Before venturing into Rwanda’s lush national parks and scenic landscapes, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a profoundly important and humbling experience. Located in the heart of Rwanda’s capital, this memorial is the final resting place for over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and serves as a stark reminder of the country’s painful past.

The memorial is divided into three poignant sections:

• Children’s Memorial – honoring the innocent lives lost, with heartbreaking tributes and photos.
• Adult Memorial – detailing the events before, during, and after the genocide through photographs, artifacts, and personal stories.
• Global Genocide Exhibit – offering a broader perspective by documenting other genocides that have occurred around the world.

Visitors can watch powerful short films, read survivor testimonies, and listen to knowledgeable guides who help provide context and deeper understanding. While the visit can be emotional and confronting, the experience is meant to educate, inspire reflection, and serve as a call for peace and humanity across the globe.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is not just a museum—it’s a powerful space of remembrance, education, and hope, reminding all visitors that such atrocities must never be repeated.