fbpx

Go Backpacking

Round the World Travel Guide

Photo Essay: Welcome to Hotel Rwanda

By

In 1994, during the 3-month campaign of genocide in Rwanda, tens of thousands of people sought refuge in churches and hotels around the country.  In the capital city of Kigali, up to a thousand of those people were at the Hotel Des Mille Collines.

The story of the hotel, and the manager at that time, Paul Rusesabagina, formed the basis for the popular movie “Hotel Rwanda” starring Don Cheadle.

Hotel Des Mille Collines (Hotel of a Thousand Hills)
Hotel Des Mille Collines (Hotel of a Thousand Hills)
The hotel lobby.
The hotel lobby.
Inside one of the guest rooms.
Inside one of the guest rooms.
The poolside dining area. Kristin Luna and William, our driver, are sitting to the left.
The poolside dining area. Kristin Luna and William, our driver, are sitting to the left.
Avocados are a popular starter (appetizer) in Rwanda.
Avocados are a popular starter (appetizer) in Rwanda.
Post-lunch tweeting on my BlackBerry Curve.
Post-lunch tweeting on my BlackBerry Curve.

The Rwandan Franc features images of the endangered mountain gorilla.
The Rwandan Franc features images of the endangered mountain gorilla.
The outdoor bar is a popular happy hour spot for tourists and expats in Kigali.
The outdoor bar is a popular happy hour spot for tourists and expats in Kigali.

Last Updated on

About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking. For more of his adventures, follow him on Instagram or Twitter.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Dave says

    May 17, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    Yes, the Nyungwe Lodge was the most luxurious accommodation I've ever experienced as an independent traveler.

  3. Dave says

    May 17, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    Yes, the Nyungwe Lodge was the most luxurious accommodation I've ever experienced as an independent traveler.

  4. Costa Rica hotels says

    October 30, 2010 at 6:30 am

    Hotels Jodhpur, Budget Hotels Jodhpur, Economy Hotel Jodhpur, Cheap Accommodation Jodhpur, Hotels Jodhpur, Jodhpur Hotel Reservations, Jodhpur Luxury Hotels, Book Jodhpur Hotel Online, Cheap Hotel Jodhpur

  8. Marble Floor Polishing says

    March 16, 2011 at 5:51 am

    I read your post. It is very Interesting. And i am Sure its very Benificial for me.

  13. Bobbi Lee Hitchon says

    October 14, 2011 at 12:28 am

    It’s still operating? I guess life has to go on and all of Rawanda was really affected by the tragedy. Interesting post.

    • Dave says

      October 15, 2011 at 6:34 pm

      Yes, it’s one of the nicest hotels in Kigali. I’m sure it took some time to clean it up and/or rennovate, but you’d never know now.

shares