Kigali Genocide Memorial
Visitors should not miss this well-conceived tribute to victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, in which an estimated 1 million people were killed in just 100 days. Outside, a terraced series of mass graves entombs some 250,000 victims. Inside, an informative exhibition walks visitors through pre-colonial Rwanda, the historical lead-up to the genocide and the global community's faltering response. A display of skulls and bones alongside personal effects personifies the tragedy. The "Wasted Lives" exhibition explores mankind's capacity for cruelty with a display on genocides from around the world. The exhibition ends with large black-and-white photos of child genocide victims, ranging from 8 months to 17 years. Each picture is accompanied by a placard listing the child's favorite foods and activities and his or her final moments. There is no entrance fee, but donations are encouraged. For $15, visitors can hire a thought-provoking audio guide that allows you to process this solemn experience at your own pace. The ubumuntu package includes a rose which you are invited to lay at the burial site.
