Kibeho is a town belonging to the Southern Province of Rwanda, covering a total area of 79 sq. km. It is situated around 140 km southwest of the national capital, Kigali, between 2°38′ S latitude and 29°33′ E longitude. Kibeho is well known for the incident believed to be happening in 1981, in which the spirits of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ appeared to local teenagers, which had become very popular even in outside Rwanda also. Kibeho is situated few kilometers away from Nyungwe Forest, which is a recognized tourist attraction in Rwanda, highly popular among adventure sport lovers.

How to get Kibeho?

Like the most parts of Rwanda, Kibeho is served by Kigali International Airport, the prime airport of the country. Including global cities like Brussels, Amsterdam, Nairobi, Dubai, Istanbul and Doha, the airport covers many African cities. The airport is situated around 140 km away from Kibeho.

Buses are not regular between Kibeho and Kigali, but regular between Kigali and Butare. Visitors can also hire a car to travel between these cities.

Food and Shopping in Kibeho:

The culture of Kibeho is noted for the appearance of the spirits of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ in 1981. This belief is still strong among locals.

There are modernized shopping and restaurant options limited in number in Kibeho, but visitors can find mouthwatering local delicacies at traditional food corners in the city. Those looking international standard options can drive towards nearby historical city, Butare.

Things to do in Kibeho:

• Day tours
• Shopping
• Walking

What to see in Kibeho?

Kibeho:

Kibeho itself is famous as a site of pilgrimages and apparitions as the believed thought of the natives of Kibeho had seen the spirits of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ between 1981 and 1989. By visiting the town, visitors can get the complete picture of that incident.

Nyungwe Forest:

The Nyungwe Forest is a rainforest covering an area of 970 km², formed by diverse ecological features like swamps, bogs, bamboo and grassland. Established in the year 2004, the park is home to a wide range of floral and faunal species, including 275 bird species, 32 amphibian species and 1068 plant species. The park is situated to the west of Kibeho.

Butare:

Butare is the former capital of Rwanda during the colonial rule, situated to the east of Kibeho. Butare is the site of many iconic attractions like the Gikongoro Genocide Memorial, the National University of Rwanda and the National Museum of Rwanda. Minibuses are generally plying between Kibeho and Butare and visitors can also use rental vehicle for comfort travel. Butare is worth a trip.

List of other places of interest in and around Kibeho includes:

• Cathedral in Butare
• National University of Rwanda
• Huye Market
• National Museum of Rwanda
• Gikongoro Genocide Memorial in Butare
• Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
• Presidential Palace Museum in Kigali
• Akagera National Park
• Parc National des Volcans

When to visit Kibeho?

The best time to visit Kibeho from June to September, when the weather remains dry and pleasant.

Where to stay in Kibeho?

Hotels of Kibeho are limited to traditional options, so it is advised for visitors to reach nearby Butare city, where one can find all sorts of hotels ranging from budget to star rated options. Butare is not more than 30 km away from Kibeho. Here are some nice hotels in Kibeho, Butare and Kigali:

• Hotel Credo
• Motel du Mont Huye
• Centre d’Acceuil Mater Boni Consilii
• Shalom House Butare
• Petit Prince Hotel
• Barthos Hotel
• ORTPN Resthouse
• Dereva Hotel
• Hotel Gorillas
• Golf Hills Residence
• Kigali Serena Hotel
• Stipp Hotel
• Virunga Guest House
• Mount Kigali Hotel

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Kigali is the capital as well as the largest city of the African country, Rwanda. Geographically, Kigali is positioned in the heart of Rwanda, at 1°56′38″ S 30°3′34″ E. Including the residence of the President of Rwanda, Kigali holds all the important administrative offices of the country. Kigali owns a thriving tourism industry, with different modern and historical attractions, including museums, memorial centres and youth clubs. Located around 1,567 meters above sea level, Kigali experiences a tropical savanna climate with relatively cold climate throughout the year. The total area of Kigali measures 730 sq. km.

History of Kigali:

According to the documented history, Kigali was founded during the German colonial rule in Rwanda in 1907. Kigali became the capital of Rwanda following the country’s independence from Belgium in 1962 (Belgian had taken the control over Rwanda during the First World War).

Transportation to Kigali:

Kigali holds the prime airport of the country, the Kigali International Airport, is situated around 5 km away from the heart of the city. The airport handles flights from and to Douala, Dubai, Entebbe, Brussels, Amsterdam, Doha, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Mombasa, Addis Ababa and Nairobi.

By bus, Kigali is linked to all other major cities of the country, including Butare, Gitarama and Cyangugu.

There are different options in Kigali for local travel like minibuses, taxis, motorcyle taxis and rental cars.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Kigali:

Kigali is the cultural capital of Rwanda, home to many museums including Kandt House Museum of Natural History. Dance and music schools in the city are bonding up the local culture with overseas cultures.

