Historical Minded City Tour of Kigali

A German born doctor, soldier, poet, scholar, naturalist and avid explorer, Dr. Richard Kandt became the first European who lived in Rwanda since 1907 and saw his administrative residence expand into a series of twenty commercial houses which became the commercial capital. During his time in Rwanda, Kandt dedicated his life to researching the natural environment of the country. He was the first to determine the source of the Nile in Nyungwe National Park and arguably the first to introduce coffee farming to the region.

Today, Kandt’s former residence on Nyarugenge Hill in Kigali has become the Museum of Natural History of Rwanda. It is a tribute to Kandt’s explorations and naturalist research and serves to depict the evolution of the region’s environment and wildlife. Inside the museum are exhibitions dedicated to the country’s geology, mining, volcanoes and more. A visit to the Kandt House offers visitors a rewarding look back at both the country’s colonial and natural history.

This memorial honors the 10 Belgian UNAMIR peacekeepers murdered on the first day of the 1994 genocide. Initially deployed to protect Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana, the soldiers were captured, disarmed, and killed by the Presidential Guard.

What to expect: At the Belgian Memorial in Camp Kigali, visitors learn about the tragic events that ignited the Rwandan genocide. The somber site provides a powerful narrative of courage and sacrifice. Your guide will share poignant stories, adding depth to your understanding of Rwanda’s history.

You will then proceed to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance and reflection dedicated to the over one million lives lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Established in partnership with Aegis Trust and the City Council on the genocide’s tenth anniversary, the Memorial stands as one of Rwanda’s most significant sites, attracting visitors from around the world.

The site is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims, with mass graves surrounding the Memorial. Inside, exhibitions document the history of the genocide, sharing personal stories of loss, resilience, and survival. A guided tour led by a survivor offers a deeply moving perspective, providing firsthand accounts of tragedy and hope.

The Memorial is more than a historical site—it is a place for remembrance, learning, and reflection. A visit here offers a profound and unforgettable experience that deepens understanding of Rwanda’s past while honoring the resilience of its people.

After visiting the memorial and witnessing the journey of reconciliation, it's time for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the iconic Kigali Convention Center. Enjoy a meal with your guide, engaging in thought-provoking conversations as you take in the modern architecture that defines Rwanda’s progress. The country's remarkable resilience is evident in every corner, showcasing the extraordinary achievements Rwanda has reached in such a short time.

This car-free zone, frequented by youth for its free Wi-Fi, features a statue symbolizing Rwandan women's resilience. Take pictures with your guides, reflecting themes of women’s empowerment, sustainability, and development.

What to Expect: Take photos with your guide under the statue Roundabout symbolizes the special recognition given by the Rwandan Government to women, surrounded by Kigali's best architecture and most recognizable landmark in the car-free zone. These photos will capture the essence of your tour, highlighting themes of empowerment and sustainability. Then take a stroll down the car free zone to the parliament building

From 1993 to 1994, during the Liberation War, the parliament building hosted part of the Arusha Peace Accords and 600 RPA soldiers protecting RPF leaders who were to form part of the Broad-Based Transitional Government. It was closed during the genocide and reopened as the National Parliament in late 1994. In December 2017, a museum dedicated to the Campaign against Genocide was officially opened to the public in the parliamentary building.

What to Expect: Your guide will provide a brief interpretation of the building's significance in Rwanda's history. Instead of a full museum tour, the afternoon will focus on exploring the city's recovery and remarkable achievements. You'll then proceed to the rooftop, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Kigali alongside a 3D topographical map of the city. From this vantage point, your guide will point out notable locations you’ve visited and those yet to explore, offering you a comprehensive view of Kigali’s landscape.

Since 2013 Bloomberg Philanthropies has invested in the innovative training of coffee farmers and producers, bringing smallholder farmers up through the coffee value chain. These long-term investments have led to a partnership with Sustainable Growers, home of Question Coffee Cafe & Roastery, a social enterprise, and the Coffee training Academy.

What to expect: Your tour ends at the Question Coffee, where you will immerse yourself in Rwanda’s coffee culture with a guided tasting session of distinct blends from various regions. Savor each flavor, then enjoy a full cup of your favorite blend. Before you go, explore a selection of coffee and coffee-inspired souvenirs, so you can bring the authentic taste of Rwanda home with you.

Wednesday's, Fridays and Saturad's you have the option of ending your tour at Rwanda’s first craft beer brewery. The Kweza Craft Brewery is introducing women to brewing and creating opportunities for female farmers. Today, Kweza continues to honor the tradition of beer. In Rwanda, and most cultures around the world, women have traditionally made beer but not been able to benefit from that creation and lineage at the commercial level.

Kweza aims to have women running all aspects of the business and to enable African women to share in the profit of the product they've historically always made - as investors, staff, or leadership - and ultimately build generational wealth on that history.

What to Expect: Tour the brewery to see how different flavors are produced, learn about the craft of brewing beer, and enjoy a tasting of their six unique flavors as you wind down your day.