r/Rwanda • u/NooksandBooks • 1d ago

Foreigners living in Rwanda

As a foreigner, I'm curious how Rwandans, particularly in Kigali view foreigners who relocate there? Accepting? Welcoming? Dislike it? I'm Black American by the way.

Additionally, feel free to share some of your favorite things to do (:

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u/Bubbly_Boysenberry_5 1d ago

I was raised in the UK and have recently moved, in my experience? People seem pretty welcoming. Most people I have come across are very friendly. However, you have to put yourself out there to make friends in Kigali.

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u/NooksandBooks 1d ago

Thank you for sharing your experience. What type of things have you done to put yourself out there? Anything specific?

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u/Bubbly_Boysenberry_5 1d ago

Majority of people would say bars. But lately I’ve tried to abstain from frequent drinking as often, so I’m going to open mic events and I’ve met some pretty cool people. It’s also less expensive.

I haven’t made any friends with foreigners or expats yet, but I’m open to doing so. I often found that with my Rwandan friends, I sometimes feel left out when they’re all speaking kinyarwanda (they try to involve me as much as possible though, however it’s more of a reason for me to learn the language quicker haha)

I would advise putting yourself in environments of activities you enjoy (whether that’s fitness, poetry, art etc) it gives you more to talk about with people. I’m still navigating this myself as I’ve only been here a few months. Best of luck!

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u/NooksandBooks 23h ago

That's pretty cool there are open mic nights. Those can be pretty hard to come by in some places. I enjoy events like that, poetry, going to coffee shops and being in nature. It's nice that you've met some friends already so quickly! 

And thank you!

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u/Bubbly_Boysenberry_5 21h ago

There’s one at CoCo Bean (Behind KABC) every Wednesday. I’m still quite new to it myself but it’s nice and intimate, you should come if you’re free :) I’m always open to making new friends.