The traditional market in Kigali offers a wide selection of colorful items like handicrafts, clothing and fruit at tourist favor prices.

There are dozens of restaurants in Kigali, of which some are listed below:

• Heaven Restaurant and Inn
• Flamingo Chinese Restaurant
• Indian Chef
• Sakae Japanese Restaurant

What to do in Kigali?

• Bowling
• Visiting casino
• Ballet dancing at Ballet Rwanda
• City tours

What to see in Kigali?

Kandt House Museum of Natural History:

The Kandt House Museum of Natural History is a museum housed in the former house of German physician and explorer of Africa, Richard Kandt. The museum showcases the significance of local land, animals and plants with well stored objects and exhibitions.

Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre:

The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre was founded in the memorial of people, particularly Tutsis, who were killed during the Rwandan Civil War. The memorial centre was opened in 2004 after 10 years of that terrible incident. No entry fee.

Presidential Palace Museum:

The Presidential Palace Museum in Kigali describes the life story of the former powerful Rwandan President Habyarimana. Visitors can also see different typical colorful Rwandan costumes here. Guide tour is imperative. Entrance fee is Rwf 6,000.

Kigali City Tower:

The Kigali City Tower is a skyscraper in Kigali, home to high tech offices and retail outlets. It is the tallest building in Rwanda, home to a four screen cinema as well.

Ballet Rwanda:

Ballet Rwanda is a famous ballet school in Kigali, offering dance courses for all age groups, even for visitors also. It is open during the afternoons & evenings only.

List of other places of interest in Kigali includes:

• Inema Art Center
• Ivuka Arts Centre
• Akagera National Park
• Ntarama Church
• Ivuka Arts Kigali
• Muslim Quarter
• Casino Kigali
• Yego Arts studio
• Librarie Ikirezi
• Avenue du Commerce
• Mambas Club

When to travel Kigali?

Kigali is a year round destination and the tour of Kigali can be experienced best in either June or July.

Accommodation options in Kigali:

Hotels in Kigali offer all upgraded facilities like spa, TV, AC and 24 hour room service, served with a great warmth towards visitors. Some budget, mid range and high end hotels in Kigali in Rwanda are listed below:

Budget:

• Auberge De Cavern
• Kigali Hotel
• Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel

Mid range:

• Park View Courts Rwanda
• Step Town Motel
• Sphinx Belair
• Kay Sun Hotel
• Okapi Hotel
• Gloria Hotel
• Hotel Isimbi
• Hotel Chez Lando
• Iris Guesthouse

Splurge:

• Kigali Serena Hotel
• Hotel Laico Umubano
• Hotel des Mille Collines

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Gitarama is the second largest city of Rwanda, after the capital Kigali, from which Gitarama is situated around 50 km away. Gitarama is located in the central western part of the country, at an elevation of 1,812 meters and it belongs to the Muhanga District in Southern Province. Gitarama holds all types of facilities and attractions like the Catholic University of Rwanda, Gitarama Regional Stadium, Muhanga Farmers’ Market and Kabgayi Hospital. Gitarama is geographically positioned between 02°04′48″ S latitude and 29°45′00″ E longitude.

 How to reach Gitarama?

Due to its nearly central position in the country, Gitarama can be reached from all parts of the country through roadway by bus services.

Gitarama is served by the Kigali International Airport, with scheduled flights from Douala, Dubai, Entebbe, Brussels, Amsterdam, Doha, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Mombasa, Addis Ababa and Nairobi. The airport is situated around 60 km away from the heart of the city of Gitarama.

At the airport, taxis are generally available and for inexpensive travel, visitors can use the service of minibuses. For local travel and sightseeing purposes, moto-taxis are widely used in Gitarama.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Gitarama:

Muhanga Farmers’ Market is the place where visitors can bag a wide selection of genuine local specialties like shoes, clothes, jewelry and handicraft products at affordable prices. Gitarama also holds numerous modern shops all around the city.

Cafe Restaurant Modern is one of the nice and popular restaurant options in Gitarama, offering all sorts of African menus.

Things to do in Gitarama:

• Village tours
• Walking
• Shopping

What to see in Gitarama?

Ahazaza Centre:

Ahazaza Centre is a well known cultural centre in Gitarama, offering a wide range of activities for all age groups, including cinemas for kids. It is located at BP 35 Muhanga Province du Sud in Gitarama.

Azizi Life Experiences Rwanda:

Azizi Life Experiences Rwanda is a tour conducted by the local tour operator, in which visitors can feel the rural culture of Rwanda such as traditional construction, cooking and juice making. It would be a memorable experience for overseas tourists.

Gitarama Regional Stadium:

The Gitarama Regional Stadium is a multipurpose stadium in Gitarama. Other than sport activities, the stadium is also famous for eye-catching landscape.

