Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda. The city has more than 1 million people – It is situated near the geographic centre of the nation. The city has been the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda since it became capital at independence in 1962. The main residence and offices of the President of Rwanda are located in the city, as are the government ministries. The city is coterminous with the province of Kigali City, which was enlarged in January 2006, as part of local government reorganisation in the country. The city’s urban area covers about 70% of the municipal boundaries. The city is built in hilly country, sprawling across about four ridges and the valleys in between.
The 1994 tragedy in Rwanda cost the lives of a thousand people – this is evidenced by Memorial museums like Gisozi genocide memorial center – this is a must visit to every body who visit Rwanda. It is very important to note that thousands of tourists come to Rwanda majorly for Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and then supplement their trip with the visit of Gisozi memorial museum – to pay respect to the dead bodies that lost their lives in the struggle of stabilizing Rwanda.
Kigali is spotlessly clean, partly because plastic bags are banned in the country but also because of a universal service called Umuganda when everyone gets together on the last Saturday morning of each month working on community projects like keeping streets clean, tending to gardens and helping neighbours. Do bear this in mind should you be on holiday in Rwanda during this time – many shops and businesses will be closed for the morning.
Kigali city is also housed by other several other museums include the National Museum of Rwanda and Kandt House Museum of Natural History. You can visit some of these highlights on a city tour that is normally organised before or at the end of a safari in Rwanda offered by some of these tour operators.
Accommodation in Kigali include: Kigali Serena Hotel, manor Hotel, Step Town Motel, Lemigo Hotel, Golfe Hill Residence, Discover Rwanda Youth, Hotel Isimbi, Ninzi Hill Hotel, La Palisse, Hotel Okapi, Kigali Diplomat Hotel, Iris Guesthouse, Alpha Palace Hotel, Hôtel des Milles Collines, Gorillas Golf Hotel, Kigali Luxury Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel, Beauséjour Hotel, CityBlue Hotel, Embassy Row. Inside Afrika Boutique, Classic Hotel, Civitas Hotel, Hotel Baobab, Auberge La Caverne, Highlands Suites Hotel, Grand Legacy Hotel, Garr Hotel, Hotel Umubano, SportsView Hotel, Resident Hotel, Sun City Hotel, Nobleza Hotel, Michael’s Den Hotel, Grace Hotel, Sky Hotel, Kay Sun Hotel, Hotel Villa Portofino, Hôtel Chez Lando, Five to Five Hotel, City Valley Motel, Galaxy Hotel, Step Town Motel among others.
Factors for the development of Kigali city:
1. Strategic location – Kigali city is strategically located in the heart of Rwanda between the hills – Rwanda is made up of many mountains.
Kigali city covers an area of 281.9 mi² -large enough to settle business men and the administrative offices like the parliament, presidential houses among others.
The location of Kigali International Airport adds value to the city hence its development.
Availability of capital which was used to build the city – the capital was used to establish roads, buildings, installing power among others.
Availability of Land for the establishment of Kigali city lead to the development of the city – there is also land for expansion.
Political stability prevailing in Rwanda has also facilitated the existence of the city.
Today, Kigali city is an administrative center due to presence of parliamentary building, presidential offices and so on. It is an Educational center due to presence of many schools and universities, Cultural center evidenced by the presence of cultural museums, commercial center evidenced by the presence of financial centers like banks, micro finances and so on. Kigali is a social center evidenced by the presence of public places, entertainment center- evidenced by theatres, cinema halls and so on. The city Historical center – evidenced by the presence of Historical museums, palaces among others.