30
Aug, 2023

Former Miss France Alicia Aylies arrived in Kigali

Alicia Aylies participated in a beauty pageant in France and won the crown of the country’s champion in 2017 in Kigali.

The reliable information is that this girl arrived at Kigali Airport in the morning of August 30, 2023. So far it is not known why this girl is in Rwanda.

25-year-old Alicia Aylies combines singing and modeling. She rose to fame in 2017 when she won the Miss France crown, after winning Miss French Guiana.In 2017, she also participated in the Miss Universe pageant but was unable to win the crown.

It was in 2021 that Alicia Aylies, who had decided to enter music, released her first song called ‘Mojo’. This girl who is known as a model so far has two songs because after that she released another one called ‘Abuser’.

In December 2022 this girl revealed that she was pregnant, in April this year she gave birth to her first child.

Source: IGIHE

27
Aug, 2023

RDB Highlights Rwanda’s Advantages as Host of Trace Music Awards

The National Development Agency, RDB, has announced that the fact that Rwanda is going to host the Trace Awards and Festival, is a great opportunity for tourism, but it will also be a platform to promote the arts. Rwanda’s National Development Agency, RDB, has announced that Rwanda is going to host the Trance Awards and Festival, which is a great opportunity for tourism, but it will also be a platform for promoting Rwandan art in general.

It was announced by the Director of the Department of Tourism and Conservation of National Parks in this regard, Ariella Kageruka, on the evening of August 25, 2023. During the celebration, the Rwandan artists who were selected for the competition were presented. Awards include Bruce Melodie, Beauty, Chris Eazy, Kenny Sol and Ariel Wayz.

The event was attended by executives from RDB, Trace East Africa Regional Director, Daniel Muchira, various artistes, music producers, journalists and others.

The Trace Awards will be presented on October 21, 2023, in an event that will bring together famous African artists, leaders in the fields related to music development and others.

The two-day event will not only be an award ceremony but also a festival, where artists will showcase their work, and exchange ideas between decision-makers and activists for the development of African music. more.

Kageruka said that this is a special opportunity for the Trace Awards and Festival to be held in Rwanda.

“It is a great opportunity for the country and Rwandans and especially for our artists. It is a good platform for them to promote their art but also this event because it covers the entire African continent, which is an opportunity for all Africans.” She said

“It is an opportunity for this event to come to Rwanda, it is an opportunity for tourism and the fact that we can use this platform to promote our country.”

Kageruka says that the private sector and artists in general help promote Rwanda’s tourism, so Trace Awards Festival will help in that line.

It didn’t happen by accident

Rwanda as a country has long started to turn its attention to tourism based on hosting conferences or sports and entertainment activities, MICE [Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions].

It is something that has put Rwanda in the third place as a country and the city of Kigali which is in the second place as the place that hosts the most conferences in Africa.

The latest figures from RDB, show that in terms of receiving meetings and other activities (MICE), the resulting income in 2022 reached $62.4 million.

It was the proceeds from hosting 104 events attended by over 35,000 people.

Kageruka said, “The Trace Awards Festival as an event coming to Rwanda, is in line with our goal of hosting meetings, exhibitions and entertainment events, you know that we have been hosting many meetings for a long time.”

“The fact that Trace has chosen Rwanda is not accidental, there has been to see the progress we have made in tourism based on conferences and events like the Trace Awards and Festival.”

He continued, “It’s a good thing, but it doesn’t happen automatically, it goes with government investment and the willingness of the government to work with the private sector because this is an opportunity for the private sector because if the private sector doesn’t see it, we won’t be able to get the results we want in the national economy.”

“The fact that Trace has chosen Rwanda is not accidental, there has been to see the progress we have made in tourism based on conferences and events like the Trace Awards and Festival.”

He continued, “It’s a good thing, but it doesn’t happen automatically, it goes with government investment and the willingness of the government to work with the private sector because this is an opportunity for the private sector because if the private sector doesn’t see it, we won’t be able to get the results we want in the national economy.”

Kageruka asked Rwandans to make Rwanda aware of the opportunity Rwanda had to host the award ceremony, so that it is possible that this event will be repeated next year.

The Trace Awards and Festival will be held live in the BK Arena with a crowd of 500 million people from 190 countries who will be watching the event on Trace Television.


