It is two days to the long-awaited Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that begins on June 20. If Rwanda has been on your bucket list travels, we crafted a few things you should try out before you leave. Art galleries You can’t talk about Rwanda and miss out on our culture and art. We are endowed with numerous artists in all genres, and the increasing number of them, has enabled the establishment of more art galleries. Nyundo Arts School (Ecole dArts de Nyundo) is among the schools that have gifted Rwandans with skills in art. Take time to check out some of the known art galleries such as Kigali Arts Center which offers space to talented artists engrossed in contemporary African art. Some of the art pieces they showcase include; illustrations, sculptures, and mixed media expressions. For Inshuti Arts and Cultural Center, situated in Musanze, be assured to find paintings, drawings, sculptures, and mixed media art pieces. There are quite a number of art galleries in Kigali to explore Photos by Craish Bahizi. Indiba Arts Space is located in Kimihurura sector, it consists of paintings, sculptures, ornaments, and many other art crafts. Other art galleries include; Ipfundo Art Gallery located in Nyarugenge district and Ivuka Arts Kigali in Kacyiru sector. Outdoor activities If you are a fan of outdoor entertaining activities, you will have a number of options. Experience zip-lining, horse riding in the arena, quad bikes, bungee lifts, trampoline, and badminton, among others at Fazenda Sengha. This is an outdoor recreational center found on top of Mount Kigali, in Nyamirambo. The prices are fair yet if you go in groups of four, and more, you’re given a discount on diverse activities. The ambiance is just perfect for taking pictures and creating memories. Although it has all kind of foods, snacks, and drinks, they allow packing yours if you wish. How more to enjoy the summer! Shopping at Kimironko market One place for sure that you can find each and everything you need to use, from cooking ingredients, fresh fruits, food, clothes, and shoes to all general household necessities, is the Kimironko market. It has four entrances and is quite congested, to make your shopping fun without fear of getting lost inside, find a person to take you through and a porter to assist you to carry your items. With guidance, you will be directed in the right positions to buy specific things. One thing you will expect though, is continuous greetings from traders, and most of them will urge you to buy from them. It can be a little overwhelming as you may be muddled of who to buy from and who not. To evade buying what you didn’t plan, go with a shopping list. Cycling With good roads, and a cool climate, be sure to have a safe ride around the city. The good news is that you can rent a bicycle to move around at Kairos Cycling or Kigali Rides. Alternatively, you can order a bike via an exceptional bike-sharing app, known as ‘GuraRide’ managed by Gura Universal Link. With the mobile app, you can scan the Quick Response-QR code on the bike lock to release and start your ride. Bikes are parked at stations throughout the city, including the Marriott Hotel in downtown and MTN Centre in Remera. As long as you have downloaded the app, you can use it to unlock a bike, and cycle it to the next park station, and prices depend on the distance traveled. Tour around the city It can be a little more fun if you toured the city with a motorcycle, also commonly known as ‘moto’, this means of transport is common, it’s not only cheap, fast but also appropriate. In haste hours, it’s the best to opt for. You can decide to hire a motorcyclist for about two or three hours to take you through the city. Remember to carry a head scarf as it’s mandatory to wrap your head before using the helmet for hygiene reasons. All motos must have an extra helmet for the passengers. Bowling Located in Kimihurura, Mamba Club is a fun escape place to hide from the busy city while having fun. It is one of the popular places for bowling, and is designed in a way that heartens networking. The gateway consists of a six-lane bowling alley, a restaurant and bar, a small swimming pool, and a volleyball court. It’s an amazing place to try with friends. The place has food and ice cream, you can feast away as you enjoy any of the games. Kigali Public Library If you fancy a tranquil place to read a book without interruption, then look no further than the Kigali Public Library. It is an open and public platform that stimulates societies to read, and learn. The library has access to instructive, cultural, and motivational materials in digital and physical formats. If you would wish to read about the history or culture of Rwanda, feel free to ask for books and materials that enlighten it. Nyamirambo Women’s Centre Nyamirambo Women’s Center- NWC was initiated by 18 women based in Nyamirambo, to curb and speak about societal issues, like as gender-based violence, gender inequality, and discrimination—problems mostly stumbled upon a number of women. The NGO offers a community-based tour within the urban environment in Kigali, mainly in Nyamirambo, the captivating walks are done by guides who know well the area. They take the tourist through local hair salons, mosques, tailors, and agricultural businesses. This gives visitors an insight into the everyday life and encounters, social events, and businesses, and experimental knowledge about the Rwandan culture Tourists are also given cooking lessons about the local food delicacies, and basket weaving. Question Coffee café Rwanda is among the countries known for good coffee, if you’re a coffee-lover, chances are you will find yourself at one of the best cafes, ‘Question Coffee.’ Their coffee is fashioned by professionals at every step of the supply chain, and supports the livelihoods of everyone involved, for instance, farmers and baristas. A waiter prepares a cup of coffee to serve a client at Question Coffee in Kigali. Photo by Craish Bahizi Rwanda is known for good coffee. The café serves espresso-based drinks, filter coffee, cold brew, flavored coffee drinks, teas, and sodas and offers classes in roasting, and other skills, plus barista courses. For those interested, the café gives full-day trips out to cooperative farms in order to meet coffee farmers and learn more about coffee. Sauna and massage If you need a relieving massage or sauna in a calm environment by experts, we listed a few of the best places for this; one is the Kagugu-based Iwacu wellness center. This mainly offers African therapeutic which assist to lessen physical and mental pain and reinstate inner balance and peace. Le spa Kigali in Kacyiru offers all treatments from massages, facials, waxing, spa packages, and body scrubs to nail care. You can also give a try at Waka fitness, Soothing Corner Spa, Ylang Ylang Spa, and Maka&Yura.
