As Rwanda hosts the 27th African Union (AU) Summit, from July 10- 18, at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), delegates might want to explore a few things to spice up their stay in ‘the land of a thousand hills’.  

Rwanda is a beautiful country with lots of sights and sounds to behold; from a hilly landscape across the country, magnificent lakes, Volcanoes National Park – home to rare mountain gorillas – to canopy walk and a diversity of primates and other uncommon species, including rare birds, in Nyungwe National Park and the Akagera National Park – which last year welcomed back lions –, Musanze cave and several museums both in Kigali and in the country, Rwanda has a lot to offer to any visitor. 

In particular, City of Kigali boasts an ever-evolving nightlife experience, complete with a growing portfolio of top-notch restaurants, bars, lounges and live performances that can help anyone unwind after a long day.

The New Times looks at some of the interesting places around town which visiting delegates can consider checking out:

Live music

If you are a fan of live music, there are many places to get a memorable musical experience. Hôtel des Mille Collines offers a delicious night buffet accompanied by outdoor performance by a local band every Tuesday and Thursday, from 7pm to 10pm.

Rebub Lounge in Kimihurura also hosts a variety of live music starting at 8.pm every on Thursday, while Champion Hotel at Kisementi (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) offers cool salsa live music. The Mirror Hotel, Grand Legacy Hotel and Lemigo Hotel are some of the other places with soothing live music.

Dancing

Kigali does offer several options of nice music to dance to. There are several nightclubs with theme nights which will ensure that you enjoy your night out.

K-Club in Gaculiro, People’s Club in Kacyiru, Deep Club in Remera, Envy in Kimihurura, Spring Club in Kimironko, and Le Piche nightclub at Radisson Blu Hotel are some of the nightclubs where you can enjoy quality music from local DJs.

Several bars and lounges, including Masters Lounge at MTN Centre, Chillax Lounge at Century Park Hotel, Papyrus and Ogopogo in Kimihurura and Pili Pili in Kibagabaga also do play good music and offer the relaxed ambience you need to wind down after an extended meeting or a busy day.

Chillax Lounge and Legacy Lounge are among many spots that have organised special theme nights to entertain the visiting delegates. Soul Night (tonight), Karaoke (Thursday), Afro Party (Friday), Caribbean fusion party (Saturday), live band & special performance (Sunday) and Summit Party (Tuesday).

"At Chillax Lounge, we normally don’t have entertainment during the weekends but we decided to create it to give special hospitality to the AU delegates;” said Ronald Oballa, Lounge Manager, before adding: "We’ve themes throughout the summit and its free entrance. The prices for the drinks and food are standard.”

Legacy Lounge, located at Hôtel des Mille Collines, is hosting the Ladies Night (tonight), Electronic and House music (tomorrow), Live Dj entertainment (Friday), live band (Saturday) and, jazz, blues and live music (Sunday). Legacy Lounge is open from Monday to Sunday from 7p.m to 4a.m.

Coffee: If you want to taste the renowned Rwandan coffee, a handful of cafés, including Bourbon Café (with several outlets including in downtown Kigali, at the Kigali International Airport and at MTN Centre in Nyarutarama), Master’s Lounge, Canaberra, Shokola, Simba Café, Café Neo, Blues Café, among others, will give you a chance to taste the best of Rwandan coffee.

Nyama Choma: For meat lovers, Royal Carwash in Kimihurura and Caiman in Kibagabaga offer some of the best mouth-watering meat in town.

From roast ribs, pork and chicken to any roasted meat of your choice, these places and many more are always open whenever you want. And, Century Park Hotel offers discount on meat-based dishes every Thursday.

Entertainment events

Rwandans like to give their guests a treat. This is why when such events as the AU Summit take place, many social and entertainment events are often organised to give delegates a taste of what Rwanda has to offer. Be sure to check them out:

Fashion Show (1,000 Hills Fashion Dusk): If you love fashion then this is the time to head to this much anticipated fashion event this Thursday, at the Umubano Hotel. You’ll as well have a chance to buy your favourite African souvenir from some local designers.

Ubumuntu Art Festival: It is an annual festival that gives a platform to different people from across the world to share some of the most pressing issues facing human beings. This time it will take place at the Kigali Genocide Memorial starting on Thursday through Sunday.

Kigali Arts Festival: This is an annual festival and the second edition will be taking place on Sunday at Hotel Villa Portofino in Nyarutarama. The event features live painting, dance, and music, and is expected to attract more than 50 crafts shops in Kigali.

Art Galleries:  Do you love art? Visit any of these art galleries for quality souvenirs to take with you back home: Niyo Arts gallery, Ivuka Arts, Inganzo Gallery, Uburanga Art Studio, Inema Arts and Yego Arts Centre. All these offer great options for those looking for artistic souvenirs. A good number of these art galleries are located in Kacyiru, a Kigali suburb.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw