Caplaki Craft Village Travel Guide: Top Sights in Rwanda, Tours &

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Caplaki Craft Village- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Rwanda; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 1 hours

Caplaki Craft Village in Kigali, Rwanda, occupies the third floor of Masterpiece Mall and brings together nearly forty independent artisan stalls beneath a canopy of alpine trees. Each artisan operates their own brightly colored hut, showcasing a wide spectrum of Rwandan, Congolese, Ugandan, and Kenyan handicrafts such as intricately woven agaseke baskets, vibrant textile goods, banana-fiber jewelry, wood carvings, masks, batik wall art, leather items, ceramics, embroidery, and contemporary paintings. The atmosphere encourages respectful negotiation—prices often start high but bargaining is welcomed—and several shops accept credit cards while cash remains handy for smaller vendors. Beyond shopping, Caplaki offers opportunities for cultural engagement: visitors can interact with artisans, observe live demonstrations, and learn about traditional efforts to preserve techniques like Imigongo art, basket weaving, and beadwork. Its central location in Kigali makes it accessible within a typical city tour, while each handcrafted item reflects stories of local craftsmanship and heritage. Caplaki supports sustainable artisan livelihoods and promotes cultural exchange—an insightful stop for travelers seeking meaningful souvenirs and deeper understanding of Rwanda's artistic traditions.

Operators offering tours in Rwanda

Attractions in Kigali

Kigali Genocide Memorial

Inema Arts Center

Nyamirambo Women's Center

4.8

Kimironko Market

Kandt House Museum

4.6

Campaign Against Genocide Museum

Mt. Kigali

Camp Kigali Memorial

4.2

Reviews of Caplaki Craft Village

Irenej Kolšek

5
Reviewed: 2024-09-15

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 :)
Marcelino Pellitero

3
Reviewed: 2019-03-21

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.
Abhijit Singh

5
Reviewed: 2019-01-09

If you're visiting Kigali as a tourist then this place is a must visit. You just negotiate a little hard. Also, while negotiating, do keep in mind that these vendors don't make a fortune out of selling these products so don't think much if you spend a buck or two extra. My recommendation is to visit shop no.4 where you'll meet the wonderful Alice. She'll give you the best rates in the entire market. She'll recognize me from the picture here and give you the best rates.
Peter Yong (PedroJoven)

3
Reviewed: 2018-10-24

Not impressed at all in terms of prices. Prices here are mostly double of the prices in Kimironko market, some triple and quadruple. If you don't have the option then make sure you bargain. Ask for the lowest price in several shops. Once you find a same price quoted by several shops then it's good. There are some good wood art. Not all goods are locally made but at least none made in China.
Ann-Kathrin Popp

4
Reviewed: 2018-08-25

Very nice place, where locals sell their products. The stuff they sell is quite touristic, but nice made. Very friendly service, but the people there push you sometimes a little bit to buy things. But if you want to buy African products, you're here in the right place.