27
Aug, 2023
bayern munich new partner of visit rwanda

Bayern Munich new partner of Visit Rwanda campaign

The Rwandan government has signed a partnership agreement with Bayern Munich from Germany. It is a five-year agreement aimed at promoting Rwandan tourism and showing what is being done in Rwanda.

It is after the Arsenal Fc team in England and Paris Saint Germain of France signed an agreement with Rwanda to promote it abroad.

According to sources, the partnership agreement between Rwanda and FC Bayern Munich was signed on August 15, 2023 between the National Development Agency (RDB) and Bayern Munich, and will last for 5 years.

It is an agreement to promote Rwanda that worth 25 million euros, which is 30 billion Rwandan.

Bayern Munich will be promoting Visit Rwanda in its Allianza Arena, which will host more than 70,000 people.

For every match Bayern Munich hosts at the Allianza Arena, there will be billboards with the words Visit Rwanda.

Apart from that, the agreement RDB made with Bayern Munich includes that the club will work with the Ministry of Sports and the Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA).

A football training school will be opened for young girls and boys and training for coaches will be organized in Rwanda.

This agreement will help Rwanda in its development strategy by strengthening tourism and domestic activities.

FC Bayern Munich is one of the five teams to have won three major European championships (UEFA) and is the only German team to do so.

27
Aug, 2023

“Essential Advice for Rwanda’s Newcomers”

Cities are like people – you need to know how to tickle them the right way in order to get the most out of them. If you are visiting Kigali for the first time, there is no point wasting time figuring out the nooks and crannies of the city on your own: educate yourself with this short list of the essential tips and you should be good to go!

Hello Muzungu!
First of all, you need to know what the meaning of ‘muzungu’ is, as you will mostly hear it here and there. People will say ‘muzungu’ after you to point out – in case you were unsure – that you in fact are white, and that your hair is straight and light. I guess a reminder once in a while isn’t too bad, and most of the time people mean no harm when calling you this, especially young children outside Kigali who, amazingly enough, still manage to be ecstatic every time a white person walks by.

April
No expat Rwanda is unfamiliar with the genocide, and many already know that April 7 is the national genocide Memorial Day. What you might not know, however, is that for the entire week of 07th April – 14th April, the country shuts down. Restaurants, bars and radio stations are not allowed to play music (apart from the traditional Rwandan mourning songs), and there is a general somber atmosphere throughout the country. There will be commemoration walks through Kigali, as well as several assemblies with speakers from the government. April is an interesting, but bitterly sad time to visit Rwanda, and though people living here for a longer period of time should part-take in at least one memorial event, this really is not a time for party-crazed tourists to visit.

Umuganda
On the last Saturday of each month, every Rwandan citizen is obliged to participate in a communal clean-up! If you want to participate, feel free to, if not, non-citizens aren’t really expected to. Though you might not want to take part, however, you do need to be aware that the roads, coffee shops, grocery stores, and other businesses are closed from 07 am until 11 am. To be honest, the only thing you can do is sleep in. Fridays before Umuganda are obviously extra crazy!

Don’t Litter, Don’t Walk on the Grass
Though you will see beautiful, lush, green grass all over Kigali, you aren’t welcome to sit or walk on it. It’s also prohibited to litter anywhere in the city; there are public dustbins placed in various locations for people to dispose their waste responsibly.

Tipping
…is not really required in Rwanda but has become more and more normal as Kigali continues to experience rapid development. You should leave a little tip – from Rwf 1000 to Rwf 5,000. You don’t tip taxi- or moto drivers (unless they use a fare meter), as these don’t have set prices to start with, and whatever you haggle the price down to is what you end up paying. For hotels, you could leave some tip in an envelope for the cleaning staff.

Mobile Money
Perhaps the first thing you should do when you get in Rwanda is buy an MTN line and opt in for Mobile Money. Kigali is quickly transitioning into a cashless city, and MTN Mobile Money, commonly known as MOMO, is used by everyone to quickly transact money. All restaurants, hotels, hospitals, supermarkets, and many shops have a code you pay through at no cost to you. You don’t really need to walk around with cash.

Story by LivinginKigali

24
Aug, 2023

“Unveiling Kigali’s Enchanting Nightlife Romance”

So, you’re in Kigali and you’re thinking, “Date nights here are a bit… predictable?” If your idea of a great date night out is just dinner or drinks, well, this blog might just flip your dating game upside down and give it a good shake.

