In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Attiya, the creative mind behind the revered Scribs and Nibs platform, opened up about her journey of living in Rwanda. Known for sharing her travels, uncovering hidden gems, and sampling local delicacies, she offers a perspective that is both personal and inspiring.
From South Africa to Kigali
Attiya and her husband first visited Rwanda in 2022 while living in South Africa, and they were instantly captivated. 'We absolutely loved Kigali,' she recalls. 'So when the chance came to move here in March 2025, we jumped at it.'
Having grown up and lived in various parts of Africa, Attiya says her passion for experiencing new cultures and places made Rwanda a perfect fit.
She describes Kigali, where her husband now works, as safe, clean, and welcoming, with plenty of spots to explore. From international cafes to colourful art galleries, the city feels lively yet cosy, offering the perfect balance for both work and leisure.
The Birth of Scribs and Nibs
Settling into a new country naturally comes with curiosity, wanting to explore every corner, taste every flavour, and capture the experiences along the way. For Attiya, this curiosity became the spark for Scribs and Nibs. The blog began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to document weekend trips, local eateries, and hidden spots, first in South Africa and later in Rwanda.
'The name comes from the 'scribbles' of my writing and the 'nibbles' from my love of trying new foods,' Attiya explains with a smile.
Over time, her blog evolved into a full guide for travellers, offering detailed reviews of hotels, tours, restaurants, and experiences. What began as a hobby now helps readers explore new places independently while also providing Attiya with income through ads, affiliate links, and partnerships with local businesses.
Exploring Rwanda's rich landscape
Since settling in Rwanda in March 2025, Attiya has embraced both urban life and countryside adventures. She's been mesmerised by the views at Musanze and Volcanoes National Park, enjoyed peaceful weekends at Twin Lakes, and embarked on a memorable chimpanzee hike in Nyungwe National Park with her family. Close to Kigali, spots like Lake Muhazi and Nena House offer the perfect mix of calm and adventure, just a short drive from the city.
Her love for Kigali's cafe culture is evident. One of her favourite places is YO ki GA li, a charming space that combines a cafe, B&B, and yoga studio.
"It's somewhere you can come and feel at home. You can spend all day enjoying the company of others, or just enjoy reading a book or working on your laptop. I think it's a really lovely space to enjoy in Kigali," she remarks.
Culinary adventure
Food is an essential part of life in Rwanda for Attiya. She has quickly fallen in love with local dishes like Sambaza, Isombe, Dodo, and the spicy Akabanga hot sauce. Each restaurant offers its own take on these classics, turning every meal into an opportunity for discovery. Fried fish, rich sauces, and fresh ingredients have become a big part of her everyday enjoyment and blog content.
Beyond blogging and food, Attiya enjoys staying active. From yoga and Pilates to paddleboarding, tennis, and even the occasional CrossFit session, her weekends are full of exploration and movement. She also visits art galleries like Neyo Art Gallery and Inkingi Arts Space. Both spaces showcase diverse, authentic Rwandan art, including contemporary paintings and mixed media, offering welcoming atmospheres for art lovers.
She also keeps an eye on new restaurant openings or cultural events, all of which fuel her blog and personal inspiration.
Reflecting on her life in Rwanda, she calls it 'relaxing.' Weekdays are for writing, exploring local cafes, and taking in the city's vibrant spaces. Weekends are for discovering nature, new activities, and spending time with family.
'The people are so kind, and nothing feels hectic,' she notes.
Attiya encourages everyone to explore Rwanda. Despite its small size, the country offers a surprising variety of experiences.
'From Kigali, you can reach Musanze, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe, and Akagera within just a few hours,' Attiya says. 'It's amazing how you can experience mountains, lakes, wildlife, and city life all in a single trip.'
Looking ahead, Attiya plans to continue living in Rwanda for the next few years, documenting her adventures, sharing hidden gems, and celebrating the culture, cuisine, and lifestyle that make this country special.
Watch the full interview on the IGIHE YouTube channel to see more of Attiya's adventures in Rwanda.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
