Kigali Rwanda Awesome Guide For Your First Visit

Want to know if it’s worth spending time in Kigali Rwanda’s capital before trekking with mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda? 

Some Tour Operators seem keen to move you onwards from Kigali Airport into mountain lodge settings.  This begs the question: Is Kigali a worthy destination or just a required transit stop for mountain gorillas?

From personal experience, we highly recommend Kigali as a destination to spend time exploring when visiting East Africa.

It’s true that ‘must-see’ architectural icons are not as prominent here as in many other world capitals. But Kigali has a modern attitude, a lively pulse, and is an extremely green city.

On top of this, Rwandan culture is rich, local food is fantastic, and prices are reasonable. The US State Department currently rates Kigali safe for visitors. In our experience, Rwandans are very friendly and welcoming!

Based on our time here, we feel Rwanda’s capital more than deserves a couple of days of your time. Combine Kigali with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and you have a fantastic combination of East African destinations.  

This Kigali Rwanda Guide shares what to expect and do here over a couple of days or longer.  We hope it helps you discover this captivating capital city.

A Quick Introduction To Kigali

A city of over 1 million people, Kigali stretches over numerous hills and valleys.  As you fly in, you start to understand why Rwanda is known as the country of a thousand hills!

Pick a window seat on your flight here.  We’re sure that, like us, you will be captivated by the views coming into land. Look out onto a stunning patchwork of tiny fields, grazing animals, and hillside villages.

Our first impression is that Kigali is very green with countless tree-lined avenues and beds of flowers. This is partly due to Umuganda – a required community event held on the last Saturday of every month.  Neighbours come together and do projects for their village and/or someone in need.

Single-use plastic bags have been banned since 2008. 

When speaking with Rwandans, we felt a sense of pride they had in working together to keep their city tidy.  Love this mindset!

The national language here is Kinyarwanda. However, English is widely spoken within the tourist sector (as is French).

Rwandans suffered terribly in 1994 when, in a month, over 1 million people were killed in a shocking act of genocide. It is simply impossible to comprehend as a visitor what people endured.  

 

Tips For Getting Around Kigali

Getting around Kigali is best by car if you’re only here for a couple of days. 

Most locals use a moto-taxi and you will see them EVERYWHERE!! Here’s the YEGO MOTO APP.  A disclaimer, we didn’t use them as we had a driver and car, but they are known to be very reliable! 

Download the Move App to get around independently if you prefer. 

If you want a reliable local operator, we highly recommend Great Lake Safaris.  They provide tourist services in Rwanda and Uganda.   

From personal experience, we can say they are excellent – reliable vehicles and flexible.  If you are looking to transit into Uganda or see more of Rwanda, check out Great Lake Safaris Tours. 

Alternatively, some of our recommended shorter tours below include transport from your hotel directly avoiding the need for taxis or drivers.

Things to Do in Kigali Rwanda

If you are planning to be here on the last weekend of the month, bear in mind some venues like museums may close early due to the community event we mentioned above.

Kigali is located just south of the Equator, the temperature in Kigali hovers around 21 C/70F year round! It’s very pleasant walking around town.

Here’s our guide to what to do in and around the city over a couple of days.If you have more time, then why not add on a day trip? We have listed some amazing day tour experiences to help you get an insight into what’s available.

Visit Hotel des Mille Collines

 

It might seem a strange suggestion to visit a hotel! But from this historic building, you get wonderful views over the city and distant hills. The translation of the hotel’s name is Hotel of a Thousand Hills.

Today, this landmark hotel is a popular option for travelers.  But there is more to this building than meets the eye. It’s pretty informal to pay a visit here once you are inside. Expect to pass through security checks at the main entrances. This is standard in many hotels around the world, so don’t worry!

Hotel des Mille Collines was the main location of the award-winning film Hotel Rwanda. If you can, watch the movie before you visit. We headed up to the 4th floor, and into the Panorama Restaurant area. One of the hotel staff kindly shared a little more of the history.

He pointed out photos from the original hotel where so many Rwandans hid out back in the dark days of the 1994 genocide .  You can see old photographs on the walls on this level too showing the hotel as it was originally.

