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By BRENDA R-wa-nda!!!
The land of a thousand hills.
Her beauty speaks for herself the moment you set foot in the country.
My mum, her friend, and I were invited to a Rwandan wedding—an invitation we saw as the perfect opportunity to explore Kigali during our 3-day stay.
In this post, I’ll walk you through those three days—from the clean cityscapes to the cultural richness and emotional depth.
Whether you’re visiting Rwanda for an event or just passing through, here’s how to soak up the magic, even if travel isn’t your main goal.
Getting There & First Impressions
We traveled to Rwanda by bus, entering the country by land—a perfect way to ease into the experience.
The drive along the Kabale–Katuna–Kigali Road was mesmerizing, especially at sunrise.
The golden light dancing over Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills was pure magic.
I was glued to the window the entire time.
There’s a quiet poetry in watching the sun rise over the hills—like Rwanda was gently waking up to greet us.
Kigali welcomed us with crisp air, quiet streets, and an almost surreal sense of order.
Coming from downtown Kampala, the contrast was striking.
Don’t get me wrong—I love Kampala’s vibrant chaos.
But Kigali’s calm rhythm and clean roads offer a refreshing kind of beauty.
Getting Around Kigali
Transport in Kigali is an experience of its own.
We mostly used motorcycles, locally known as mota or motali—and they’re incredibly efficient.
What stood out was the mandatory extra helmet for passengers, something I truly wish we’d adopt more seriously in Uganda.
It’s also the law to carry just one passenger per bike.
These small but crucial rules made me feel surprisingly safe and respected as a traveler.
The City Vibe
Even without structured tours, simply moving through Kigali is a marvel.
The city is dotted with iconic architecture and vibrant neighborhoods.
My travel companions and I explored by both car and motorcycle, taking in sights like Kigali Convention Centre – its dome lit up beautifully at night, Amahoro Stadium – a proud national symbol and countless modern buildings and green spaces that line the city’s clean streets
Sips of Culture: Milk, Fanta & Manners
You haven’t really visited Kigali until you’ve tried milk.
Yes—milk.
It’s a daily staple, deeply woven into the culture.
Every few blocks, you’ll find depots selling fresh or fermented milk products.
I tried both the classic nshunshu (milk) and ikivuguto (fermented milk), and I genuinely appreciated the creaminess and nutrition in each sip.
The fermented version especially had a thick, yogurty consistency—perfect on a hot day.
If you’re more of a soda person, Fanta Citron is the go-to drink here.
My mum and her friend are both fluent in Kinyarwanda, so getting around was a breeze—they handled most of the conversations.
But my language-loving self couldn’t resist picking up a few phrases.
Saying “orakoze” (thank you) quickly became my favorite.
And whenever I needed to get someone’s attention, a gentle “m-nva” did the trick.
It’s amazing how just a couple of words made my interactions feel more genuine and warmly received.
Locals smiled more when they realized I was trying.
A Rwandan Cultural Wedding to Remember
Our trip centered around attending a wedding, which gave us a window into Rwanda’s rich traditions.
We were honored to witness:
- The official bride give-away ceremony which was a beautifully choreographed ritual.
- Dowry offerings, done with dignity and storytelling.
- Traditional cultural dances—the footwork, the drums, the synchronized movement—it was mesmerizing.
Everything about the wedding—the attire, the respect shown to elders, the music—was deeply Rwandan.
I found myself lost in the rhythm, the vibrant variety of attires worn by the entourage, the bride and groom, and the depth of meaning in every gesture.
Everything about the wedding—from how elders were honored to the communal joy—spoke of respect, heritage, and unity.
It felt like being part of something timeless.
Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre was the most sobering and essential part of our trip.
No other experience has helped me understand the events of 1994 more deeply—except perhaps the stories my mother (who is Rwandan by blood) has told me.
Walking through the memorial, seeing the faces, reading the names, and hearing the stories was heartbreaking and humbling.
The memorial also honors the victims of other genocides around the world, offering a global perspective on the cost of hatred—and the universal need for remembrance and healing.
The quiet that surrounded the space wasn’t empty—it was sacred.
It honors the past while guiding the future.
It reminded me that healing takes intention.
And Rwanda is doing the work.
Final Thoughts
Though we only had a few days in Rwanda, each moment was layered with meaning.
From early morning drives through the hills to cultural immersions with milk and dance, Kigali left a lasting imprint on my heart.
Would I go back?
Without a doubt.
Next time, I’ll stay longer.
I want to explore beyond Kigali, dive deeper into the traditions, and continue discovering what makes Rwanda so quietly powerful.
✨ Quick Travel Tips
- Carry a sweater – evenings get chilly and the Uganda-Rwanda border is winter-freezing at night.
- Wear a helmet when using a motorcycle (you’ll be provided with one!)
- Try ikivuguto – the fermented milk is a must try.
- Be respectful at the Genocide Memorial—no photos inside
- Learn a few words in Kinyarwanda: “Orakoze” (thank you) goes a long way
Let me know in the comments—have you been to Rwanda?
Would you want to?
What would you most like to experience?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—or your own stories about Rwanda, if you’ve been.