Kigali
Visited in September 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Rwanda
- Region
- Rwanda
- Population
- 1.7 million
- Best time to go
- June to September, December to February
- Main airport
- Kigali International (KGL)
- Coordinates
- 1.93°S, 30.06°E
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Overview
Kigali spreads across green hills and valleys, a calm, clean and orderly capital that surprises many first-time visitors. Its streets are safe to walk, plastic bags are banned, and on the last Saturday morning of each month residents join in community work.
The city's recent history is unavoidable, and the Genocide Memorial is an essential, moving visit. But Kigali also has a lively café, craft and music scene, and makes a natural base for gorillas and safaris.
Things to see
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Photo: Hanay, CC BY-SA 3.0 Kigali Genocide Memorial
The resting place of more than 250,000 victims and a deeply affecting account of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
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Photo: Talley Beth Gale, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kimironko Market
The city's busiest market, with colourful fabric stalls where tailors will make clothes to order.
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Photo: GATETE Pacifique, CC BY-SA 4.0 Nyamirambo
The city's oldest and most lively neighbourhood, with a large Muslim community, music and street life.
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Photo: Adam Jones, Ph.D., CC BY-SA 3.0 Hôtel des Mille Collines
The hotel that sheltered over a thousand people in 1994, its story told in the film Hotel Rwanda.
Things to do
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Photo: Tuyisengemoise, CC BY-SA 4.0 Nyamirambo walking tour
Local women guide you through the neighbourhood's homes, markets and hair salons, often ending with a home-cooked lunch.
Find tours -
Coffee tasting
Rwanda grows superb highland arabica. Sample it in one of the city's many speciality cafés.
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Photo: Louis Dewame, CC BY 3.0 Day trip to Akagera National Park
Rwanda's savannah park in the east is home to lions, rhinos, elephants and giraffes, about two to three hours' drive away.
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Where to stay
Kiyovu
Central and leafy, with established hotels close to the city centre.
Hotels in KiyovuKimihurura
Embassies, restaurants and bars, popular with expats and visitors.
Hotels in KimihururaNyarutarama
Upmarket and quiet, with newer hotels and a golf course.
Hotels in NyarutaramaNyamirambo
For a livelier, more local experience at lower cost.
Hotels in Nyamirambo
Getting around
Moto-taxis are everywhere and riders carry a helmet for passengers. Ride-hailing apps and taxis are available, and buses use a tap card. Shops and traffic pause during monthly Umuganda mornings.
The airport is about 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre by taxi.
When to go
The long dry season from June to September and the shorter dry spell from December to February are the best times to visit. The rains come from March to May and again in October and November, though rarely all day.
Plan your trip to Kigali
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.