Hey Reader,

May is officially my final chill month before the summer travel madness kicks in. So this month I’m trying to take full advantage of everything Kigali has to offer.

This past Sunday was Car Free Day in Kigali. Honestly, I’ve only ever made it to one before because that 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM window usually feels a bit too early for me. But a friend and I made a point to get up early this time, and we ended up clocking 9km just wandering around!

It’s such a cool community experience. Beyond the main streets being blocked off for runners, bikers, and skaters, the city hosts fitness classes and health checkups. Just as we were heading to Kivu Noir for our favorite raspberry matchas, we even spotted some talented bike enthusiasts performing tricks!

Later, in June, I have friends from DC coming to visit me, and I'm so excited to show them around Rwanda. It's going to be action-packed (even though we didn't pick the no-sleep itinerary option). Later in June, I'll meet up with friends in London and see my sister in Turkey!

What to bring home from Rwanda?

That was the question I didn't have a blog post for when my friend Ursula was in town. While I’ve written about shopping in Kigali, I hadn't yet shared a curated list of the unique items you should actually buy as gifts.

Rwanda Gift Guide ​Read more...​

Together, we brainstormed, and I’ve put it all together. If you need inspiration for your next trip home, check it out. I’m sharing everything from Kandaka soaps and hot sauces to pottery and coffee that always make it into my luggage for friends and family overseas.

I also experimented with AI (thanks, Claude) to come up with a quiz that will help you decide what to buy!

p.s. my Joburg gift guide is still my go-to for South Africa.

Road Trip Stop: Musanze to Gisenyi

If you’re driving between Musanze and Gisenyi anytime soon, there are two stops I highly recommend to break up the trip.

1. Pfunda Tea Factory: If you recognize the Silverback Tea brand from shops around Rwanda, this is where it all begins. It’s a great addition to any itinerary; the factory is open every day except Monday. You can just show up, but I’d suggest booking in advance with Fabian (+250788507022), the official factory guide.

• Tour length: 40 minutes to an hour.
• Cost: $15 or 25,000 RWF (Cash or MoMo).
• Location: 15 mins from Gisenyi / 1 hr 15 mins from Musanze.

2. Ecole D’Arts De Nyundo: Keep an eye out for this school along the NR2 highway. It is a fantastic glimpse into the future of Rwanda’s creative scene. Founded in 1956, the school currently hosts 260 students who balance intensive art classes with their standard subjects.

The campus is incredibly colorful and lively; the walls themselves are a canvas! One of my favorite traditions is seeing the graffiti pieces left behind by graduating students. Make sure to stop by the on-site shop to support these young artists. I walked away with a handcrafted mask, and Ursula found a beautiful wooden bird tray.

A sneak peek of everywhere we stayed in Djibouti is up on the blog. If you're interested in planning a vacation there, I recommend going in December, when the weather is cooler.

My favorite campsite in Djibouti ​Read more...​

I’ve been spending a lot of time showing friends around Kigali's art galleries lately. It's one of my favorite ways to explore the city. A few weeks ago, I asked on Instagram if anyone would be interested in a guided tour of some of the more under-the-radar galleries and studios.

So, on May 16, I’m taking a small group out for a tour. If you’d like to join us, just reply to this email to snag a spot.

You can keep up to date on what I'm up to on Instagram. Otherwise, see you next month!