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Kicking it in Kigali!

Exploring the Nigh-Life of Kigali

Apr 26, 2008 Marion Grace Woolley

Rwanda's tourism industry is on the up, attracting backpackers and jet-setters alike with its gorilla trekking, big game national parks and breathtaking scenery.

It’s impossible to visit Rwanda without passing through its capital city of Kigali. So, stuck for something to do of an evening? Check out the night life:

Name: Cadillac

Reputation: "The" Kigali nightclub

Impressions: Don’t look down! The carpet is positively psychedelic. Funky at first, not good after a few drinks! Heaving with sweaty bodies any night of the week it can be hard to get attention at the bar but if you pay a little extra you get access to Cadillac VIP, a more spacious upstairs area. There’s also a smaller bar with a smoking area and pool tables down the ramp to the left of the entrance. The music is good and the atmosphere is very lively. It’s worth a visit if you’re in a dancing mood and won’t break the bank at FRW 2,000 (£2/$4) to get in.

Location: Kimikurure. Tel: +250 511 622.

Value for money: * * * *

Name: KBC

Reputation: The "other" club in Kigali

Impressions: Much more mellow than Cadillac with a slightly more mature crowd, it’s much easier to get served here and the layout means you can wander between rooms and avoid the overcrowding issue. It has a much smaller dance floor with wall-to-wall mirrors, a pool room and a wonderful lounge area for chilling out ( which used to be the cinema!). Nice place to hang out and always motos and taxis around outside ready to take you home.

Location: Kigali Business Centre, Kimihurura. +250 0868 3043

Value for money: * * * *

Name: B Club

Reputation: The newest club in Kigali

Impressions: Exceedingly suave. The place for Rwanda’s elite to spend $120 on a bottle of champagne and $10 just to get through the door. Very sophisticated atmosphere, though not as spacious as you’d expect. Good for those with a wallet to empty fast.

Location: Nyarutarama, next to petrol station.

Value for Money: * *

Name: Mille Collines

Reputation: Hotel Rwanda

Impressions: Breathe in! The live music here is generally fab, but there’s no space to dance, few places to sit down and the drinks are expensive. One of those places you have to go to say you’ve been but not recommended for a long-stay.

Location: Hotel Mille Collines, Avenue de la République, Kiyovu. Tel: + 250 576 530

Value for Money: *

Name: One Love

Reputation: The coolest place in Kigali

Impressions: A brilliant place to go as a group but sometimes a bit quiet. Usually live reggae music or even cheesy pop but watch out for the strobe lighting, it can get a bit intense. Prices are the higher side of average but remember that the money you spend gets ploughed into a workshop making prosthetic limbs for disabled people. A really nice initiative. Relaxed garden seating area and good food.

Location: Ave des Poids Lourds. Tel: +250 575 412

Value for Money: * * * * *

The copyright of the article Kicking it in Kigali! in Sub-Sahara Africa Travel is owned by Marion Grace Woolley. Permission to republish Kicking it in Kigali! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.