Caplaki Craft Village
Discover vibrant Rwandan handicrafts and unique souvenirs at Caplaki Craft Village, where local artisans showcase their talent.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crowds thin out
Caplaki Craft Village
Best Time
Crowds thin out
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant Rwandan handicrafts and unique souvenirs at Caplaki Craft Village, where local artisans showcase their talent.
"A fun place for souvenir shopping with great variety and negotiable prices. "
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Negotiate prices down to 30-40% of the initial quote, but be fair to the artisans. :moneybag:
🚶 Take Your Time to Browse
Many stalls have similar items, but unique pieces exist. Look around before you buy. 👀
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rwandan Handicrafts
Discover a vast array of handmade treasures, from intricate jewelry to vibrant textiles and detailed wood carvings.
Artisan Encounters
Meet local artisans and learn about their craft. Some vendors are more inviting than others, so seek out those who aren't overly pushy.
Souvenir Shopping
Find quintessential souvenirs and unique gifts at competitive prices, often better than in neighboring countries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Haggling is Key
Explore Beyond the Obvious
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Negotiate prices down to 30-40% of the initial quote, but be fair to the artisans. :moneybag:
🚶 Take Your Time to Browse
Many stalls have similar items, but unique pieces exist. Look around before you buy. 👀
📍 Ask for Alice (Shop 4)
One reviewer highly recommends Alice at shop 4 for the best rates and service. ⭐
🛍️ Compare Prices
If you see an item in multiple shops, compare prices to get the best deal. :shopping_bags:
Help Finding This Gorilla Statue
Hi everyone! My wife and I visited Rwanda on our honeymoon 3 years ago and it remains our favorite place we’ve been! While in Kigali, we purchased this wooden gorilla statue covered in what we were told was real rabbit fur (sorry this is the best picture I have of it).…
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Negotiate prices down to 30-40% of the initial quote, but be fair to the artisans. :moneybag:
🚶 Take Your Time to Browse
Many stalls have similar items, but unique pieces exist. Look around before you buy. 👀
📍 Ask for Alice (Shop 4)
One reviewer highly recommends Alice at shop 4 for the best rates and service. ⭐
🛍️ Compare Prices
If you see an item in multiple shops, compare prices to get the best deal. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Caplaki Craft Village offers a wide variety of Rwandan handicrafts and souvenirs at negotiable prices, making it a popular spot for tourists. While many stalls carry similar items, patient shoppers can find unique treasures. Some visitors note prices can be higher than local markets, and vendor approaches vary, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile stop for souvenir hunting.
"The place is now situated on the upper floor of the supermarket complex, like seen in the photo.
It's a nice place with many (like 20) small shops squeezed in a big hall. Great variety of all kinds of souvenirs for very good prices (significantly better than in Kenya or Uganda). You'll get anything you want from this place.
Vendors were not at all rude and would not drag us into their shops, also would let us go peacefully if we didn't fancy anything from their stock.
Be sure to negotiate your prices tho :)"
Irenej Kolšek
"very good location and view
I love it"
الهداية ///كلام الله هو الحق اليقين
"A fun place for souvenir shopping, but most of the places all carry the same few things.
Most of the stalls have the same items, and a million of them, but a few have some more unique pieces, just take your time and look. Note what you like, where it was and a price you have negotiated (you can haggle down to 30-40% of the first quoted price). And since many of the vendors have the same stuff, you can see who wants your business more for those items in negotiating too. Some of the vendors are kinda pushy, and others are more invitational, so I tried to give my business to those who weren't so pushy."
Marcelino Pellitero
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Caplaki Craft Village is centrally located in Kigali, often described as being in the city center. It's easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services. Many visitors find it convenient to reach from their accommodation.
Yes, it's situated in a prominent location, now on the upper floor of a supermarket complex. Its central placement makes it a straightforward destination for tourists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Caplaki Craft Village. You can browse the shops freely.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during typical business hours. It's best to check locally or ask your accommodation for the most current times.
Entry to Caplaki Craft Village is free. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a wide variety of Rwandan handicrafts, including jewelry, textiles, wood carvings, masks, paintings, and drums.
Yes, prices are definitely negotiable. Vendors expect you to haggle, and you can often get prices significantly lower than initially quoted.
While many items are locally made, some may not be. It's worth asking about the origin of specific pieces.
While many stalls offer similar items, taking your time can help you discover more unique pieces.
Vendor approaches vary. Some are more invitational, while others can be pushy. You can politely decline and move on if you prefer.
🎫 💰 Pricing & Value
Prices can be higher than local markets like Kimironko, sometimes double or triple. However, they are often better than in neighboring countries like Kenya or Uganda. Haggling is essential.
Prices vary greatly depending on the item. Be prepared to negotiate hard, but also consider that artisans don't make a fortune.
For tourists seeking convenience and a wide selection in one place, it can be worth it, especially if you enjoy the bargaining process.
Yes, local markets like Kimironko Market are generally cheaper, but Caplaki offers a more curated and accessible shopping experience for tourists.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, taking photos of the crafts and the general atmosphere is acceptable. However, it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of them or their specific displays.
The colorful displays of crafts and the bustling market environment offer many visual opportunities. Capturing the vibrant textiles and intricate carvings can make for great shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit