Kigali

Understand

With a population topping 1 million, the city spreads over several hills and valleys, with many of the better restaurants and hotels away from the traditional downtown area. The Kigali City Masterplan outlines the future for this burgeoning metropolis, with plans for a new city to be built south of the current city centre. As a clean, comfortable and ordered city, Kigali is very popular with long term expats, and the city is teeming with westerners, from young church or NGO volunteers having their first African ‘experience’ to career development workers enjoying a relaxed lifestyle where it is safe to bring up young children. This in turn means the city supports numerous restaurants, coffee shops and supermarkets that cater to this demographic. The downside of Kigali’s popularity with foreigners is that it is easy to forget you are in Africa.

Visitor information from the Kigali city government.

Getting there

By plane

1 Kigali International Airport (KGL IATA). Kigali International is a small and organized airport in Kicukiro District, 5 km from the city centre, and it is rare to encounter any problems there. Plastic bags are illegal in Rwanda for environmental reasons, so you should bring only reusable bags into the country.Flag carrier RwandAir has by far the largest selections of flights to KGL including from London Heathrow and O R Tambo Airport, but other airlines also offer flights from their respective hubs, including KLM from Amsterdam Schiphol, Brussels Airlines from Brussels, Qatar Airlines from Doha Hamad International Airport, and Turkish Airlines from Istanbul (IST IATA). (updated Mar 2023) If you fly from Kigali Airport, you may need a Yellow Fever Certificate at your destination (e.g. South Africa). Also be careful of waiting in the cafe for your flight: some flights (e.g. Kenya Airways to Nairobi) are often overbooked, and you won't hear any announcement when they decide to start boarding early and might miss your flight.

Ground transportation from the airport Airport taxis are always waiting for fares, but discuss the price in relation to the distance you have to travel before getting into a cab. There are also buses passing in the front of the airport leading to Remera, Kigali City, and Nyabugogo. Some people use also moto bikes for the transportation, but they are not as safe as a car. If you need any help obtaining these services or hiring a car, airport guides are available to help you.

Airport amenities There are a few 24-hour bar and restaurants in the airport, plus duty-free shops and supermarkets. The airport also provides free Wi-Fi, and luggage storage, medical services and police are on site.

A new airport called Bugesera Airport is under construction 20km south of Kigali, but as of 2025 is not expected to be operational until 2028.

By car Kigali (Rwanda Car Rentals), KN5 Road Remera Kigali, ☏ +250 780256709, toll-free: +256 200912626, [email protected]. 08:00-22:00. Self-drive safaris in East and Southern Africa (updated Dec 2023)

By bus 2 Nyabugogo bus station. The main hub for buses arriving and departing to many parts of Rwanda and abroad. Kigali public transport departs mostly from the northeast of the station. (updated Feb 2024).

There are a couple of daily buses that run directly between Kigali and Kampala in Uganda with some services continuing to Nairobi. The buses are sometimes cramped and uncomfortable, but are the cheapest choice. There are a couple of daily buses that run directly between Kiga

Getting around

By moto Motos (motorcycle taxis) are the most popular and fastest way to get around town. Fares range between FRw400-1500, depending on distance, but most motorcyclists will ask for FRw500-1000. A trip to or from the airport should be FRw1500-2000 (Feb 2024). Fares are not fixed and haggling for the best price is common. On the main road out to the airport they really put their foot down. It is however a good well sealed road, nice views over Kigali City and a thrilling ride.

Ride hailing Two main ride hailing apps operate in Kigali:

Move, operated by Volkswagen. All cars are VW models, with both sedans and vans available. Rides can be booked in advance. Payment by cash, credit card, or mobile money. Yego, a Rwandan app offering both cab and moto rides. Available on iOS and Android, or call 9191 to book. Payment by cash or mobile money. Both work similarly to Uber and are recommended over hailing taxis on the street, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local pricing.

By taxi There are many taxis in Kigali, but are expensive compared to motos. A short 1km trip will cost FRw2,000 after haggling, going up to FRw10,000 for an airport run. Taxis are mainly of two types in Kigali: those operated by individuals (usually with some form of yellow stripe on the vehicle) and more professorially run services operated by a single large operator. Kigali Airport Taxis and Kigali Taxi Service are the two major groups, and while there are other companies also running taxis these are the largest and both operate a number you can call to summon a taxi. 3122 for Kigali Taxis service and 476586 for Kigali Airport Taxi service. A reliable individual is Alex, who is on 0788741559 (French & some English spoken). An alternative to taxis is Move, Rwanda's only rideshare service owned and operated by Volkswagen. Both sedans and vans (all VW models) are available, and rides may also be arranged in advance. Both cash and credit card payments are accepted.

