Kigali is enmeshed between ridges, valleys, and rolling hills that offer breathtaking views of its surroundings. Undoubtedly, Kigali is an enviable city for people who love adventure and relaxation. Due to its tranquillity, greenery, orderliness, and cleanliness, Kigali is sometimes referred to as the “Singapore of Africa.” No other African city, in our opinion, is as cool and hip as Kigali. In this vibrant city with so many tourist and cultural attractions, there is never a boring moment. Here are a few reasons why we believe Kigali is the coolest city in Africa.
Green space
Kigali does not look like an African city. But, unlike most African cities besieged by dust and dirt, Kigali prides itself on green spaces. With numerous gardens and parks to visit, you feel at home with Mother Nature.
Fresh air fills your lungs when you spend time around these green spaces. With no littering of plastic bags or papers around the city, you cannot stop wondering how the locals achieved this state of cleanliness and discipline.
Diverse architecture
Kigali has stunning architecture from different eras, making the city look diverse. From the elegantly designed stonework to historic buildings and rambling gardens, Kigali is a must-visit destination.
Some fantastically designed buildings include the illuminated, bubble-like Radisson Blu hotel, the Kandt House Museum, and others. In addition, the city has tree-lined boulevards that give Kigali a slice of heaven, where you feel mesmerised by the modern blending with the past.
Seamless transportation
With many African cities looking haggard with their transportation system, Kigali offers you less busy roads. In addition, Kigali has a government-funded e-bike scheme that has made the road friendlier and easy to use.
Not many cities in the world can boast of a seamless transportation scheme like Kigali. So you can pick up a bike and explore some of the finest parts of the city.
Chequered history
Only a few cities can survive dark histories and be revamped as one of the coolest destinations. Kigali has relics of the 1994 Rwanda genocide that shook the world with its atrocious killings. Today, Kigali has reformed into a historical destination with many memorials, museums, and galleries.
In addition, you can learn more about the darkest hours of Rwanda, when the locals believed that everyone turned their backs on them.
Thriving art scene
Art thrives in the Kacyiru, with many galleries lined up in the neighbourhood. From Ivuka Arts to Yego Arts, Kigali will surprise you with some of the most fascinating art pieces in the world.
At the Niyo Art Gallery, a portion of artists’ profits goes to Niyo Cultural Center to support street kids learning to dance, drum, and sing.
Did we mention that you can buy souvenirs at the numerous craft centres? Kigali has become a beautiful city bombed by art and landmarks.
The cricket story
The Gahanga Cricket Stadium was inspired by the thousands of hills in Rwanda. The curved building built in 2017 shares a dark history like many other historical structures. But, instead of dwelling in the past, Kigali transformed the scene that witnessed one of the worst massacres during the genocide into a sports arena.
You don’t have to love cricket to enjoy the magnificent view of the city from the grassy banks.
A café culture
Kigali has a flourishing café culture you can’t miss when visiting. INZORA rooftop café has become a popular spot to experience the rich café culture of the people. The locals sourced everything from the coffee to the furniture around them to encourage conservation.
You get served with compostable cups if you don’t come with your reusable cup. Do not leave this place without tasting the legendary spiced oat-gooseberry cookies.
Safari adventures
A bustling safari presents you with a memorable wilderness experience. With animals like mountain gorillas, leopards, golden monkeys, giraffes, zebras, and lions, you can spend a whole day around these animals. For instance, the gorilla trekking sport attracts thousands of tourists to Kigali annually.
Some wildlife places you can visit include the Akagera National Park and the Nyungwe forest national park.
Beautiful accommodation options
Kigali is Rwanda’s transportation, economic, and cultural hub, which attracts people from different continents. Along with its numerous tourist attractions, Kigali offers some of the most amazing accommodation options to suit any preferences.
With sumptuous local meals and coffee, Kigali makes you feel at home in its resorts and lounges.
A gateway to the best attractions
Kigali has become a gateway to some of the exciting attractions in Rwanda. Most of the things you desire to see in Rwanda are close to the city. So you can begin your journey from Kigali if you want to visit the Nyungwe Forest National Park or relax on Lake Rwanyakazinga.
Tech City
Kigali is the coolest city in Africa because of its tech hub which hosts some of the biggest tech events on the continent. The Kigali Innovation City houses technology companies, large corporations, and CMU-Africa. In addition, the city plans to attract foreign and local brands to flourish on 70 hectares of land.
Ready to visit Kigali? Check out the best flights and best places to stay in Kigali here on TravelTank.
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