Kigali Genocide Memorial and Rwanda's Memorial Sites: Visiting With Respect
Understanding Rwanda's recent history is a meaningful part of any visit to the country.
In 1994 Rwanda suffered the genocide against the Tutsi, in which an estimated 800,000 or more people were killed in about one hundred days. The Kigali Genocide Memorial, on a hillside in the capital, is the national memorial and an educational centre. It combines exhibitions, mass graves and gardens, and it is one of the most visited sites in the country.
Many visitors to Rwanda and Uganda include a memorial visit on their way to the gorillas. It is a sobering stop, so it is wise to plan your day with time afterwards to reflect rather than rush to the next activity. Other sites outside the capital, such as Nyamata and Murambi, preserve the history in a more direct and confronting way.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Main site: Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Other sites: Nyamata, Murambi, Bisesero
- Time needed: Two hours or more
- Etiquette: Dress modestly, be quiet
What to Expect at the Kigali Memorial
Exhibitions set out the history of Rwanda before, during and after the genocide, and a children's room remembers young victims. Outside are gardens and mass graves where more than a quarter of a million people are buried. Staff and guides are available, and audio guides are commonly offered in several languages.
Visiting Respectfully
Dress modestly, keep your voice low and ask before photographing people. Photography is restricted in parts of the exhibition. Visitors are not required to give a set amount, but the memorial depends on donations and ticket revenue to keep going. Children are generally discouraged from the most graphic displays.
Understanding Today's Rwanda
Rwanda has rebuilt itself with an emphasis on unity, cleanliness and community work. Learn more in our guides to Rwandan culture and Kigali, then combine the city with a gorilla and chimp safari.
Planning Rwanda with Uganda? Tell us your dates and we will combine both countries in one smooth itinerary, with transfers and permits arranged.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
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