Discover Rwanda’s Coffee Industry!

The countries of East Africa are well known around the world for exceptional coffee beans and Rwanda is no exception! We never had a bad cup of coffee here and being a wee bit fussy, that’s a real compliment.

We were so impressed with the staff and coffee at Question Coffee Cafe.  You can find them at this address Gishushu – KG8 #8, Kigali, Rwanda. Or if easier, use this Google Maps Link to Question Coffee in Kigali.

This small cooperative has grown over the past decade and works with over 40,000 women farmers across Rwanda!

➡️ Find Out More About Booking A Kigali Coffee Tasting Tour 

As well as enjoying a relaxing coffee, you can book a tour,  join a tasting class, or learn how to create your perfect cup. They have a wide range of regional coffee on sale and just ask if you want to try any.

Not a coffee drinker?  Don’t worry, Rwanda also grows delicious tea, so give that a try while you’re in town! Tea is called ‘Icyayi’ and is served pretty much everywhere.

Pay Respects at the Rwanda Genocide Memorial

Rwanda Genocide Memorial is somewhere that is hard emotionally to visit. But taking time to pay respects is perhaps a start to understanding the horrors so many Rwandans experienced in 1994.  

Allow around 90 minutes to watch an introductory film and then use the headsets as you walk through the memorial.

There are several Memorial Guided Tours on offer. Use the Rwanda Genocide Memorial Site to check these and pre-book. 

What you will experience is a full timeline of things that led up to this unthinkable internal conflict. Read how lives were lost, and the ways the country has dealt with the aftermath. 

Testimony from those who lost entire families and somehow escaped from those hunting them is full of pain yet dignified. It’s well presented but hard to digest the raw terror that reigned.

Then head over to where 250,000 victims of these atrocities lie, many still unidentified.  The sombre, grey concrete slabs cover the mass graves where souls rest.

The wall of names reflect those lying here who have been identified. As we gazed along the bare concrete expanse that is the top of the communal graves, the scale hit us. There is a rose garden nearby which is peaceful to walk through as you leave the graveyard.

Finally, stop by the cafe and small souvenir shop at the exit. This is where you can buy a small item and help with the ongoing running costs of the site.

Visit The Nyamirambo District Of Kigali

Most tourist hotels and main business districts are in the downtown area of the city.

Do make time to venture a little further out to Nyamirambo, the multi-ethnic heart of Kigali.  Streets are lined with entrepreneurs; small markets, repair shops, local cafes, and coffee shops.

If you are a foodie, this is a great spot in town to enjoy a food tour. Combine a 3-4 hour walk around this trendy part of the city with tastings of a wide range of local dishes.  A dinner option is available too!

➡️ Check Nyamirambo Walking Food Tour Availability 

Our driver explained that people in Kigali love this part of town with its deeply integrated religions and sense of tolerance of differences.

Walking along a busy street can be a little overwhelming if you haven’t spent much time in African cities.  But we loved the rawness and diversity of things to absorb in Nyamirambo.

Don’t venture here alone as you will get completely lost!! Also, we would not recommend this at night, similar to any large foreign city.

Nyamirambo’s Women’s Center

When you are exploring Nyamirambo District, visit the Women’s Center. It was founded in 2007 by 18 women.

Here you can see a very successful initiative where training is helping disadvantaged women and girls pursue careers. Depending on when you come here, you may see training in action.

It is also possible to register for a workshop from time to time.  Check online Nyamirambo Women’s Center for what’s coming up.

Their handicraft shop is impressive and well-stocked with many beautifully handmade items.  The quality is fantastic and you can contribute to someone’s future by buying a souvenir from here directly.

Interestingly, Rwanda is a strong leader in the African continent for gender equality with over 60% of the government leaders being female.

Visit An Art Gallery or Museum

There are several art galleries and museums in Kigali to spend time exploring in.  At galleries like Inema, you may meet Rwandan artists working on-site.

Inema Arts Center is a small art cooperative with exhibits from several contemporary artists on show.  They sponsor initiatives for women and girls and some of their handicrafts are available for sale here.

