TRAVELOGUE: TOURING KIGALI, RWANDA, IN 7 DAYS.
By Ayodeji Ajayi. Just back from Kigali, Rwanda.
Without mincing words, it is neither exaggeration nor understatement that touring Kigali, the Capital of the exceptionally fast-growing Rwanda, popularly and fondly described as the "Land Of Thousand Hills", in just 7 uninterrupted memorable days, could be most interesting, most informative, most educative, most enlightening, most entertaining, as well as most instructive, especially to right-thinking persons with discerning minds.
Sometime in October this year, award-winning amiable, humble, capable, hardworking and highly trustworthy CEO of one of the foremost Travels & Tours Agencies in Nigeria—The Good Travels & Tours, Mr. Wale Dada, in partnership with one of Africa's leading Airlines—Rwanda Air, aptly described as "the Dream of Africa", had officially invited interested Persons, irrespective of citizenship, political, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender or occupational affiliations, to freely and unconditionally, join him in touring Kigali for 7 days, beginning from November 30, 2025, to December 6, 2025.
By Almighty God's Infinite Grace, the 7-day-long and 6-night-long extensive Tours of Kigali, christened: "The Kigali Tour", was not only robustly hitch-free and exceedingly successful in all aspects, but also to a considerable extent, the exemplary Tourism Initiative that is worthy of emulation by others, was also able to reasonably achieve the much-desired results that were largely envisaged by the focus-driven and active Initiator & Organiser of the Tour, Mr. Wale Dada, whose uncommon tremendously pleasantly infectious and positively impactful managerial and unwavering commitment, even despite difficult challenges, ensured that the 30 distinguished Tourists from Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan and even beyond, that willingly took part in the just-concluded "The Kigali Tour," wholly funded by each of the Tourists, had unforgettable experiences by the time the Tour ended on a commendable note on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
Interestingly, the just-outgone outstandingly significant lifetime "The Kigali Tour", formally kicked off on a wonderful note on that weather-wise Saturday—November 30, 2025, as the 30 Tourists from various walks of life, beautifully and proudly attired in their officially branded green T-shirts and Facecaps, arrived at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, to board their Rwanda-bound flight slated for 2.30pm that day.
The Flight Experience
Due to unavoidable initial circumstances, the flight from Lagos to Kigali finally commenced a few minutes behind schedule but on a happy note. Unlike what obtains elsewhere, including Nigeria, the exceptionally enjoyable and safe flight that lasted almost 5 hours, was totally devoid of unpleasant experiences commonly associated with some Airlines in some Climes across the World.
Expectedly, the performance of the very massive and hugely expansive cum intimidating Rwanda Air AIRBUS A330 Plane, throughout the flight, was outstandingly remarkable. In addition, all the Crew Members, including the flight Attendants, were courteous, caring, supportive, responsible, responsive and respectful. They discharged their official duties diligently, painstakingly and satisfactorily with utmost passion and unshaken sense of responsibility to the admiration of Passengers on board.
It is also noteworthy that whenever the need arose, especially when the plane seemed to be passing through stormy areas, the Pilot alerted all those on board timely, in such a calming manner as not to make them get worried or frightened unnecessarily, thereby encouraging them that there was no cause for alarm after all.
Due to the uncommon ingenuity exhibited by the Pilot, he never failed to make necessary announcements promptly and unambiguously, to enable all those on board have vital information pertaining to how the flight was progressing at any point in time. This impressive action ultimately made the Passengers in particular, to have undivided confidence in the Pilot, as well as other Crew Members, amongst others. To cap it all, Passengers were served with well prepared meals, along with their most preferred drinks, while those that needed extra edibles or consumables, were instantly and adequately attended to by the relevant Officers on board.
On our safe arrival in Kigali in the evening of Sunday, November 30, 2025, as scheduled, we all checked into our world-standard Hotel in readiness for the crucial Day 1 Tourism Tour the following day.
Day 1: The Kigali Genocide Memorial
Following our breakfast on Monday, December 1, 2025, the highly expectant and excited Members of Mr. Wale Dada-led Kigali Tour Team numbering 30, left the hotel for the historic sprawling Kigali Genocide Memorial where over 250,000 victims of the unfortunate Genocide War that erupted on April 17, 1994, and ended sometime in July 1994, were buried.
Some of the victims were buried in mass graves littering a vast expanse of land within the Genocide Memorial. It was learnt that currently, there are over 200 Genocide Memorial Sites across Rwanda but the one we visited in Kigali is the biggest so far where we were also shown pathetic photographs of human corpses of different persons, genders and sizes. Indeed, it was a terrible experience that easily brought to our minds, the disastrous consequences of genocide or war, especially when it led inevitably, to killings of innocent citizens, including vulnerable women and children.
Perhaps this explains why presently in Rwanda, the ratio of the population of men to women is reported to be 1 : 4, while men are not permitted to marry more than one wife at a time. It was gathered that the Genocide incident claimed the lives of a lot of men, thereby making the population of women to exceedingly surpass that of men since the end of the war 31 years ago.