Religious sites in Gitarama:

Gitarama is home to many pleasant and colorful religious sites that are frequented by both devotes and tourists. The major holy sites are the St. Andrew’s Church, the Muhanga Zion Temple, the St. Andrew’s Pastoral Center and the Kabgayi Minor Basilica.

Kigali:

Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda, situated around 50 km away from Gitarama. Kigali offers a mix of manmade and natural attractions for visitors like Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, Presidential Palace Museum, Inema Art Center, Akagera National Park, Mambas Club and Casino Kigali.

List of other places of interest in Gitarama and Kigali (around 50 km) includes:

• Muhanga Farmers’ Market
• Muhanga Zion Temple
• Kabgayi Minor Basilica
• Andrew’s Church
• Muhanga Zion Temple
• Kigali Memorial Centre
• Nyamata Church
• Ntarama Church
• Ivuka Arts Centre
• Mambas Club

When to visit Gitarama?

Throughout the year is best, especially during the months between June and September is ideal to visit Gitarama.

Where to stay in Gitarama?

There are hotels limited in Gitarama, on this point, visitors can find more hotels in Kigali to make tour memorable by experiencing a wide range of modern facilities and services. In the below list, the first two hotels are in Gitarama and the rest of the options are in Kigali (around 50 km):

• Splendid Hotel
• Jangwe Lodge
• Kigali Hotel
• Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel
• Auberge De Cavern
• Hotel Chez Lando
• Iris Guesthouse
• Park View Courts Rwanda
• Step Town Motel
• Sphinx Belair
• Kay Sun Hotel
• Gloria Hotel
• Hotel Laico Umubano
• Hotel des Mille Collines
• Kigali Serena Hotel

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Cyangugu is a city belonging to the Western Province of Rwanda, located between 2°29′0″ S latitude and 28°53′48″ E longitude. It is the administrative centre of the Ruzizi District, situated around 230 km southwest of the national capital, Kigali. Cyangugu is situated on the southern shore of the Lake Kivu, on the Rwanda/ Democratic Republic of the Congo border, distinguished from DRC by the Ruzizi River. Due to its position on the lake shore and near the Nyungwe Forest, Cyangugu is a popular destination among both national and international tourists. Cyangugu also holds an airport with scheduled flights to Kigali.

How to get Cyangugu?

Cyangugu is served by Kamembe Airport, located around 6 km away from the heart of Cyangugu. RwandAir is the airline serving Kigali, offering 11 flights to Kigali per week. For airport travel, motorbike taxi is a special option.

Buses are not frequent between Cyangugu and Kigali, but it is possible to get Cyangugu from Kigali by getting down in Butare first and then taking bus or minibus to Cyangugu. Butare is situated around 120 km away from Cyangugu.

Taxi-moto or motorbike taxi is a primary option to get around Cyangugu.

Food and Shopping in Cyangugu:

There are several nice food corners and shops in Cyangugu, of which most are traditional options. Most shops don’t accept credit or debit cards, so it is advised to visitors to bring some local currency prior to reaching the city. For better options, visitors can head towards Butare (around 120 km).

What to do in Cyangugu?

• Forest tour
• Boating
• Traditional shopping

What to see in Cyangugu?

Lake Kivu:

The Lake Kivu sprawls over an area of 2,700 sq. km, with a maximum length of 89 km and width of 48 km. This fresh water lake is home to around 28 fish species, including Haplochromis, Nile Tilapia, Barbus and Clarias. Cyangugu is located on the south bank of Lake Kivu.

Nyungwe Forest:

The Nyungwe Forest is around 970 km² rainforest in southwestern Rwanda, extending to Burundi. Founded in 2004, the forest features the diverse ecological characteristics like grassland, swamps, bogs and bamboo. The park is rich in vegetation and wildlife species, home to 1068 plant species, 275 bird species and 32 amphibian species. The forest is situated around 55 km east of Cyangugu.

Butare:

Butare is a colonial city, located around 120 km east of Cyangugu. Butare holds many prominent tourist attractions of the country such as the National Museum of Rwanda, the Gikongoro Genocide Memorial and the National University of Rwanda. Buses regularly ply between these two cities and Cyangugu can also be reached by rental cars.

List of other places of interest in Cyangugu, Butare (around 120 km) and Kigali (around 230 km) includes:

• Cathedral in Butare
• Huye Market
• Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre in Kigali
• Presidential Palace Museum
• Parc National des Volcans
• Akagera National Park
• Inema Art Center
• Nyamata Church
• Ivuka Arts Centre
• Librarie Ikirezi
• Mambas Club

When to travel Cyangugu?

Cyangugu can be visited throughout the year, though, to enjoy outdoor activities, from June to September is best.

