Kigali Genocide Memorial

The Kigali Genocide Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This significant site serves as the final resting place for over 250,000 individuals, offering a powerful reminder of the tragic events that unfolded during that dark period in Rwanda's history. The memorial not only honors those who lost their lives but also serves as an educational center, promoting peace and reconciliation. Visitors can explore exhibits that detail the causes, events, and aftermath of the genocide, fostering understanding and ensuring that future generations never forget this crucial chapter in Rwanda's past.

Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial

During our visit to Kigali, we pay our respects at the Belgian Peacekeepers memorial. This solemn site commemorates the ten Belgian UN commandos who lost their lives at the onset of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the international community's involvement and the tragic events that unfolded in Rwanda. The memorial not only commemorates the peacekeepers but also provides insight into the complexities of international interventions during times of crisis. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda's recent history and the global impact of the genocide.

Discover the facts behind Hotel Rwanda and walk through the true story of Hotel Rwanda and Kigali’s History

We will visit the Nyamata Genocide Memorial, a church where a tragic event unfolded during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In a single day, tens of thousands of Tutsis were massacred within its walls, transforming this sacred place of worship into a symbol of extreme desecration. The victims were primarily surviving descendants of Tutsis who had been forcibly deported to this region in 1959. This inhospitable area, once infested with tsetse flies, was chosen as a site for what was intended to be the extermination of the Tutsi people. The memorial serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed and the lives lost during this dark period in Rwanda's history. It stands as a powerful testament to the importance of remembrance, reconciliation, and the prevention of such horrific events in the future.

Our journey begins with a visit to the Ntarama Church Memorial in the Bugesera region. This poignant site serves as a somber reminder of Rwanda's tragic past and offers visitors an opportunity for reflection and remembrance. The memorial, located in a former Catholic church, now stands as a testament to the lives lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Our tour begins early in the morning at 6:00 AM. The first stop is in Nyanza to visit the King's Palace, providing context to Rwanda's pre-colonial history. From there, we proceed to the Murambi Memorial.

Murambi Genocide Memorial Center

Murambi Genocide Memorial Center is located in the southwestern region of Rwanda, approximately a 4 hour drive from Kigali. This site serves as the final resting place for over 50,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. The memorial's school classrooms contain a haunting display of 848 preserved corpses laid out on wooden tables, serving as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed. Additionally, visitors will encounter a former volleyball court built atop mass graves by French soldiers who were part of Operation Turquoise, adding another layer to the complex history of the site.

Ethnographic Museum Rwanda

The Ethnographic Museum, RN1/Road to Nyanza, Butare Rwanda We then drive back to Huye for a lunch break, allowing time to process the morning's experiences. In the afternoon, we explore the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases Rwanda's cultural heritage and traditions. The tour concludes with the return journey to Kigali, arriving at your hotel around 6:00 PM.