Kigali

Founded in 1907 under German colonial rule, Kigali has been the capital of Rwanda since 1962 when the country gained its independence. An attractive city with few large buildings, it spreads over a number of hills.

Although it saw some difficult times through the genocide in 1994 and as power changed hands subsequently, it now has a pleasant, buoyant air. The people are poor, but friendly and optimistic.

The city centre is both vibrant and colourful, and sees a welcome difference to other major African cities in that it is clean and safe. The main shopping and commercial area is around the five-star 'Hotel des Mille Collines', with the government district on the neighbouring Kaciyiru hill. The markets, the handicrafts, the Muslim quarter and the genocide memorial in the Gisozi area are some of the main places of interest.

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