Let’s start by agreeing that the best dates kick off from 5 pm onwards. Kigali evenings are like a warm embrace, and trust me, the magic happens when the sun goes down. And here’s the cool thing about this city – everything’s close by, so hopping from place to place is a breeze.

Dinner – Outdoor Movie – Walk Date

Imagine this: it’s a Tuesday evening around 5 pm. You’re at either Heaven Restaurant or the recently opened Le Petit Chalet. These places ooze romance straight out of a movie scene. Elegant decor, cozy atmosphere, and a menu that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Trust me, Le Petit Chalet in Kacyiru is worth every penny for its French cuisine and tranquil setting, especially on a rainy day.

After a delightful dinner experience, make your way to Kimihurura’s Lavana for a 7:30 pm outdoor movie (provided it’s Tuesday). Be sure to peek at their Instagram during the weekend for the movie lineup. Technically, it’s not “outdoor” per se, but it ain’t a cinema either. And guess what? Free popcorn, tacos, and drinks from the bar – all while snuggled up with your date.

Romance in Kigali: A Guide to Date Night

As the credits roll around 9 pm, take a leisurely 30-minute walk through the charming streets of Kimihurura. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the movie and enjoy some intimate moments. Trust me, after five hours together, it’s the cherry on top of a fantastic evening.

Art Gallery– Drinks & Pizza – Ice Cream Date
Up for an active date? Start by immersing yourselves in art at the galleries in Kacyiru. You might even want to explore two if time allows. Art sparks conversation, and it’s a great way to connect on a deeper level.

At Niyo Arts Center

Once you’ve soaked in some culture, head to Kabana for mouthwatering pizza and a couple of drinks. It’s my go-to pizza joint, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed. From there, a short walk to Kigali Heights for ice cream is a must. It’s a sweet way to end the evening, savoring delightful flavors and each other’s company.

Sunset – Dinner – Movie Date

Dreamy Date for Romantics. If you’re a sucker for dreamy moments and sweeping views, here’s a date idea that’s pure magic. Imagine perched atop Rebero, a hill in Kigali that gifts you panoramic views of the sun bidding adieu. There is plenty of empty space waiting for construction, and relatively quiet. Share a bottle of wine as the sky transforms into a canvas of hues – it’s a scene straight out of a fairytale.

If you’d rather not try those empty spaces, go to the Sawa Citi building; it has small restaurant with outside sitting that will give you the same views.

View from Rebero

From there, it’s off to CanalOlympia for a movie, continuing the enchantment. But the best is yet to come: wrap up your night with dinner at the 1000 Hills Distillery. You’ve been there? It’s a good spot. I love walking around Rebero, but it’s a hill folks, and you don’t want to be sweating around your date. So, get a car to move around.

Nyamirambo Date

Funny thing – despite being born, raised, and still living in Nyamirambo, I’ve never experienced a date here. But if you’re seeking something unique and vibrant, Nyamirambo is calling. It’s laid-back, packed with character, and offers a different side of Kigali. Just a heads-up – walking is your best friend here, so finding somewhere safe to park or leaving the car behind is a smart move.

To be honest though, there aren’t many activities to do here unless you count going all the way to Fazenda, which I don’t. There is also the Women’s Center – a spot that every expat I know always wants to go to. So, you might wanna check it out with your date and buy a little something from there.

Romance in Kigali: A Guide to Date Night

Nyamirambo also boasts small, cozy spots (that can get very hot though) in Biryogo and around Cosmos for some coffee, and some light food. But as the sun sets, head to the car-free zone for local flavors that start quiet and turn into a vibrant feast for the senses. From street food to the chance to introduce your date to local beer, this spot is a culinary adventure. Nyamirambo’s distinct charm is waiting to be explored – it’s time to walk, talk, and embrace the lively spirit of this neighborhood.

Beyond the Guide
Now, let’s talk about bonus tips. There are so many date ideas that I can’t possibly fit them all into one blog post. How about a hike up Mount Kigali, an artsy session at Azizi Life Studio, trying your hand at ceramics at Laini, or watching cranes at Umusambi Village?

There is also lake Kivu outside Kigali, but you will surely love the trip to Gisenyi. Take in the breathtaking views of rolling hills and lush forests surrounding the lake on a romantic sunset boat ride. Enjoy a glass of wine and relax on the deck of a traditional wooden boat while watching the sun dip below the horizon.

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