The only thing you’ll find in Gacuriro are cookie cutter houses and grand palace-looking residences. They are all perched on the hill rising up behind Nyarutarama, and have absolutely amazing views over most of the city. Because it’s so far from town, you really can find top-modern houses here for a pretty decent rent. It’s fairly hilly, but still nice to go for a run (or roller-skating) on the perfectly smooth pavement.
Woodlands is the nearest supermarket to the area and the MTN Centre with La Gallette isn’t too far down the road, so there are some good shopping options. The golf course is close as is the Manor Hotel (with pool and a gym) so there are are few options for sporty types. There are some good running spots around as well.
It’s close to Nyarutarama with some good restaurants so you can live quite comfortably here in a sterilized bubble without ever having to go anywhere else. Which is exactly what you came to Kigali for, I’m sure.
I live in Gacuriro and I think it’s great. The house is reasonably new and comfortable, you are away from the hustle and bustle but at the same time only 15 minutes drive from the centre of town. I have a ten minute commute to work and yes the views are stunning. We really do think we made the right choice when we decided to live in Gacuriro.
I live in Gacuriro too, and also quite like it. Hey, it may not have the hustle and bustle of being right in the middle of town, but it is great to get home and actually feel like you’re in a rural space…I have adopted a puppy and he loves to scamper across the road to play with the cows in the maize field. And as Simon says, it IS only 15 minutes from town. And I don’t find it inhibitive to enjoying the restaurants and cafes at all.
I lived in JHB where you could spend a LOT of time commuting to and from work….so what a pleasure this is!
Hi Simon and Sam
What kind of people live there? We of course are looking for the impossible combination: Would like some expats with kids, so our son will find friends – while also wanting to integrate with rwandans
Want the quiet of the countryside – while also the conveniences of the city (on this point, Gaciriro might actually do the job).
I will be doing research on Rwandans returning from the diaspora, so perhaps this kind of new, middle-class suburb is the right place to start?
Hi, there are kids…but I wouldn’t know about whether they play outside or not since I work all day..but I believe that they will find friends…at school or elsewhere. People won’t approach you…they are too polite and reserved. You need to approach them, but once you do you will find them open and friendly and I have no doubt that they’ll be fine.
I think the way to integrate is the way the Rwandans do it…make friends..invite them to dinner…have them introduce you around…..I find that works well.
And if all fails…I can be your friend too. Ha ha.
Regards
Sam
Dear all,
I have recently moved into Gacurio from Rusizi District and find this area quite small and pact compared to rural areas in Rusizi/Nyamasheke Districts. My dog used to have a huge garden three times bigger than the one here but now he needs to adjust himself to a very small garden…I don’t know people in the neighborhood but would like to make some friends other than my work colleagues who live in the same area. Can anyone suggest something for me? Is there any Expat community here?
Thanks in advance for the info
Hi SM,
I have been living in Gacuriro for about 5 months now, but if there is an expat community I don’t know about it. I know a lot of expats LIVE there,,,but they keep to themselves mostly. I am a South African and since my friend left in Feb…it has been a little quiet.
My dog is frustrated with the space too. He has so far made a bid to snoop around the neighbourhood by chewing through the gate. He has chewed through my dstv cable, my earpiece to my cellphone, the cable to my netbook and on occasion tried to chew through me too. Everyone in the neighbourhood knows him…since i can hear them talk to him by name….probably from my yelling after him to ”Get back here”
Regards Sam
how far is gacuriro from the amaharo national stadium? i am coming for an ainternational tennis tournament and might be renting an apartment in this area for 10 days. would really appreciate any input. thanks
Hey Amrit,
Nowhere is really far in Kigali and Gacuriro is sort of over on that side of town. So it’s a good spot for you.
I’ve never actually been up to Gacuriro so I’m not sure how hard it is to get motos or taxis there. Although if you have a car it’s not an issue.
I live in Gaculiro or Gacuriro depending on the time of day. It is an area where a lot construction is going on, but the houses are new and of good quality. I am impressed by the Woodlands Grocery Store. The only thing that they are missing is fresh meat. Their vegetables/fruits are better than most stores.
Motos or taxis are available at the Woodlands/gas station. I wouldn’t say that it is close to Amahoro, but it isn’t far either.