Chat with an artist (we met Innocent). Their stories and inspiration for their work are really interesting to listen to.

The places we visited were a good reminder that you don’t always need a fancy glossy gallery to see great work! 

Inema Gallery is down a side alley and might look a bit rough from the outside but inside is a real insight into Rwandan culture and art here in the 21st century. For example, they have a funky garden area with many birds and flowers.

Another option is to visit the Rwanda Arts Museum.

The Rwanda Heritage Website is a useful guide to current entrance prices to several Kigali museums, memorials, and official buildings. 

The Kandt House Museum (formerly called the Natural History Museum) showcases the work of Dr. Richard Kandt, who back in 1897 explored this region. Open Daily 8 am to 6 pm (Closed 7th April)

There is a collection of reptiles here too if you’re interested!

Go Shopping On Avenue d’Amee

The art of carving and creating products from local wood is a core part of  Rwandan culture.  Today more effort is going into sustainable forest management.

Masks are a wood carving tradition across the country and some of them are very beautiful with incredible detail of craftsmanship.

Find Unique Souvenirs at Kimironko Market

This market is like a crossroads of shopping.  Locals come for fresh produce, spices, and meats. And, actually for pretty much anything.  You can enjoy a bite to eat here and buy all manner of items. We loved the local bright fabrics, hand-woven baskets, and many other household items.

Artists and farmers bring their goods in from all over the region, including from DRC, Uganda, and Tanzania as well as from within Rwanda.  It is a bustling place but well organized despite its size.

If you are on a city tour, you will likely pass by this and then you can return if you have more time.  A guide can help orientate you and help with any bartering!

Caplaki Crafts Village is another recommended place to shop if you enjoy craft and traditional handicrafts.

Look out for beautiful geometric Imigongo art in Kigali.  Traditionally these pieces of artwork were crafted from cattle dung (yes, poop)!

Nowadays other materials are used but the detail remains captivating. You can see exhibitions of this craft at the Imingongo Arts Center.

Day Trips From Kigali

Here are our suggestions for an exciting day trip from Kigali. From a safari to some of Africa’s best wetlands to artisan coffee farm visits; take your pick!

Dian Fossey Gorilla Center

If you are heading on a gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda after time in Kigali, this stop will likely be on your transfer itinerary.

However, if your hike is in Uganda, you may need to request a small detour from the main road (45 minutes) to include this stop. It’s without doubt somewhere to visit BEFORE gorilla trekking.

The Dian Fossey Ellen Center opened in 2022.   This modern facility is packed with incredible information about the endangered mountain gorillas.  It celebrates the life’s work of American Dian Fossey who pioneered research into mountain gorillas until her murder. 

Today, the facility has an education arm helping to fund ongoing conservation efforts. Residents are trained to work in the nearby Volcanoes Park.

What to expect when visiting the Dian Fossey Center?

First, you are asked to pay a donation of USD 20 and register your details. This is high-tech – all done via iPads/credit cards.

• You then walk through the highly interactive exhibition area learning about Dian’s work and her legacy. A replica of her cabin is also here. This shows the basic way she lived while dedicating her life to studying gorillas.
• Make sure to watch the movie in a room off the main exhibit area.  It’s a 360-degree screen with amazing gorilla footage.

• Don’t miss the VR experience! It’s very cool. Immerse yourself in the impenetrable forest with close views of these amazing animals. Having done this VR and then gorilla hikes, we can vouch for this free exhibit!
• Head upstairs for incredible views from the patio where you can sip a coffee or enjoy lunch.  There are views of several volcanoes that form the backbone between Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. 

An on-site gift shop sells a wide range of traditional woven items, gorilla Knick-nacks, t-shirts, etc.

Visit a Rwandan Coffee Farm

Question Coffee (mentioned above) offers trips to women-owned coffee farms. 

➡️ Check prices and availability of Coffee Farm Tours here.

This is a unique opportunity to learn about East African organic coffee growing from planting to bean harvesting and roasting.  

