Rwanda's local handicraft markets are vibrant hubs of culture and creativity. The Caplaki Craft Village in Kigali offers a wide array of handmade goods, from traditional woven baskets (Agaseke) to colorful beadwork, pottery, and wooden carvings. At Kimironko Market, visitors find unique textiles, including the famous Kitenge fabrics. Artisans use traditional techniques passed down through generations, reflecting Rwanda's rich cultural heritage. In markets across the country, like those in Nyamirambo and Huye, local craftspeople sell handmade jewelry, home decor, and souvenirs. These markets not only support local economies but also preserve and celebrate Rwandan craftsmanship.

Kigali, Rwanda's capital, is home to poignant memorials commemorating the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. The Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where over 250,000 victims are buried, features exhibits with photographs, artifacts, and survivor testimonials. The Ntarama Genocide Memorial, located in a former church, displays victims' personal belongings, offering a stark reminder of the tragedy. Similarly, the Nyamata Genocide Memorial houses a mass grave and exhibits in another church scarred by violence. These memorials honor the victims, educate visitors about the genocide's horrors, and underscore Rwanda's commitment to reconciliation and peace.

Rwanda's museums offer rich cultural and historical insights. The Kigali Genocide Memorial serves as a solemn remembrance of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, with exhibits on the events and personal stories. The Ethnographic Museum in Huye, one of Africa's finest, showcases traditional artifacts and cultural history. The Presidential Palace Museum, the former home of President Habyarimana, displays Rwanda's political history. The Campaign Against Genocide Museum highlights the efforts to end the genocide. Additionally, the Museum of Natural History in Kigali presents Rwanda's biodiversity. These museums collectively preserve and narrate Rwanda's complex past and vibrant heritage.

Rwanda's national parks offer diverse landscapes and rich wildlife experiences. Volcanoes National Park, in the northwest, is famed for its mountain gorillas and the Virunga volcanoes. Nyungwe Forest National Park, in the southwest, boasts ancient rainforests with chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and extensive hiking trails. Akagera National Park, in the east, features savannah landscapes, home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos, along with lakes and wetlands. Lastly, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, a restored forest reserve, protects numerous primate species and birds. These parks showcase Rwanda's commitment to conservation and eco-tourism.

Rwanda's sports venues are modern and diverse, supporting a range of athletic activities. The Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali is the largest, hosting football matches, athletics, and national celebrations with a capacity of 25,000. The Kigali Arena, a state-of-the-art indoor facility, accommodates basketball, volleyball, and concerts. Nyamirambo Regional Stadium also serves as a key football venue. For cricket enthusiasts, the Gahanga Cricket Stadium offers world-class facilities. Additionally, the Huye Stadium in the south is a prominent sports hub. These venues reflect Rwanda's growing investment in sports infrastructure, fostering local talent and hosting international events.

Kigali's culinary scene is rich and diverse, with numerous standout restaurants. Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel offers fine dining with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients. Brachetto Restaurant provides upscale Italian cuisine, known for its pasta and seafood. Repub Lounge blends Rwandan flavors with contemporary twists, featuring dishes like brochettes and plantains. Meze Fresh is popular for its locally-inspired burritos and tacos. The Hut serves fusion cuisine in a relaxed, garden setting. Fusion Restaurant at The Retreat offers gourmet meals with a focus on farm-to-table dining. The Kigali Serena Hotel's Milima Restaurant provides an elegant setting with a wide array of international dishes. These top Kigali restaurants highlight the city's culinary diversity, combining local ingredients with global flavors.

The drive from Kigali, Rwanda, to Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a scenic journey that spans approximately 150 kilometers and takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions and border crossing times.

Eric has traveled this route hundreds of times and stands ready to take to there and back.

Leaving Kigali, the route winds through the picturesque Rwandan countryside, showcasing the nation's famed "land of a thousand hills" landscape. Lush green hills, terraced farms, and vibrant rural villages dot the scenery, providing a glimpse into local life. The well-maintained roads make for a relatively smooth drive.

As you approach the Rwanda-DRC border at Gisenyi, the road skirts the northern shore of Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes. The lake's tranquil blue waters and surrounding hills create a stunning backdrop, making this portion of the journey particularly beautiful.

Crossing the border into Goma, you may experience delays as customs and immigration procedures are completed. Goma, located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu and near the active Nyiragongo volcano, presents a stark contrast to the Rwandan side. The city's bustling streets, with their mix of modern buildings and areas still recovering from volcanic activity, offer a unique and vibrant atmosphere.

Overall, the drive from Kigali to Goma is an engaging journey that combines natural beauty with cultural insights, highlighting the diverse landscapes and experiences of this region.cription