KIGALI, March 10, 2025 (by Florian Heer)
A ten-hour flight to Africa just before the European clay-court season kicks off? Not exactly an obvious choice. But for the players and media representatives who took the leap, it was a decision they did not regret. The overall feedback on-site was overwhelmingly positive.
Professional tennis tournaments in Sub-Saharan Africa are a rarity—and that’s precisely what makes them so special. Kigali, and Rwanda in general, serves as a perfect introduction to Central Africa for first-time visitors. Of course, there are differences compared to Europe, but that’s part of the experience.
From Moto-Taxis to Executive Chairs: Tennis in Kigali
The IPRC Kicukiro Ecology Tennis Club, the venue for the Rwanda Challenger, is located on a sprawling university campus in northern Kigali. Getting there from the city center? An adventure in itself!
Anyone hopping on a Boda Boda—a small motorcycle taxi—gets a true taste of city life: laptop tucked under one arm, helmet handed over by the driver, and off you go. Traffic rules? Let’s just say, the bigger the vehicle, the more right of way it seems to have! One exception: pedestrian crossings. Surprisingly, they are strictly observed, often leading to abrupt and courteous stops by drivers.
Upon arriving at the tournament grounds, things start to feel familiar. The ATP Challenger Tour branding, the classic clay-court atmosphere, and plenty of marketing displays, particularly the omnipresent “Visit Rwanda!” advertisements, set the scene. The center court, flanked by a grandstand, offers what might just be the most comfortable seating on the entire Challenger Tour—plush executive chairs under a shaded roof. Despite free entry, weekday spectator numbers were modest, but those who attended enjoyed the matches in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Probably the most comfortable Centre Court seats on the Challenger Tour. #ATPChallenger #Kigali pic.twitter.com/iWzpxnhNM2
— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) March 4, 2025
However, before stepping onto the tennis grounds, there were a few formalities to observe. Security was a major focus. My camera, for instance, had to be sniffed by detection dogs before entry—a first for me! Heavily armed police officers were stationed at various points around the venue. Was it necessary? Hard to say. But one thing is clear: Kigali left an impression as an exceptionally clean and safe city.
My personal favorite spot on the venue was a bit removed from the courts: a small lodge nestled among trees, featuring a cozy bar and inviting seating. And one thing was everywhere—the gorilla. Whether as a coffee brand, on beer bottles, or in statues, the majestic primate has become a national symbol. Since the 1988 Hollywood film “Gorillas in the Mist”, based on the work of primatologist Dian Fossey, these animals have become world-famous far beyond their natural habitat in the Virunga Mountains.
Waramutse from Kigali!
I have already found my favourite coffee brand! pic.twitter.com/I6mF84UCpY
— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) March 4, 2025
Safari & History: Experiencing Rwanda’s Contrasts Firsthand
Rwanda is not just the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, but also an emerging safari destination. The Akagera National Park, located in the east of the country, boasts stunning savannahs and lakes, providing a spectacular setting for the Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. Some of the players took advantage of the opportunity for a day tour, trading the clay courts for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
I have never started a tournament week by going on a safari… but Akagera National Park was definitely worth a visit!
Murakoze! #TravelTheTour #Kigali #Rwanda @visitrwanda_now @AkageraPark @RWAChallenger pic.twitter.com/11BO18OBem
— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) March 3, 2025
Yet, as breathtaking as Rwanda’s natural beauty is, its history is inescapable. The 1994 genocide left deep scars, and reminders are present throughout Kigali. The Kigali Genocide Memorial serves as a place of remembrance and reflection, where visitors pause to honor the hundreds of thousands of victims. Despite this tragic past, Rwanda has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past few decades. Today, it presents itself as a rising, modern, and secure destination. But its history remains an inseparable part of its identity.
Kigali City Stroll. pic.twitter.com/OEvBaq6y62
— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) March 6, 2025
Final Thoughts: A Tournament That Offers More Than Just Tennis
The Rwanda Challenger in Kigali is not just another tennis tournament—it is, at least in part, a journey into a different world. A blend of sporting challenge, cultural discovery, and stunning natural beauty makes this stop on the ATP Challenger Tour truly unique.
For players, it offers not just ranking points and prize money, but an unforgettable experience. And for visitors? The exact same.
