1 day Mount Kigali and Cultural village tour
Mount Kigali is one of the most iconic landforms that can be seen when you visit Rwanda. Although it isn’t a large mountain like others, it is a popular spot for both local and international visitors due to its strategic location in the city center.
Are you looking for cheap but fruitful adventure in Kigali, a one-day trip to Mount Kigali with a cultural encounter is the best option. Hiking Mount Kigali is relatively easy and provides panoramic views of the city , depending on your physique and length of the trail, hiking takes a few hours.
Hiking starts in the Nyamirambo district and extends further north to the communities though there are other starting points like walking from Biryogo close to the green mosque and Nyamirambo Women’s Center to Kigali Stadium. Ascent and descent could take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness and trail.
Some people in this region suspect the mountain to have supernatural powers, so expect to meet locals hiking for their spiritual benefit. You will get to interact with them with the help of your local guide as they narrate some of their folk tales and history.
The day hike is an exciting experience that offers the opportunity to reach the summit of Mount Kigali. You will pass by different entertainment and hospitality venues like bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels. You will also pass by a craft shop, to purchase some handmade craft items as souvenirs. Take photos or short videos for memory of your trip.
For the cultural village walk on Mount Kigali, the Nyamirambo village is the best opportunity. Your predicted satisfaction will be met in this village offering a strong cultural experience offering a rich cultural tapestry in terms of unique local cuisine, traditional brewing techniques, craft work, and more. You will not stop observing these unique processes but also taste the products yourself. The cherished encounter with the local indigenous people will give you great insight into the history of Mount Kigali and among themselves.
What you need for the trip
You will need a bottle of water to stay hydrated and some light snacks to keep you energetic as you hike.
An experienced local guide will help you have an amazing experience as he will provide history about the mountain and enable you to have great interaction with the locals.
The guide will also take you to interesting spots on the mountain that are out of your itinerary. This will provide you a better exposure to Rwanda’s rich heritage.
However, this trip is not favorable for people with mobility problems because wheelchairs can’t be used along hiking trails.
The day’s itinerary
Start your morning with an early morning breakfast at your hotel where you spent the previous night or in any popular cafe after being picked up from the airport. You will make your meal choice, optionally an international dish, or have a wonderful taste of Rwandan local dishes.
At 9:00 am, head to the base of the mountain with the leadership of your guide. Choose the trail that suits your fitness though most trails are manageable and offer the best sceneries of the city and its surroundings. Summiting will take one to hours depending on the trail and your hiking pace.
By 10:30 am or 11:00 am, you will be at the summit. once there, relax in the peaceful and cool environment, admire the landscape, enjoy the spectacular views of the city and the surrounding hills, and don’t forget to capture many memorable photos and short videos. On a clear day, you will see Lake Muhazi in a distance.
While at the summit, listen to some good historical information provided by the local guide and other locals who may have joined you as you hike. Get to learn the significance of the mountain in Rwandan history and particularly during the1994 genocide moments.
At around midday, descend the mountain and head to a good eatery in Kigali for lunch. Many restaurants and hotels in Rwanda are known for preparing delicious local dishes like Ugali(posho from maize or cassava flour), Isombe (cassava leaves with ground nuts), mashed plantains (matooke), brochettes(grilled meat skewers), and international dishes which are served in a hospitable atmosphere.
At 2:00pm (after lunch), consider Visiting Nyamirambo Women’s Center for more cultural immersions. This is a women-founded project that was created to address the gender-based violence and discrimination. Today the project provides vocational training and entrepreneurship skills to girls and women. You will see beautiful craft works made from weaving and sewing. You can support these women by buying some of their products as souvenirs.
If time is by your side, you can visit Kimironko market, one of the largest markets in Kigali to explore more crafts, food, and other textile products.
In the late evening hours, return to your hotel for relaxation as you meditate on the days experience as you also prepare for your next travel destination.
End of our day experience on Mount Kigali.
Tour Inclusions
- Experienced local tour guide
- Cultural visit to the local community
- Bottled water and snacks
