before visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, even before stepping onto Rwandan soil, you have so many questions you ask yourself.like What led to the unconscionable, systematic slaughter of more than 1 Million Rwandans — mostly ethnic Tutsis — over just 100 days in 1994?
How does a country not just survive but recover from such a harrowing human catastrophe?
How does the atrocity influence the interactions between Rwandans today and what deep, dark holes are left in their hearts?
Remarkably though, Rwanda today is a country rebuilt. As I can be driven into Kigali, you can find a clean, developed city (Rwanda is one of the cleanest countries in Africa) with a strong infrastructure, modern buildings and well-paved roads — the very streets where Tutsis were openly maimed and killed just 25 years ago.
What You Should Know:
- I strongly suggest visiting the memorial at the beginning of your trip to Rwanda. The perspective gained from your visit will provide valuable historical, social and cultural context as you explore the country further.
- Entrance is free but do consider offering a 10 USD donation. The centre, managed by the UK-based Aegis Trust (an NGO committed to genocide prevention), relies on monetary gifts to maintain the memorial, educate the world about the dangers of racism and support survivors of the genocide.
- Dedicate at least 2-3 hours to complete the tour.
- For a more informative experience, an audio guide (headset) is available for 15 USD at the beginning of the tour.
- Complete your visit by sipping coffee or, if you don’t lose your appetite after viewing the exhibits, eating lunch at the onsite café. Proceeds help the centre fulfill its mission.
- Photography inside the building is not permitted but you’re free to take photos outside.