Accommodation options in Cyangugu:

There are no star rated hotels in Cyangugu but visitors can find many nice guest houses and vacation rentals in Cyangugu that provide healthy and memorable hospitality services with a  blend of traditional and modern facilities and services. It is also suggested to reach the Butare city to find star rated hotels. The prominent hotels in Cyangugu, Butare (120 km) and Kigali (around 230 km) are as follows:

• Hotel du Lac
• Hotel des Chutes
• Peace Guesthouse
• Emeraude Kivu Resort
• Golf Eden Rock Hotel
• Orchids Safari Club
• Hotel Chez Lando in Kigali
• Iris Guesthouse
• Okapi Hotel
• Gloria Hotel
• Sphinx Belair
• Kay Sun Hotel
• Park View Courts Rwanda
• Step Town Motel

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Rwanda is an African country located in the central eastern part of the continent at 1°56′25″ S 29°52′26″ E. Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda, home to around 1 million people. Rwanda shares its borders with Tanzania, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Rwanda characterizes diverse geographical features, with its eastern part covering a larger savanna while its western part is dominated by mountains and also numerous lakes are dotted across the country. Tourism is one of the vital revenue sources of Rwanda, concentrated on its national parks, especially on gorilla trekking.

History of Rwanda:

Rwanda has been settled since the stone stage and its real history begins with the domination over the country by the Kingdom of Rwanda in the mid-eighteenth century. After hundred years later, in 1884, Rwanda came under the German rule and later under the Belgium reign during World War I in the year 1916. From the effectual revolt of the Hutu people, Belgium lost control over Rwanda, which resulted into the independence of Rwanda, on 1 July 1962.

Getting Rwanda:

The Kigali International Airport is the gateway to Rwanda, situated around 10 km away from the centre of the capital, Kigali. The airport operates flights from/to Brussels, Amsterdam, Doha, Istanbul, Douala, Dubai, Entebbe, Johannesburg, Mombasa, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and many other European, African and Asian cities.

The bus transportation of Rwanda extends to the cities in bordering countries like Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi. Bicycle taxis, motorcycle taxis and white minibuses are the options to get around Rwandan cities.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Rwanda:

Rwandans are predominately Christians, who highly speak Kinyarwanda as their primary language. Rwandan Franc is the currency used in Rwanda and the purchasable items in Rwanda are honey, coffee and tea powders.

Brochettes or goat kebab is a typical dish in Rwanda and grilled fish and chicken are also famous all over Rwanda.

What to do in Rwanda?

• Gorilla tour
• Hiking
• Ten pin bowling

Must see in Rwanda:

The National Museum of Butare:

The National Museum of Butare is the national museum of Rwanda, situated in the city Huye. It is a wide and exciting cultural centre, equally focused on the history and culture of Rwanda, covering from Tutsi monarchy to modern Rwanda. It is open from 9AM -5PM, while entrance fee is 6000 RFr.

Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre:

The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre is a heart touching place, where around 250,000 people were buried who were killed in Rwandan Genocide during the Rwandan Civil War. Entry is free, but audio guide costs $10.

Parc National des Volcans:

The Parc National des Volcans is a distinct and excellent national park, highlighted by mountain gorillas. These gorillas can be hired for trek either from a tour operator or at the tourism office. Each gorilla costs $750. It will be a unique and memorable experience for foreign tourists.

Akagera National Park:

The Akagera National Park is a large national park, covering an area of 1,200 km², located in the eastern part of Rwanda. Established in 1934, the park houses a wide range of flora and fauna species from the three different eco-regions, mountain, swamp and savannah.

Presidential Palace Museum:

The Presidential Palace Museum is housed in the residence of the former President Habyarimana, in Kigali. Apart from showcasing the president’s life, the museum also exhibits typical traditional Rwandan clothing in a wide extent. Admission fee is Rwf 6,000.

List of other places to see in Rwanda include:

• Huye Market
• National University of Rwanda
• Nyungwe Forest
• Lake Kivu
• Butare

When to visit Rwanda?

The climate of Rwanda ranges from temperate to subtropical, with two dry seasons (from June to September and December to February) and two rainy seasons (from February to June and September to December). The best time to visit Rwanda is from December to January and June to September.

Where can stay in Rwanda?

Rwanda owns an upgraded hospitality industry, centered in the capital Kigali. Budget hotels in Kigali charge around $10, while splurge hotels won’t come under $30. Advance booking is preferred. Here are some specialized hotels in Kigali in Rwanda:

Budget:

• Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel
• Auberge De Cavern
• Kigali Hotel

Mid range:

• Hotel Chez Lando
• Iris Guesthouse
• Park View Courts Rwanda
• Step Town Motel
• Sphinx Belair
• Kay Sun Hotel
• Okapi Hotel
• Gloria Hotel
• Hotel Isimbi

Splurge:

• Hotel Laico Umubano
• Hotel des Mille Collines
• Kigali Serena Hotel

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