Kigali, meaning “the expanse” in Bantu, has been the capital of Rwanda since the country's independence in 1962. Since then, it has become the country's political, economic and cultural centre. Located at the heart of Rwanda, it is also the starting point for travellers wishing to explore the land of a thousand hills. These hills surround the capital, which is considered a garden city. Its location, modest scale, human-sized buildings and broad green avenues give it an impression of cleanliness and comfort.
Not far away stands the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where more than 250,000 people killed during the 1994 massacre are laid to rest. The museum serves a commemorative function, while also showing how far the country has come since then. A community day is held every last Saturday of the month: all residents help each other clean, organise, paint and renovate the city, making it one of the cleanest in Africa, driven by a genuine spirit of mutual aid.
The city's different districts reflect the local and cultural heritage of both the city and the country. Batwa communities run pottery-making activities, a craft that has played and continues to play a central role in the country's art and daily life. Nyabugogo market brings together a wide range of Rwandan and African dishes, while Caplaki market is dedicated to crafts and textiles.
