Rwanda Summer 2006

Once in a lifetime gorilla trek. Expensive, but worth it. This trip can be done in one day out of Kigali. We were back by supper. You can also do longer treks through travel companies, etc. and/ or stay at a hotel in the area. You are able to get REALLY close to the gorillas. A bit scary at times, but rewarding. Wear long sleaves and pants, with good shoes. There is a lot of foliage to trek through. Gloves could be a good idea, but not essential.

A wonderful day trip. Our driver took us to a hotel called (I think) the Bethany Retreat (closer to Kibuye, then Gesenyi) . We spent the afternoon swimming and touring around the lake on a local captain's rustic boat. The retreat served us lunch and drinks. Very relaxing day.

A small game park on the Tanzanian border. This game park is smaller than say the Masai Mara, without as many wild animals such as lions. However, there were some big advantages. There were a lot fewer tourists, allowing for a more peaceful safari experience. We were able to get out of the jeep to take photos, do some minor exploring and eat our picnic lunch. We did have the opportunity to see lots of monkeys, giraffes, hippos and zebras. See below for our hotel stay in the region.
We hired a private driver to take us from Kigali (we payed a minimal charge for his hotel stay). Once at the parc entrance we hired a guide, who rode in our vehicle through the park.

During our Akagera safari experience, we stayed overnight at the above lodge. The rooms were modern and tasteful. We relaxed before our late afternoon safari in front of the pool, which had a beautiful view over a series of lakes and the Tanzania border. There was a decent buffet dinner served, and a balcony off the bar for enjoying after dinner drinks/coffee. The hotel packed us picnic lunches for our next day safari trip.

If you get the chance and want to see some beautiful scenery, drive through the region surrounding Kinihira. There are many breathtaking views of the teafields and their surrounding hills. This area was visited by General Romeo Dallaire during the genocide and also when they shot his return to Rwanda in the documentary "Shake Hands with the Devil".

One must visit this memorial museum during their stay in Rwanda, inorder to comprehend the horrors that went on during the genocide and the strength required by the country's survivors to rebuild thier nation.

My most favourite Indian restaurant ever (though I haven't been to India). Delicious, amazing food. Super friendly management. Great atmosphere, with open-air walls and a small indoor waterfall. Beautiful rugs, lanterns and furniture. All this and still reasonably priced (in N. American standards).

A relaxing, elegant place to eat lunch by the pool and people watch! Downtown is walking distance from here if you want to explore after Kigali lunch,

A tasty Chinese restaurant with a great view from the rooftop patio. It sits at the top of the Telecom House, a tall building down the street from the Novotel. When first arriving the builing does not appear to be where one would expect to find a restaurant. Take the elevator to the top, and you'll be surprised.

Great place to have pizza and a beer. Conveniently located near a few local convenience stores and a gas station. Also just up the street from the Novotel, if you are staying there and need a break from the expensive food. They make a really good mustard sauce for steak, as well.

If you or a travelling friend is having stomach issues, this is probably your best bet for food. Supposedly, the kitchen is immaculate and all vegetables are rinsed with purified water. The prices are a bit high, the service slow and the environment is decent, but not remarkable.

A perfect choice if your missing the luxuries of 1st World living or you're craving a club sandwich. A romantic posh spot to have an evening cocktail by the pool. When you are here however, you don't feel like you're in Rwanda. Too much of a compound for my taste, but to each his own.

One of the few restaurants where you can get Rwandan food. Choose one of the two patios for the best environment. Great grilled Tilapia fish (Tilapia is by far the most popular fish in Rwanda)

A somewhat intimate, bar/restaurant. A great place to visit on a weekend night for a few drinks. There is a great view from the patio. The place gets busier as the night progresses. If you go early you can sit down for dinner. I ate a great goat stew here one evening. Very creatively laid out, with comfortable furnishings.

A weekend venue which features live local and reggae music. Crowded and fun.

Part of this club is much like a big loud abnoxious disco, decorated with neon paint. Definetly, not a place to go early and sober. There is a pool hall inside if you need a break from the dancing. Connected to the Cadillac is the new Cadillac, which is slightly more mature. They have a stage for live venues. Next to the Cadillac is a good Thai restaurant.

The Artisan Market, composed of a courtyard of stall/huts which sell a variety of local art, crafts, and 'antique' masques from the Congo. If you spend time going through every stall, you are sure to come out with some great stuff. Most of the vendors are willing to bargain. I found that the prices on masks were much more reasonable than in Kenya. Some great beaded jewellry.

Another weekend evening venue, which is supposedly quite 'cool', with a garden. Supposedly, a car wash is actually attached. I heard good things about this place, but didn't have the chance to go.

A small dark night club that stays open really late, also on weekdays. It is definetly a cheesy place, but a lot of fun if you go with a group.

A european style mall if you are needing some necessities. There is a german grocery store which sells wine and spirits. Here there is deli meat and a butcher, plus fresh vegetables. Also in the mall is a pharmacy and a few clothing stores. Upstairs is a pub which i heard is decent.

If your stay in Kigali is long term, you may need some necessities like a plastic bedside light, some towels or kitchen accessories. This is the place to go. Located downtown.

I found Kigali to be relatively safe, at least in comarison to Kenya. There was the occasional petty theft reported, but nothing serious. Bribery is not accepted in Rwanda, which made public dealings easier. For the most part I was not hassled on the street. However, if you're foreign (even if you are not white) you will be called Muzungo numerous times by the young children on the streets. Also, kids will frequently want your empty water bottles. In general the Rwandan people are very warm and friendly.
Getting around is easy. Taxis are everywhere. Often if you like a particular driver, he will give you his cel number. Having a temporary cel phone can be very convenient.
There are a lot of items that one can not buy in Kigali. It is wise to arrive with pharmecutical items, insect repellent, etc. A mosquito net is a good idea to have on hand as we expeienced mosquitos at night.