You will find the Kigali Genocide Memorial located in Gisozi, just outside central Kigali. This international memorial centre serves as a permanent tribute to those who perished in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, providing a solemn final resting place where over 250,000 victims are interred in mass graves. Visiting offers you an essential, deeply moving space to reflect and understand the history leading up to the tragic events.
Inside, the facility features three permanent upstairs exhibitions designed to engage and challenge visitors. You can explore the largest exhibit documenting the 1994 genocide and Rwanda's divisive colonial history, visit a poignant children’s memorial featuring life-sized photos, favorite toys, and personal details, and view an exhibition contextualizing global genocidal violence. Unlike other international historic sites, the displays include actual human remains alongside tools and weapons used in the destruction.
As your visit progresses, moving survivor video testimonies, documentation of the local Gacaca courts, and details on international justice efforts deliver a powerful educational experience. Managed by the Aegis Trust, the site also includes quiet Memorial Gardens, an Education Centre, and a National Documentation Centre to honor the fallen while educating future generations.
What to see at Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Mass graves containing the remains of over 250,000 genocide victims
- Children's memorial displaying life-sized photos, toys, and personal details
- Upstairs permanent exhibitions covering Rwandan history and global genocides
- Quiet Memorial Gardens, Education Centre, and Documentation Centre
- Audio tour featuring moving survivor video testimonies and judicial history
Visiting tips
Consider taking the US$15 informative audio tour to gain deep context on Rwanda's colonial history and hear moving video testimonies from survivors.
How long: Half day · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Kigali Genocide Memorial is easy to reach on Kigali’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Kigali travel guide.
See the full Kigali travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.