Go On Safari & Look for Rwanda’s Big 5

If you are not going on safari elsewhere, this a perfect opportunity within Rwanda! You should see some, if not all, of Rwanda’s big 5.  Akagera National Park is located in northeastern Rwanda near the Tanzania border. It’s around a 2.5-hour drive from the capital.

What’s unique about this park is that it is the largest protected wetlands in Africa, fed by the Akagera River system.  As a result, it supports so many species of birds as well as larger wildlife.

When you come here, you can also enjoy fishing, birding, and boating. It is possible to stay overnight.

While there are bigger, more famous regional safari parks (think Serengeti or Masai Mara), this one is much more affordable. It reminds us of the great Hluhluwe Game Reserve Park near Durban in South Africa.

➡️ For more on Hluhluwe, read our Sensational South Africa Itinerary article.

For years, the park suffered from poaching but this illegal activity has now been largely eradicated.

Lions brought in from South Africa are thriving here.  You will likely see elephants, giraffes, buffalo, deer, and hopefully a rhino.  Look out for crocodiles!

➡Check prices and availability for Akagera National Park Tours.

Visit The Ethnographic Museum Rwanda

Opened in 1988, this fascinating facility is located in Butare, around 130 km south of Kigali. It covers a large area of 20 hectares and you will see a rich collection of exhibits.  

It is widely viewed as one of the top collections across Africa.  Organized Tours from Kigali also stop at the Royal Palace in Nyanza en route. Check entrance fees and opening hours at The Ethnographic Museum site.

Hiking With Mountain Gorillas

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park requires a government-issued permit.  This costs $1500 per person (2025) and must be booked well in advance to ensure you get one. 6 months ahead is not unusual for peak times.

A trip from Kigali to do a 1-hour Gorilla Trek will require an overnight stay, so factor this into your planning.

For more details on gorilla trekking in Uganda and general tips to help you decide on this activity, please read our detailed guide. Link is in the box below.

➡️ Gorilla Trekking In Uganda -2 Hikes in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Where to Stay in Kigali

We suggest you stay in a central location in Kigali as roads can become quite congested during rush hours. Check out the following hotels!

Heaven Residence Bed and Breakfast/The Retreat

This relaxed residence is part of a complex located in the central area of Kigali.  Most rooms have a balcony and there is a pool/loungers to relax around. It is very quiet around the hotel areas with plenty of places to put your feet up and chill!

For a more upmarket stay, head to The Retreat part of the hotel with small cottages and views over Rwanda at night, that are amazing. 

Either way, you can take full advantage of 2 restaurants- don’t miss the African menus here! The food is delicious with plenty of veggie/vegan options.

➡️ Check Availability At Heaven Residence Bed and Breakfast

The bar area at The Retreat is perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail. The staff are super friendly and introduced us to some great wine and a smooth handcrafted Rwandan Vodka called Kari.

The hotel also offers a spa and gym facilities. They will organize a range of activities around town.

Kigali Marriott Hotel

If you prefer a global brand then this is a great option for a couple of nights stay.  Expect the normal in-room facilities, pool, gym etc.  Also, there are a couple of restaurants on-site if you prefer this to eating out.

It’s within walking distance of the Belgium Peacekeepers Memorial and Kigali City Tower. There’s not a whole lot to see here, but pop in for a coffee if you’re nearby.  

This is the tallest building in the city at 20 floors!  You can head up to the observation deck for fantastic city views. 

However, it costs to do this. if you are on a budget just go to the 4th floor of Hotel des Mille Collines for free city views.

➡️ Check Availability At Kigali Marriott Hotel

Kigali Serena Hotel

With an excellent range of spa, gym facilities, a pool, and a central location, Serena is a popular hotel in Kigali.  Guests rave about the buffet breakfast and quality of service.  There is an airport shuttle for an extra fee.

From here, you can walk to the Belgium Peacekeepers Memorial City Tower.  Also close by is the Dr Richard Kandt Museum (less than 1 mile).

➡️ Check Availability At Kigali Serena Hotel

Places to Eat in Kigali

There’s a huge variety of restaurants in Kigali from street food eateries in Nyamirambo to international restaurants within major hotels. 

