Get the Best of Kigali in 24 Hours, Kigali, Rwanda

The truth: Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city is often just a stopover point for tourists visiting Virunga National Park to track gorillas or those heading towards Gisenyi or branching off towards Akagera National Park.

The reality: Kigali with its wide, tree-lined streets, has a lot to offer in terms of history and culture and besides being surprisingly clean and charming, Kigali is a delightful blend of French and African influence and can easily satisfy the foodie, the history buff or a mere passerby.

8.am: Start with a hearty breakfast (with a view of course) at Java House, Kigali Heights overlooking the African-inspired Convention Centre, the colourful Radisson Blu and the fountain. The cafe opens early (7 am) and does a great breakfast.

9 am: Head out to the famous Kimironko Market and watch the entire city converge in this bustling market looking for locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, spices and pulses, bargaining Franc by Franc to be had. Stock up on fresh fruits for the day here, at bargain prices or simply watch how transactions take place here. The Kimironko Market (covered market) is the largest in Kigali and there is not a thing you cannot find here. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).