Author: Jane Babirye

Most people will be stuck in offices for most of summer this year. And through the gruesome heat, this calls for some adjustments to clothing and styling. You can’t be out here holding on to that hoodie! Dressing for work, particularly for the office, during hot temperatures, can be daunting. However, it shouldn’t be, at least not when SENS is here. With a few recommendations and tips to make your office-appropriate outfits comfortable throughout the heat wave, let us be your chaperone. Dresses: For the ladies, opt for lightweight breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. For instance, a knee-length or…

Until last year, Lycie went for exploration ventures with friends-literally waiting for them to decide when and where they’re going to tag along. At the time, the experiences were exhilarating, before she decided to dare herself to something unusual-travelling solo. Lycie’s first escapade was trekking Rwanda’s third highest volcano-Muhabura, together with its fifth largest town-Gisenyi, particularly the beaches that harbour the fresh waters of Lake Kivu. To her, these thrilling adventures were eye openers to all the enjoyment she had been deprived of in the past, henceforth becoming a lone adventurer. Travelling solo can be one of the most enriching…

It was an evening of perfect chill and vibes at Norrsken House Kigali during the second summer edition of the ‘Chillest After Work’ on 11th July 2024. The event, which has quickly become a favorite among professionals and creatives, saw the 5th floor of Norrsken House transform into a hub of relaxation, networking, and community spirit. The venue, known for its modern yet cozy interior became alive at 5:00 pm with a vibrant mix of music, culinary delights by Quick Bites, and a tapestry of refreshing beverages–wines and cocktails by 12 degrees and Le Bistrot de Kigali respectively, that kept…

Five years ago when I first arrived in Rwanda, one of the more striking differences between Kigali and Kampala was the time frame—not the one-hour time difference, but how much the people in Kigali valued their sleep. In Kibagabaga where I lived, businesses didn’t open before 8:00 am at the earliest and would close early, often as soon as the birds began to settle down for the night—unless it was raining. Weekends and public holidays were an entirely different story. So when I accepted a trip to Nyungwe recently, my first thought was, “Where will I get a moto that…

In recent years, the brand ‘Her Majesty’ has grown to become associated with only the crème de la crème of cosmetics in Rwanda. Initially known as ‘Her Majesty Vanessa,’ the brand’s original name was inspired by its former owner, Vanessa Raissa Uwase who made her debut in the Rwandan beauty scene in 2015 when she was crowned 1st runner-up in the Miss Rwanda pageant. This platform allowed her to explore various entrepreneurial ventures, among them, a café, restaurant, bar, and eventually cosmetics. As the saying goes, “the higher you go, the cooler it becomes,” Vanessa’s new role as a beauty…

The Veterans Clubs World Championship (VCWC) 2024, scheduled to take place from September 1-10 in Rwanda, has been cancelled. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced the cancellation on June 26, 2024, via their X account. RDB stated that “the decision comes after careful consideration and mutual agreement” with the event organisers, Easygroup EXP. Specific challenges leading to the cancellation were not detailed in the announcement. As a result, Easygroup EXP will no longer use the ‘Visit Rwanda’ brand in their marketing efforts. The tournament was to be held at the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, featuring 150 football legends,…

In March 2024, Ethiopian sisters Selam and Blen Tesfalem redefined Kigali’s food culture with an addition of culinary street food. Right in the heart of Africa’s cleanest city, in the renowned Imbuga city walk, is where the duo set up “Quick Bites” – a fast food stall. Situated at the extreme end of the carfree zone as you trek from Bank of Kigali or M-Peace Plaza, and at the forefront if you’re coming from Executive Suites and Apartments or Norrsken, the black and gold rectangular compartment specializes in shawarma and smashed burgers, made and served by the two beautiful sisters. …

When it comes to choosing a program to pursue at college, many students make their decisions from a place of ignorance. This could be ascribed to a lack of career guidance from their teachers and parents, wider economic and political context can also play a role in decision-making, both for institutions and individuals, or rapid changes in the job market and the uncertainty it brings. However, there are also cases where students delve into an educational journey due to pressure and influence from their parents. In either case, students end up ‘doing’ a course and not ‘studying’ a course, hence…

In the ever-demanding wellness world, summer calls for warmth, longer days, and often a more relaxed pace of life. With the heat promising to be draining, self-care is now a necessity, especially with the roaming predicament of skin dehydration that follows. To salvage the issue, relaxing and rejuvenating in a Spa is essential, with treatments such as hydrating facials and body wraps. Furthermore, the high temperatures during summer reportedly affect mental health through increased stress. Getting a full body massage at the spa therefore will not only help you relax, but also reduce the anxiety and stress that comes with…

Forget traditional networking events that, at times, feel formal and intimidating, ‘the chillest afterwork’ first summer edition, held at Norrsken on 13th, June 2024, was all about making genuine connections in a stress-free setting. Organized by The Chillest Company in partnership with Vugana, Araka, Virunga, Eagle View Lodge, Bistro de Kigali, Hilight lighting solutions and Kigali’s leading lifestyle publication SENS Magazine, the event served relaxation at its peak, providing an ideal backdrop after the day’s hustle. According to Ines Debets, co-founder of Vugana, “Networking is very important, but it needs to be in a chill vibe,” Stephane A. Marques, the…