Discover Kigali: Art, history and nature

Nyandungu Eco-Park reveals Kigali’s greener side: the restored urban wetland is the first of its kind in Kigali and covers 121 hectares. A diverse range of flora and fauna characterizes the area. Nearby, museums, cultural venues and event spaces offer insights into different aspects of the city. This makes it possible to explore Kigali through a range of interests—from observing nature to discovering art and history.

Nature and activities at Nyandungu Eco-Park

At Nyandungu Eco-Park, visitors can walk or cycle along the trails, or enjoy a picnic. Anyone interested in birds can observe and learn about more than 100 species there. The park also has viewpoints, picnic areas, an information center and a restaurant. This offers a choice of different ways to spend your time: being active, observing wildlife or enjoying the wetland landscape. The diversity of flora and fauna adds an opportunity to learn about the park’s habitats.

When planning your visit, consider whether you would rather spend your time on the trails, birdwatching or picnicking. All the facilities are within the same park, so you can tailor your visit to your interests without having to combine different types of activity.

Art, history and remembrance

At Inema Arts Center, artists in residence have space to develop their creative talent, giving the venue a clear focus on artistic work. A different focus awaits you at Kandt House Museum: its largest section explores the experiences of people in Rwanda during the colonial period, particularly under German rule from 1884. The exhibit covers the colonial administration and the First World War up to 1916, as well as Richard Kandt’s life and work in Rwanda.

The Campaign Against Genocide Museum describes how the RPF/A campaign against the genocide was carried out. It is located in the Parliament building in Kigali. Kigali Genocide Memorial is the final resting place of more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Together, these sites focus on different subjects: artistic work, the colonial period and the history of the genocide. If you are interested in history, they offer specific topics to consider when planning your stay.

Markets, events and leisure

Kigali Cultural Village is a traditional marketplace. Local artisans and food vendors display and sell their goods there. The venue also hosts events, workshops, festivals and music. The market and cultural events offer two different points of interest: local goods on the one hand, and workshops, festivals and music on the other.

Kigali also has sports and leisure options. Kigali Golf Resort and Villas has an 18-hole golf course in the center of Rwanda’s capital. BK Arena is a multipurpose indoor venue for sports events, concerts and festivals. Fazenda Sengha, meanwhile, is an outdoor recreation center on Mount Kigali in Nyamirambo. These venues offer different experiences—golf, events in an indoor venue and outdoor recreation.

Consider which theme matters most to your trip before choosing your accommodation.

Rwanda beyond Kigali

The wider destination of Rwanda also offers other nature experiences. Nyungwe National Park is home to 13 primate species, more than 1,000 plant species, over 90 mammal species and 300 bird species; many are endemic and found nowhere else. The elevated Canopy Walkway offers views over the montane rainforest canopy and starts at Uwinka Visitor Centre. Ten hiking trails start there, and three at Gisakura Campsite. Check current access to the walkway and trails before your trip. These regional nature experiences complement what you can discover in Kigali, but are separate experiences within the wider destination of Rwanda.

Discover more destinations: Kigali, Western Province, Eastern Province, Southern Province, Northern Province

Return to the main travel overview: Rwanda.