Exploring Kigali

TAA PR’s CEO and founder, Aba Kwawu, visited Kigali, Rwanda for the NBA Africa / Basketball Africa League finals and to watch Dave Chapelle’s show at Kozo.

TAA PR’s CEO and founder Aba Kwawu visited Kigali, Rwanda, taking in the NBA Africa / BAL finals, experiencing Dave Chapelle’s show and exploring all the sparkling, cosmopolitan city has to offer.

But it’s not a city without a story. Thirty short years ago this country was in a different place, with a violent genocide tearing its people apart.

Flash to 2024, and Kigali infuses its rich history into a city with global appeal. The warmth of its people, who make this part of the world their home, have embraced the spotlight with headline-grabbing events: Time 100 Summit, Global Citizen Festival, and the 2024 FIA Prize Giving ceremony, to come in December. The country’s so ready for globetrotters the “Visit Rwanda” slogan is splashed across Arsenal jerseys.

Yes, the fresh pain still lingers underneath, but emerging is the food, the language, the culture, the hospitality, the music, the art—everything that makes a city a world-class destination. Here’s where to start.

CULTURE

Start at the Genocide Museum and Memorial for a sobering understanding of Rwanda and the resilience of the people.

Commemorating 30 years since the devastating 1994 genocide, the museum sets the stage to understand and marvel at what the nation has been able to rebuild.

Be with the people by visiting the local markets and take a ride on one of the many okadas that ride through town.

DINING

Republic was my spot for a cosmopolitan experience with authentic Rwandan food. Try the Sambaza, Biringanya- aubergine, Isombe- cassava leaf and the Ibishyimbo. The traditional Rwandan red beans dish is a must. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a chance meeting with the irreverently hilarious co-owner of Meza Malonga. Chef Dieuveil Malonga is at the helm. He’s a visionary young chef. “The African future is here now,” says Malonga, who was born in the Congo and grew up in Germany. He traveled to as many as 50 African nations before settling on Kigali for his Afro-fusion food project, Meza Malonga, which featured on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2022.

SHOP

Bring an extra suitcase because: Haute Baso!, founded by entrepreneur Linda Mukangoga.

For art, visit Laing Studio by Winnie Kalisa and Niyo Arts Center.

After a day on your feet, check out the spa and the gorgeous villas with private gardens, indoor-outdoor rain showers and private plunge pools at The Retreat.

EXPERIENCE

No visit to Rwanda is complete without a visit to the gorillas in the mist—literally. The magnificent terrain on the way up to the volcano to see the families of mountain gorillas is a life-changing experience.

Book in advance as the tours are limited and quite controlled – wear a hat, proper hiking clothing, and boots with gaiters. Bring local cash in order to book and tip a porter to help you up the mountain (or as in my case hold your hand the entire way).

Be sure to unwind after the trek with a pampered luxe stay at the One & Only Gorillas Nest.

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