Established in 1999, the well-preserved and hugely-fortified Kigali Genocide Memorial has not only been serving as a veritable Source of attracting genuine Tourists to Rwanda, thereby making Tourism as the landlocked African Country's main source of Revenue Generation, the Memorial, since its inception, has also continued to remind the generality of Rwandans wherever they are domiciled globally, of the unfortunate circumstances that led to the deadly war and the need for them to unite in order to move their country forward progressively in various aspects of human Existence.
Not unexpectedly, our Tour of the Genocide Memorial, deliberately located in a strategic part of Kigali which is widely reported to be Africa's cleanest Capital City, was understandably a strictly guided one to avert possible situation in which Tourists could unofficially take photographs of sensitive scenes, thereby whipping up avoidable sentiments in or beyond Rwanda or tamper with unauthorised materials solely meant for essential historic purposes. The tour of the Genocide Memorial was ably conducted by one Mr. Sam, a passionate Rwandan, who recalled clearly, the ugly happenings that led to the saddening incident which according to him, consumed over a million citizens comprising fathers, mothers and kids, amongst others.
It was reliably gathered that a number of victims of the 3-month-long Kigali Genocide, suffered agonising deaths that can never be forgotten by present and future generations of Rwandans. Our visit to the Genocide Museum that day was inevitably heart-rending as we were conducted round the carefully mounted photographs of the Genocide victims, including children-orphans. It was a profoundly touchy scenerio that openly brought out tears from the eyes of some of the tourists that also visited the Genocide Memorial, along with our Team, that particular day.
From there, we proceeded to both the Old Kigali and the New Kigali which reminded us of the remarkable differences between the Old Kigali City and the New Kigali City. We were conducted round the Wetland Area which had been carved out by the Rwandan Government essentially for establishing Tourism-related Projects to earn substantial incomes for the Government, as well as the Country, sustainably.
As a visibly landlocked Country, apart from Tourism which is understandably Rwanda's main Revenue Earner, the country also derives incomes from Agriculture and Mining. It was also gathered that there currently exist four notable National Parks in Rwanda, along with a number of hugely cherished Symbols of National Unity, Rehabilitation and Reintegration, as a way of further fostering mutual understanding, peaceful co-existence and undivided cooperation among the Citizens following the end of the Genocide incident in 1994.
Day 2: Business, Governance, and Security
On Day 2, the energy-sapping, crowded, insightful and fact-finding Tour included visits to the popular Central Business District (CBD) in Kigali where rapid socio-economic activities by individuals, groups, banks and other financial institutions transact business with interested members of the public in conducive environment devoid of fraudulent practices by criminals.
It is noteworthy that in Kigali in particular, as well as in Rwanda in general, rate of criminal activities is reportedly minimal. Due to good leadership at the helm of national affairs, institutions are allowed to work assiduously. Electricity supply is 24 hours daily supported by functional solar power system. In Kigali, especially, everywhere is sparkingly clean since littering the environment will automatically attract serious sanctions to serve as a deterrent to others. To buttress this claim, the policemen who are decently attired in their official uniforms, take their duties seriously. However, they do not harrass innocent citizens and don't collect bribes.
Easily noticed at the CBD are leading international financial institutions such as Access Bank Rwanda and Guaranty Trust Bank Rwanda, amongst others. Changing foreign currencies to Rwandan currency, was largely smooth sailing, while the Rwandan officials discharged their duties with unwavering transparency and accountability.
Important Offices in this strategic Area also included Government Ministries, Office of Rwandan President, Mr. Paul Kagame, International Organisations, the oldest Prison built by the Belgian Government in 1930 although plan is underway by the Rwandan Government to establish a new Prison Facility. It would be recalled that several years back, Rwanda was reportedly colonised by Germany and Belgium. Also in the CBD, is the oldest Mosque established in 1925 which according to reports, is largely populated by Muslims from several countries presently domiciled in Kigali.
It was also reliably learnt that unlike in some Climes on the African Continent, doing business in Rwanda whose Capital, Kigali, was named after the legendary Mount Kigali, is very easy as barring any unforeseen development, it takes just 8 hours to successfully process an investor's business application papers, including final approval.
Day 3: The Indomitable Mount Kigali
Day 3 saw us visiting the conspicuously imposing and indomitable Mount Kigali. By the way, a dependable source revealed that Kigali was intentionally chosen as the Capital of Rwanda largely due to its special geographical location, especially bearing in mind that Rwanda from time immemorial, is Queensland, widely known as the "Land Of Thousand Hills".
Touring Kigali revealed vividly, that it is blessed tremendously, particularly in terms of the huge number of hills scattered all over the place, thereby giving the entire Landscape a beautiful touch that is deeply amazing. This is especially why Mount Kigali is a pleasant source of Tourist attraction to behold by all and sundry.
