DPMI Rwanda, 2015
DPMI Rwanda Guide to Kigali
May 10, 2015
Latte with a view at the cafe at Ikirezi
This is by no means a comprehensive guide. There are plenty of things to see and do and places to eat that are not listed here, but this is a good starter guide for the little bit of free time that participants have before and after the training in Rwinkwavu. Also not included is the Genocide Memorial Museum, as that is already a required visit for all DPMI Rwanda participants.
How much cash you should bring:
The official line is to bring $400 in crisp, new $100 bills. Definitely bring crisp, new $100 bills, otherwise, it will be very difficult to exchange your cash, but you will not need $400 unless you plan on doing a lot of shopping. $200 should be more than enough. Having a little bit extra in US currency is never a bad idea, but ATMs are also easy to find.
Essential words and phrases:
Do not assume that everyone speaks a little English or French. Knowing a bit of Kinyarwanda is immensely useful.These are words you will definitely hear.
Hello: muraho
Good morning: mwaramutse (this is much more common than “muraho” in the morning)
Good night: Muramuke
How are you?: Amakuru
I’m fine: Ni meza
My name is…: Nitwa…
I don’t understand: Sinumua
Thank you: Murakoze
A note for vegetarians: We were warned ahead of time that eating vegetarian would be extremely difficult. Luckily this was not the case. It is very easy to eat a nutritious and well-balanced vegetarian, even vegan, diet.
Within walking distance from Discover Rwanda:
Meze Fresh-Chipotle-style Mexican. Affordable with a very friendly staff. A mix of expats and locals. Just turn left in front of the office building (which also has a nice coffee shop) up the street from the hostel. After a short walk, Meze Fresh will be on the right.
Librairie Ikirezi Bookshop- Great French-style bookstore with postcards, office supplies, and multilingual book selection. Also, has a nice selection of locally made souvenirs. Excellent coffee shop attached. Gorgeous views. Cross the major thoroughfare up the street from the hostel. Pass the Netherlands Embassy on your right, then turn right. The bookshop will be on
the left.
Lalibela Ethiopian restaurant- about
a 20-minute walk or 5-minute cab ride. Excellent Ethiopian buffet.
Inema Artsworth- the trip even if most of the art isn’t exactly affordable. Sam and Thomas will show you around and tell you about the mission of the organization. They also teach art to at-risk youth. For more affordable gifts, head to the little room filled with crafts made by local women, from jewelry to ties to really cool laptop sleeves. Visa accepted.
Ivuka Arts- Walking distance from Inema. Much smaller, but worth a quick visit. Also, accepts Visa.
Brioche cafe- French style bakery/cafe. Delicious but overpriced.
Need a Taxi:
Nakumatt: Kenyan mega grocery store chain, in Kigali City Towers. Any taxi should be able to get you there without a problem. It’s right in the heart of downtown Kigali, so take a wander around as long as you’re there. Another Brioche Cafe is close by.
Hotel Mille Collines: This is “Hotel Rwanda.” If you do the cultural immersion, you will surely go here. The lunch buffet is delicious, and the setting is beautiful.
Kimironko: Major market worth a visit. You can get crafts, food, and have clothing made to your specifications. The aisles are super narrow, and some of the vendors can be aggressive. Get ready to bargain.
Copaki Market: Really friendly craft market, less claustrophobic than Kimironko. Each seller has their own room/stall that is brightly painted blue and green on the outside. Any craft you want, you can get here, and there are no high-pressure sales.
Papyrus: For a bit of Kigali nightlife, and if you want to get your karaoke on, this is the place to be.
Post Office: The post office is seemingly near nothing else. Have your postcards ready to mail as soon as you buy your stamps, as mailboxes are not easy to find. The post office may be your only chance.
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