Top Markets for Souvenirs in Rwanda
Top Markets for Souvenirs in Rwanda: Rwanda also famously referred to as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ is endowed with natural and cultural sights. Beautiful outdoors, beautiful animals, and beautiful people provide every sort of experience one can imagine. Not only the gorilla trekking as well as nature safaris remain to be on the list but the local Rwandan markets are spiritually stimulating. In this article, we explore some of the most important markets where travelers can get a taste of the country’s art, craft, and cuisine.
- Kimironko Market, Kigali
Said to be situated in one of the most shag-carpeted residential center points of Kigali, Kimironko Market is a shopper’s paradise. It also stocks a wide range of locally produced goods, which are generally traditional clothing and textiles, carved wooden figurines, and masks respectively. The market is always lively, which can prove even more engaging when considering the local cultural offers and shopping at the markets, where bargaining wins. Food enthusiasts know that Kimironko Market is also the area to shop for Rwanda’s native cuisine, such as the igivore, a doughy concoction made from dried cassava and plantain.
- Nyamata Market, Kigali
Nyamata Market is a colorful place filled with the smell, sound, and sight of the Rwandese lifestyle. It is a great and busy local market that provides a choice of unusual gift souvenirs. Artifacts that can be seen and purchased include baskets that are beautifully made from small strips of palms, intricate beads, and vividly colored clothes, ‘Ngomas’. Do not leave without tasting seasonal fruits such as passion fruits and mangoes that are in plenty in the surrounding region. Nyamata Market of Rwanda is ideal for vendors who are searching for real Rwandan handicrafts or souvenirs.
- Gikondo Artisan Village in Kigali city.
Gikondo Artisan Village is a unique social enterprise made to provide local artisans with a platform to market their products. This beautiful village has different artists at work involved in different activities such as painting, sculpting, and pottery making among others. Here guests get an opportunity to see the process of production of the souvenirs as well as interact with the artists concerning the procedures they used and the ideas behind them. During my tour at Gikondo Artisan Village, there were many items available for sale at reasonable prices; these are ceramic bowls, beaded jewelry, and embroidered textiles.
- Caplaki Cultural village in Kigali.
Culturally, travelers should consider a stop-over at Caplaki Cultural Village to gain the best impression of Rwandese culture. There is Caplaki, the handicraft center apparel in traditional Rwandan houses that aims at educating the people about the history, culture, and other aspects of Rwanda. The village also has various craft centers comprising wood, clay, and fiber where various products such as baskets, carvings, and beads are manufactured. Caplaki is also a perfect place for musical and dancing shows of Rwandese dance.
- Musanze Market, Ruhengeri
Perched close to the group of volcanoes in the hg region of Rwanda, Musanze or Ruhengeri Market is another attractive market where most farmers and traders in the area offer their produce for sale. Its numerous consumers can buy clothing accessories and jewelry,raqs and other ornaments, emphal and kripl, and food crops such as coffee and tea among others. Musanze Market is a great place to go for cheaper trinkets that benefit the community. You should look for traditional Rwandan baskets made of natural fibers and beautiful Rwandan tea varieties to buy and enjoy later.
Conclusion
Rwanda is literally a shopper’s paradise especially the local crafts because besides the regular market, there are numerous opportunities to grab one. The markets of Rwanda – selling everything from colorful fabrics and beautifully carved sculptures to genuinely Rwandan souvenirs such as handmade crafts- are an avid part of the cultural destination. Therefore, the next time you stand in front of a Rwanda map planning on where to shop, do not forget to visit these best markets and take home a souvenir to remind you of your Rwanda tour.
