Visiting the genocide memorial sites in Rwanda allows you to have a deep understanding of what took place during the 1994 genocide in the dubbed Land of a Thousand Hills- Rwanda. Several genocide memorial centers exist throughout Rwanda and they are reconnection centers for the survivors and their beloved ones. Every year, victims of the terrific 1994 Rwanda genocide are remembered particularly in April.
The Rwanda genocide 1994 was one of the horrific wars in the world’s history where over 800,000 people were murdered in a space of 100 days. The civil war between the Tutsis and Hut began in April and the genocide memorial sites have exhibits of their remains, personal belongings, photographs, etc.
The Top Genocide Memorial Sites in Rwanda
Kigali genocide memorial site
Set 10 minutes’ drive from Kigali, Kigali genocide memorial site is one of the amazing Rwanda genocide memorial centers to expect to visit on city trip. It is located in Gisozi and it welcomes visitors throughout the week. Kigali memorial site is a resting place for the 250,000 victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. At the memorial center, visitors can come across various exhibits including skulls of survivors, belongings, photographs, reconciliation efforts, description or history of the genocide. There are also gardens and mass graves where survivors and their beloved ones reconnect.
Murambi memorial site
Located on the former Murambi technical school just adjacent to Murambi Town, Murambi genocide memorial center is another area of interest for visitors on Rwanda genocide tour. It was at Murambi where the Tutsis were advised to hide from with no food and unfortunately, the Hutu militia attacked them. The former classrooms now act as exhibition rooms.
Nyamata memorial site
Over 25000 victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide were laid to rest to this site. Located 30kms from Kigali, Nyamata memorial site is set in Bugesera and it is one of the sites that give deep insight into the dark history of Rwanda. The Tutsis gathered at Nyamata church then for safety, but to their surprise, the Hutu militias forced themselves in and killed several of them.
Nyanza genocide memorial center
Situated on the grounds of Ecole technique Officielle Kicukiro district, Rwanda, The Nyanza genocide memorial center is resting place of over 10,000 Rwanda genocide victims. They were left by the Belgian UN peacekeeping forces when the genocide intensified.
Ntarama genocide memorial site
Located in Bugesera about 1 hour’s drive from Kigali, Ntarama memorial site is one of the amazing historical sites worth visiting to explore more about what took place during the Rwanda genocide. Over 5000 victims of Rwanda genocide were laid to rest here and this was once a catholic church. They gathered here with mind that churches are safe places but they were left in shock when the Hutu militias broke into the area.
Bisesero memorial site
Accessible 60kms from Kibuye, Bisesero memorial center or site is the resting place of 40,000 victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. The site tells a true story of the Tutsis who resisted against the Hutu using stones and sticks.
Nyarubuye genocide memorial center
Found 140kms from Kigali, Nyarubuye memorial center is burial site of 2000 victims of Rwanda genocide. The site tells a story of the then Mayor of the district here who distributed arms and encouraged Hutus to rape and murder the Tutsis.
Visits to the genocide memorial sites in Rwanda can be incorporated with other Rwanda safari activities such as gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe, game viewing in Akagera National Park, primate safaris in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