Rwanda’s food is fresh and local – think farm to table. It is possible to get ‘western’ dishes and you will see these on most international hotel menus.  However, try some local dishes too.

Some Rwandan specialities we tried and enjoyed include:

• Goat kebabs
• Matoke (cooked banana)
• Cassava – like potato
• Isombe – vegan dish with cassava leaves, vegetables, peanuts and rice. Delicious 🙂
• Local fish grilled with tomato salad

Bananas are grown across East Africa’s highlands. They are used to create Urwagwa or banana beer. This is a special drink always served at weddings and other important events. It’s delicious.

We also discovered an artisan Rwandan vodka called Kari, and even a whiskey.  If you drink alcohol, try a local cocktail or two with these spirits while in town!

2 Of The Top 10 Restaurants in Kigali We Recommend

We ate at several different restaurants during our stay in Kigali. Here are 2 we recommend when in town.  They are quite different and the food is fantastic.

Khana Kazhana 

This Indian restaurant has a relaxing patio style interior and huge selection of freshly cooked dishes.  They also deliver around town if you prefer a delivery.

There are numerous items on offer and portions are large!  The restaurant is situated over a couple of levels with a garden conservatory feel.

Fusion Restaurant – @ The Retreat Hotel

A low key romantic vibe in this open air restaurant.  We enjoyed fresh high quality international and modern African food which is delicious. Check Fusion Restaurant Menu Here. 

What’s the best month to visit Kigali Rwanda?

The temperature in Kigali is fairly constant year round at 21 C/ 70F. 

The driest and peak times to visit are June to September and even into early October. December and early January are also good.  We have been here in January and saw a couple of downpours so be prepared!

Avoid February to May as heavier rains come and it won’t be a great experience!!

How To Get To Kigali

We flew to Kigali non-stop from London Heathrow (it’s around 8 hours) with Rwandair. If you are looking for a direct flight to Kigali you have a few options from Europe:

• Nonstop: RwandAir from London, Brussels.
• KLM from Amsterdam,
• Qatar Airlines from Doha and
• Turkish Airlines from Istanbul.

➡️ Check the best flights to Kigali from your home airport here!!

A new airport is under construction south of the capital in partnership with Qatar Airlines.  When this opens (unlikely until 2029), it will rival the current African Continent hubs of Johannesburg, Addis Ababa and Nairobi. 

By Road From Uganda. It is around a 4-hour drive from Bwindi (Mountain Gorilla terrain) in Uganda to Kigali.  The road is mostly paved.

FAQs

Here are some of the commonly asked questions about things to do in Kigali and our responses.

What is the currency in Rwanda?

The currency in Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc (Rwf). USD Dollars are widely accepted and often prices are in both currencies in tourist areas.

We suggest you have cash for small purchases. You can use credit cards in tourist areas but less so outside the main cities. We heard that Visa is accepted more than Mastercard. During our time here, we had no issues paying with our US Visa cards.

You will find plenty of ATMs in Kigali but don’t assume you will find them easily elsewhere.

Is it safe to visit Rwanda?

We found Rwanda safe and friendly. During our stay, we never personally felt uncomfortable. The crime rate is low but do check your government travel guidelines to be aware of any potential risks.

Do I need a visa to visit Rwanda?

Yes.  Most foreign passport holders can apply for a visa on arrival. Do check based on your nationality to be sure.

You can either get one in advance via the Rwanda Government’s Visa Website or on arrival at Kigali airport. A single-entry visa is $50 USD and a multiple-entry is currently $70.

If you plan to visit other East African countries, check out the East African Visa on the Rwanda Government Visa Site.  This covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.

What vaccinations do I need to visit Rwanda?

Check at the time of your travel for the latest medical information with your GP or travel clinic. This US CDC Travel Health Site is helpful to check guidelines including if you need malaria protection.

You will need to show a yellow fever certificate on arrival and this requirement is strictly enforced!  Your doctor can advise on this before you travel.

Wrap Up

With so many unique Things To Do in Kigali, it’s easy to plan a fabulous time in Rwanda’s capital.

We hope this article, which reflects our personal experiences, helps you plan a bucket list trip to East Africa’s ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’.