For a long time, I had dreamed of visiting Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, inspired by thrilling accounts of its infrastructure advancements, well- constructed roads, and other commendable features of the country. With plans to travel to the United Kingdom late last year, I chose to include a stop in Kigali on my itinerary, flying via RwandAir. Thus, on November 28, 2025, I embarked on my first trip to Kigali, and simultaneously my first experience with RwandAir.
The journey on RwandAir set a positive tone for my trip. Everything was seamless; the aircraft was immaculate, and the check-in process was handled efficiently. The cabin crew provided stellar service. The five-and-a-half-hour flight felt much shorter as everything proceeded smoothly, making it seem like time flew by.
Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, I quickly received my luggage and cleared immigration with assistance from Oluwaseun Akande, a senior official from Nigeria's Embassy in Kigali, who welcomed me and provided transport to my hotel.
Despite its small size, Kigali International Airport impresses with its attractive design. As a first-time visitor, I was struck by the airport's charm and functionality. It is efficient, and I found the internet service reliably fast.
After settling into the 2000 Hotel, a noted 4-star establishment located in the center of Kigali, I began to outline my plans for the stay.
I opted for accommodations in downtown Kigali because I wanted to delve into the city’s culture, meet locals, and soak up as much of the environment as possible, all within three nights before heading to London.
I aimed to ensure these three nights were well-spent, as I sought to learn everything I could about Kigali: its culture, the history of its people, and its points of interest. Oluwaseun was instrumental in assisting me. Together with other travelers I met at the hotel, we visited various sites including Fazenda Sengha, Mount Kigali, Kimironko Market, and the Genocide Memorial. Guided by a Rwandan taxi driver known as Godwin, I explored significant locations around the city, such as the Kigali Government House, the residence of President Paul Kagame, several embassies, major conference centers, and prominent hotels.
Fazenda Sengha stands out as a remarkable recreational park, featuring attractions such as zip lines, archery, horseback rides, train rides, paintball, along with a restaurant and bar. The park is situated on a hill, providing a stunning panoramic view of Kigali and a winding river threading its way across the landscape. It was here that I encountered donkeys again after many years and even took a ride on one.
The summit of Mount Kigali, reaching 1,853 meters, offers another spectacular view of the city. It stands as one of Kigali’s primary attractions.
Rwanda is often referred to as a one-city nation, as all national activities focus on its capital, Kigali. I was informed there’s little incentive to explore other towns and rural areas, which are largely unremarkable.
Nonetheless, the progress under President Kagame has been significant. According to documents from Kigali, the pillars of his administration focus on peace, reconciliation, women empowerment, fostering investment, entrepreneurship, and enhancing access to technology.
On the streets of Kigali, President Kagame enjoys widespread support. The populace visibly respects him and acknowledges his contributions to the nation. His residence, placed adjacent to the Government House, is a vast structure reflective of his presidential status.
When reminded that Kagame has been in power since April 2000 and was freshly sworn in for another five-year term in August 2024, my taxi driver Godwin remarked: “Such facts are unimportant to us; he is doing well and we like him. He treats everyone equally. Our country is doing okay. The length of his term doesn’t concern us.”
Despite the many impressive aspects of my visit, I would advise President Kagame to begin considering a suitable successor after 26 years in office. This step would allow for the continuity of his positive policies and secure the legacy he has built.
Overall, my three-day adventure in Kigali was enriching and engaging, filled with exciting experiences and some melancholic moments, particularly during my visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This site commemorates the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, a powerful reminder of the past that left a profound mark on the nation.
Within the memorial, the remains of over 250,000 individuals, primarily Tutsis, are interred. Visitors are confronted with harrowing accounts of the events that led to the genocide, illustrating how close relationships were tragically severed.
Linda Melvern's book “Conspiracy To Murder: The Rwandan Genocide” provides a chilling recount of the events, emphasizing the horrific atrocities committed during the conflict.
While navigating through the memorial, absorbing the emotions tied to each account, my eyes brimmed with tears as I hoped for such tragedies to never occur again.
Comparatively, claims of genocide in Nigeria seem trivial. While the nation grapples with serious security challenges and casualties, we must acknowledge that these do not equate to genocide. Anyone who experiences the scale of the Rwandan tragedy depicted at the memorial can discern this reality.
It is essential to commend President Kagame for his post-war efforts towards peace and reconciliation, as well as the collective decision of the Rwandan people to embrace peace following the devastating genocide. Lydie Mutesi, a guide at the memorial, encapsulates this sentiment by stating: “The memorial is vital. I feel a profound responsibility and humility contributing to educating the world about fostering peace following genocide.”
*Tunde Rahman is a journalist and a media aide to Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu.
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