Kisimenti: The shoppers paradise

Kisimenti or Chez Lando, as many folks like to call it, is a fast-growing neighbourhood in Remera, Gasabo District. It is famous for its many restaurants and bars with some of the establishments open 24 hours, 7 days a week. This vibrant business hub starts with Chez Lando (the hotel and popular restaurant), and slowly transforms as you move towards the Amahoro National Stadium to Kimironko and Giporoso, heading to Kanombe. The lively environment is home to hotels like Hotel Chez Lando, Civitas Hotel and Landstar. Greenwich, SportsView and Beausejour, a 3 star hotel, as you slope down to Gishushu-Kacyiru are also a few metres from the heart of Kisimenti.You will also find coffee shops like a Thousand Cups Coffee, New Fiesta and many others. This small centre has everything you need from supermarkets and banks to forex bureaus, hair salons and hospitals. The famous La Croix du Sud Hospital, also known as ‘kwa Nyirinkwaya’ and the newly-established Dr. Agarwal Eye Hospital are also in the vicinity.There are a few corporate buildings here, but not that many apartment buildings. However, when you take a walk around, there are many apartment projects springing up. The neighbourhood is a hit hangout for both locals and foreigners. This area is also very close to Sol e Luna which most arriving expats will find their way to at some point for the Monday night quiz at the Italian pizzeria joint. In short, Kisimenti is home for those searching for fun. Here, some bars are newly constructed while others are makeovers and many operate from former residential houses. This place has a bar for everyone, Kisangani bar, where Congolese delicacies are prepared, ‘Mukunzi’ -- the famous pork joint -- and High Noon for sauna and massage.What pulls the crowd to these bars is what is termed as ‘friendly’ beer prices, accessible transport for those without cars and those who don’t want to mess with the traffic police officers. Moto bikes also operate 24/7 here. If you can find parking at one of these hot bars, beer is cheap and ranges from Rwf 1,000 to 2,000 a bottle. Points of interest The following points of interest lie in Kisimenti or close by. Amahoro National Stadium is a just a stone throw away; Airtel and Artel communication company headquarters. There is also a branch of Ecobank, Fina Bank, Equity Bank, Access Bank, two branches of BK, a branch of BCR, KCB Bank and Cogebanque.