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| Country Guide > Africa > Rwanda |
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Social Profile Food & Drink Hotels generally serve a reasonable choice of European dishes, while there are Chinese, Greek, Indian, Italian and Middle Eastern restaurants. Some restaurants also serve Franco-Belgian cuisine and African dishes. A fairly good selection of beers, spirits and wines is available. Beer is also brewed locally. Nightlife Apart from the many small bars, there is little in the way of nightlife. There are a few cinemas in Kigali. The Rwanda National Ballet is famous for its traditional dancing and singing and can be seen either at national ceremonies or sometimes on request in the villages. There are now several nightclubs, with African, Congolese and Western music; there are also some live music bars with food and dancing available. The French Cultural Centre runs a variety of activities. Shopping Special purchases include woven baskets with pointed lids, native clay statuettes, masks and charms. Do not buy souvenir gorilla skulls or hands; if they are offered, report the trader to the police. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1300 and 1400-1730, Sat 0830-1230. Special Events Rwanda celebrates Easter, Christmas and New Year, along with Democracy Day, Republic Day and Culture Day (see Public Holidays section for dates). Social Conventions The traditional way of life is based on agriculture and cattle. The Rwandans settle in the fertile areas, but they do not form villages, each family being surrounded by its own fields. The majority of the population belong to the Hutu tribe. There is a significant Tutsi minority (15 per cent) and a smaller minority of Twa, a mixed race of traditional potters and hunters and said to be the country’s first inhabitants. Normal social courtesies apply. Tipping: 10 per cent is normal. |