Enquire about a trip
Our travellers
Destinations
Travel inspiration
About us
Inquire about a trip!
Partner with us Your Impact Contact Dutch English
Enquire about a trip

Genocide Memorials

Rwanda has a very intense history, and not all that long ago. Everywhere in Rwanda, you’ll still notice the country has had its struggles. When visiting, there are certain places you shouldn’t miss.

History of Rwanda

Everyone is familiar with Rwanda’s intense history, the brutal 100-day genocide that tore the country apart in 1994. Our Joost wrote a piece on the 25th anniversary of the tragedy.

Throughout the country, there are memorial sites to remember this dark period. The most well-known is in Kigali, where a Memorial Centre has been established—a place where people can reflect and learn. Survivors of the genocide come to honour their family members and friends, while visitors come to learn about the atrocities that took place in the country. In the adjoining museum, you hear the stories of survival, see images of those who didn’t survive, and truly understand the profound impact the genocide had on everyone.

Genocide Memorials

But there are several other places with Genocide memorials—27 in total, with 6 even being nationally managed. These are spread across Rwanda, but the most well-known or perhaps the most powerful are in Nyamata, Ntarama, Nyarubuye, and Murambi. In these churches and former schools, you can still see many of the victims’ remains. In the Nyarubuye Catholic Church, many Tutsis sought refuge, but the perpetrators quickly figured out how to throw grenades into the church. Most of the bodies here have been buried, but you’ll still find piles of bones, skulls, and clothing scattered around.

Nyamata Church

This is nothing compared to the Nyamata Church, where the altar is still stained with blood and the victims' clothing remains on the pews. Behind the church, more than 45,000 bodies lie in a mass grave, but in the basement, you can still see skulls beneath the fluorescent lighting. It’s considered a necessary reminder, as this way we cannot deny the genocide. And we continue to remember what happened, ensuring that it never happens again. And that is also the motto of the genocide memorials: "Never again."

Despite the heavy topic—or perhaps precisely because of it—it is definitely worth visiting if you are in Rwanda.

Unique & Authentic Experiences

Come with us to the authentic sides of Africa. That means authentic connections with local people and keeping a curious eye for the unknown.

View all unique experiences
Kenya

Kenya Mighty Nature, the Big Five, and vibrant kenyan tribes

Kenya is for the traveler who wants to experience it all. Enjoy motorcycle adventures in Magadi, spot zebras from the back of a horse, or climb the rock walls of Mount Kenya.

Discover Kenya
Uganda

Tarzan jungles, green cityscapes and mountain gorillas

From gorilla trekking to a motorbike ride past temples and mosques in green Kampala. Uganda has been crowned the Pearl of Africa for a reason. Ready to discover it for yourself?

Discover Uganda
Botswana

Salt pans, mokoro boat trips and endless savannahs

Safari paradise with a slightly more luxurious edge. Explore the Okovango Delta in a boat made of a hollowed-out tree trunk, spot the big five from the air (!) and come face to face with rhinos.

Discover Botswana

1. Africa is our home

We know it from the farthest corners, and that results in amazing trips. We put them together by venturing out there ourselves. Believe us, you won't find these experiences anywhere else!

2. Local experiences

That means you'll visit local people in their villages and communities. Hike with the Masai, cook with your host family in a homestay, and cast a line with traditional fishermen.

3. You decide

So, what are you in the mood for? We'll custom-tailor the entire trip to your wishes. And you can count on us along the way, even in the middle of the night.

4. Travel responsibly

While you enjoy your dream trip, you'll be contributing to the development of local communities, economies, and the environment. That feels good!

Our travellers

Destinations

Information

Want to receive our newsletter?

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow us

Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube

Collaborating with

amref
just-digit

Copyright © Charlies Travels 2024