Day 4: Adventure at FAZENDA
On Day 4, places of interest visited by us included FAZENDA where entertaining activities witnessed included Horse riding, Paintball, Donkey riding, Trailrides, as well as Art with Hirwa, amongst other highly skilled energy-driven exercises that were voluntarily undertaken by those of us that could summon the courage to engage successfully in the rigorous nature of most of the activities cum programmes exhibited by the designated officials.
Day 5: The Majesty of Waterfalls
On Day 5, the most fascinating Tourism Centre we visited was undoubtedly, the undisputable Kusomo Water Falls. With its very cool, clean and refreshing steadily flowing waters, the Kusomo Water Falls which is strategically located in the Northern part of Rwanda, belongs to a special class in the field of Tourism on the African Continent.
Day 6: Infrastructure and the Border
On Day 6, we embarked on a rather long journey that lasted about 5 seemingly unending hours from Kigali. Despite the risky Tour by road, we eventually found the Trip to various outskirts of Kigali very interesting and heartwarming. All the roads were properly tarred and also provided with essential infrastructure such as electricity, water and functional drainage systems. Solar power supply was also readily available and easily accessible. Not once did we notice potholes on Kigali roads. Not even traces of criminally vandalised public infrastructure such as electricity poles and lamps, railway tracks, bridge aluminium railings, etc, did we observe throughout our Tour of Kigali and its adjoining Towns and Cities. Everywhere is well organised, while the citizens are also readily willing to make things work accordingly, by obeying Government Rules and Regulations diligently and unconditionally.
We also visited some notable Tourism Centres, amongst which were those located in Musanze (Masezanwa)—the 2nd largest Town/City after Kigali, Rwandan Capital.
Day 7: Tamtam Beach and the Convention Centre
The next Day effectively took us to the popular Tamtam Beach, Gisenyi, which we were duly informed, is very close to the all-important Border Line between Rwanda and the war-ridden Democratic Republic of Congo. However, we couldn't go beyond the officially designated area due to the serious lingering crisis that has enveloped D. R. Congo for sometime now.
This, notwithstanding, we had consolation in the fact that having properly armed ourselves each, with functional life jackets, we joyfully and successfully, with the full support of a number of Safety Officials attached to the Tamtam Beach, Gisenyi, actively and happily participated in the accident-free jolly boat rides held that unforgettable day.
Following seamless conclusion of this particular aspect of our Tours, we later had our Lunch by the environment-friendly side of the massive Tamtam Beach, after which we all finally began another 5-hour-long road journey back to Kigali.
Shortly after arriving in Kigali in the evening that day already tired, we immediately headed to the beautifully-coloured Kigali Convention Centre which judging by its outstanding architectural features, including a galaxy of colourful lights, ranks the uncommon Symbol of Tourism Initiative, as one of the best not only on the African Continent, but also across the Globe.
Having taken a number of award-winning group photographs at the various historical sites within the expansive Kigali Convention Centre, we all returned safely to our respective hotel rooms in order to prepare properly, for our return flight to Lagos the next Day which was Saturday, December 6, 2025.
Conclusion and Reflections
Our indefatigable, humane and unapologetically considerate Group Leader of inestimable value, Mr. Wale Dada, had advised us collectively, to wake early on our departure Day which was Saturday, December 6, 2025, to enable us take our breakfast not later than 5.30am so that we can leave for Kigali International Airport at exactly 6am since Airport formalities would commence at 8am in respect of our afternoon flight to Lagos same day.
Interestingly, our return flight to Lagos from Kigali on Saturday, December 6, 2025, was as smooth, safe and satisfactory as our arrival flight from Lagos to Kigali on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Immense thanks to the unfailing Almighty God for making all scheduled Plans achievable seamlessly, successfully and satisfactorily, ultimately. The unshakeable display of uncommon ingenuity and stewardship by the Cabin Crew of Rwanda Air on both occasions, is greatly appreciated. Hopefully, this exceedingly exceptional conduct is certainly worthy of emulation by other competing Airlines on the African Continent and indeed, beyond.
Finally, the unparalleled exhibition of unwavering sagacity, courage, commitment and dedication, to the discharge of his duties which had invariably made Mr. Wale Dada to earn the unalloyed Trust and implicit Confidence of the 30 Tourists that made the just-concluded Kigali Tour Dream Realisable, is highly commendable.
Definitely, with the then much-anticipated Kigali Tour spanning 7 days is now finally over on a pleasant note, there is no doubt that the various wonderful experiences garnered during the period by the 30 Tourists, will for ever be a sustainable Repository of useful Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding, especially judging by the fact that for instance, despite its huge population of about 250 million people, Nigeria, the self-acclaimed "Giant of Africa", doesn't have a National Carrier at the moment. Whereas with a united, committed and dutiful population of about 14 million, Rwanda currently has the Rwanda Air that has so far, operated one of the most thriving, profitable and successful Airlines in Africa, under a visionary and focus-driven President Paul Kagame.
Ayodeji Ajayi is Veteran Journalist, Editorial Writer, Newspaper Columnist, Public Affairs Analyst, Speech Writer, Administrator, Ex-Banker, Author, etc.
