Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial: What to Know
An essential, deeply moving visit that helps every traveller understand modern Rwanda.
Eben Safari Tours Team2 min read
Why visit
Understanding what happened in 1994, and how Rwanda has rebuilt since, gives depth to everything else you'll see in the country. The memorial is respectful, informative and profoundly moving.
What you'll see
- Exhibitions on the history leading up to 1994, the genocide itself and its aftermath
- A children's memorial
- Mass graves set within peaceful gardens
- A section on other genocides around the world
Practical information
- Allow: 2–3 hours
- Entry: free; donations support the memorial's work
- Photography: not permitted inside the exhibitions
- Dress: modestly and respectfully
- Closed: check opening times around public holidays and during Umuganda
Other memorial sites
Nyamata, Murambi, Bisesero and Gisozi were inscribed together on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.
The 100 days of Kwibuka
Each year from 7 April, Rwanda commemorates the genocide during Kwibuka. Visitors are welcome to travel, but some events and businesses change their hours, particularly in the first week.
Written by the Eben Safari Tours team
We are a Kigali-based tour operator, guiding travellers through Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania since 2015. Our guides trek with the gorillas, drive Akagera and climb the volcanoes every week, and we update these guides whenever rules or prices change.
