The holiday season is here — a time for joy, making cherished memories, feasting, and simply having a good time. Naturally, there are numerous activities for families to enjoy together, such as music, cycling, bird watching, charity, and more.
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We’ve compiled a list of family-friendly places that can make this time memorable for you and your loved ones.
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1. Explore Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-tourism Park
Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-tourism Park, located on the outskirts of Kigali, offers 120 hectares of space for outdoor activities and nature lovers. This allows visitors to enjoy the natural areas and animals in the valley.
The park enables visitors to cycle and walk while observing a diverse array of lush plants, trees, flowers, bamboo, and wetlands. You can also expect to see a variety of birds including the African openbill, grey-backed fiscal, ibis, grey-crowned crane, and more.
There's a restaurant and cafe for when hunger strikes. After a walk or bike ride, you can relax, order your favorite meal, and quench your thirst with drinks. For entrance, locals pay a fee of Rwf 1,500, Rwf 1,500 for EAC citizens, Rwf 3,000 for foreign residents, and Rwf 5,000 for international visitors.
2. Fish and more at Sunday Park
Discover the serene beauty of Sunday Park, nestled in the Kigali suburb of Kacyiru. This idyllic location is perfect for picnics, birthday celebrations, brunch, weddings, and quality time with loved ones. Engage in activities such as fishing and bird watching, or capture unforgettable moments in photographs. The entrance fee is Rwf 5,000 per person.
3. Outdoorsy? Try Nature Kigali
If you appreciate a lush environment and engaging conversations over tasty meals, this boutique hotel and restaurant in Nyarutarama offers a serene setting with gardens and trees, perfect for enjoying the fresh breeze.
The venue features a specially designed playground for kids to enjoy while adults socialise. Live band enthusiasts can drop by on Friday evenings. Additionally, from 12 pm to 3 pm, Monday to Friday, you can order a special lunch plate for Rwf 5,000.
4. Food galore at Kigali Marriott Hotel
To enhance your holiday experience, Kigali Marriott Hotel is offering a special festive package at discounted rates. The Christmas Day Brunch at Soko Restaurant is priced at Rwf50,000, while the Christmas Dinner Buffet is also available at Rwf50,000.
Additionally, there will be a Christmas Day Dinner at Cucina served a-la-carte style for Rwf65,000, a New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet at Soko Restaurant for Rwf45,000, and a New Year’s Eve Dinner at Cucina Restaurant for Rwf65,000. Furthermore, the hotel will feature the New Year’s Brazilian BBQ at Iriba Bar and Terrace for Rwf40,000, along with Saray Spa festive packages and gift voucher packages starting from Rwf80,000.
5. Of bouncy castles, face painting and more at Sanitas Leisure Park
Located in Kanombe, this recreational park is perfect for family gatherings and includes a kids' playground. The park features bouncy castles for both children and adults, as well as wedding facilities and a restaurant/bar.
On December 24, the park will host a children’s Christmas Party organised by Ecole Les Precieux Kicukiro starting at 1 pm. Kids can look forward to activities like bouncy castles, trampolines, face painting, swings, game competitions, and more. Food and cake will be provided. Admission fee for each child is Rwf10,000.
6. ‘Play Santa’
Make this Christmas special by celebrating it with the children at Marembo Center, Mageragere Prison, and Gisimba Afterschool Programme. Share whatever you can, whether its food, money, toys, clothes, books, or other items.
The donation spots include Haute Baso fashion brand, Choma’D Bar & Grill, Oasis Boutique MIC Building, Sofaru Hardware, and Kivu Noir. You can be someone’s Santa and light their faces with a smile.