By bus Matatus/city buses (minibuses) provide major routes throughout the city and are the cheapest way to get around. The minibus in Rwanda is one of the best forms of transport in East Africa. Most of the buses are still new and are maintained well. There are several minibus companies which connect Kigali and the other cities in Rwanda. All of them give the same price depending on the distance. For short distance, such as to Ntarama, it costs only FRw600. The distance to Ruhungeri cost FRw2500 and to Gisenyi FRw3000. There is also an organized and secure city bus network in Kigali, with prices between FRw110 and F

See

1 The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. Opened in April 2004 on the 10th anniversary of the genocides. Over 250,000 people are buried here, and there is a truly touching museum. Kigali houses several memorials, museums, and centers dedicated to the Rwandan Genocide. Audio guides and real guides are available. Cafe on site that makes excellent coffee, and supports local youth and businesses. Since 2023, it's one of four memorials making up the UNESCO World Heritage Site Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero. free/donation, extra fee for photography. 2 Presidential Palace Museum (Rwanda Art Museum), KK 106 St (in Kanombe, 4 km east past the airport - under the flightpath), ☏ +250 730741093. 08:00-18:00. The abode of the former President Habyarimana, who died in that infamous plane crash of 1994 that sparked the genocide. Guided tours are mandatory, where you can get a glimpse of life as an African dictator in the 1970s & 80s. There is also a display on Rwandan clothing that is quite interesting. Photography is restricted. To get there a moto should cost about FRw1,000, and tell him to go to Kanombe. You'll probably end up outside the military hospital at the end of the tarred road; the museum is another 300 m along the dirt road (GPS coordinates 1.97543S, 30.17206E). FRw6,000 (FRw5,000 for resident foreigners). 3 Inema Arts Centre, ☏ +250 783 187 646. 07:00-18:30 daily, closes late on Thursdays. Displays of artwork from around Rwanda. (updated Aug 2020) 4 Kandt House Museum, KN 90, ☏ +250 738742026. 08:00-18:00 daily. Natural history museum focusing on Rwanda flora and fauna in the former home of a German named Richard Kandt. Also excellent venue from which to view the city skyline. (updated Aug 2020) 5 Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial (Mémorial de camp Kigali), ☏ +250 788906151. 06:00-19:00. Memorial to 10 Belgian peacekeepers were gunned down on the first day of the 1994 genocide crisis while attempting to protect the Rwandan Prime Minister. Adjacent is the Kigali Cultural Village where events may take place and souvenirs purchased. (updated Aug 2020) 6 Campaign Against Genocide Museum (CND), RN3, Kigali, Kimihurura (around Kigali Convention Center, in the building of Rwanda Parliament), ☏ +250 783 379 597. 08:00-17:00. This museum is a collection of the history of the campaign against genocide in the whole country as a summary. It has a map that indicates the basements of all battalions of RPA soldiers and all the routes they took during the execution of their mission. This museum was also a place where the 600 soldiers we

Do

Take a trip to a craft centre, like the Dancing Pots Craft Centre or the Cards for Africa workshop and sales room in Kigali.

1 Nyandungu Eco-park. A 120-ha restored wetland and forest area and an important bird area. (updated Mar 2026) Gisozi circuit (behind Gaculiro). A great 10-km running circuit through Kigali's suburbs — flat, very little traffic and some great views over the rice paddies. 2 Ten pin bowling, Kimihura (next to the pool at Mamba Club), ☏ +250 788513438. 12:00-00:00. Opened in 2012 and proving popular. Six lanes of ball-rolling fury complete with the TV screen keeping score, ball returners, shoe rental, and slidy, polished alleys. Adding a delightful twist to employment creation the pins are reset by hand rather than a machine. First game costs FRw3,000 per person and the second is FRw2,500 each. 3 Nyamirambo Women's Center, KN 7 Ave, ☏ +250 782111860. Here you can take guided walking tours, cooking classes, or have lunch at an enterprise geared toward enabling women to succeed with computers, literacy, sewing and handicrafts. (updated Aug 2020)

Buy

First thing to be aware is that Kigali can be expensive. As a cash strapped landlocked country costs of imported goods are high and import duties and VAT considerable. Foreigners often complain that wine, olive oil, breakfast cereals, kettle chips and other mundane foodstuffs cost a fortune, so beware. Costs can be lowered considerably by buying Rwandan or East African Community goods - Kenya in particular produces a wide range of produce that often cost half the imported European equivalent. Outside of supermarkets and restaurants most vendors are used to a bit of haggling (even over fruit and veg) although as always keep things in perspective - but don't let storekeepers charge you double what you think you should be paying. Mobile money is the most common way to pay in Kigali. Most shops, restaurants, market vendors, and even motos accept MTN MoMo or Airtel Money. To use mobile money you'll need a local SIM card registered with your passport (see Connect). Once registered, visit any MTN or Airtel agent to deposit cash onto your account. You can also top up remotely using international transfer apps such as Remitly or WorldRemit. Cash machines/ATMs – most banks ATMs now accept Master Card, Visa card, American card, Diners Club, Union Pay, and JCB, including Equity Bank , Ecobank, Bank of Kigali, Kenya Commercial Bank, GT Bank, I&M Bank; Ecobank HQ is in the center of town next to CNLS and near UTC. There are many ATMs accepting international cards at the airport also. Don't count on any particular ATM to have money or be working at any particular time - even at the airport. There are banks in Kigali with counter service for withdrawals (and Ecobank can do MasterCard withdrawals). What to buy Rwandan coffee is generally very good (although stay away from the cheapest stuff, which will be the sweepings from the grinding factory floor). Expect to pay around FRw4,000 per 500 g. Rwandan honey is great, especially the Nyungwe Highlands type. Around FRw1,750 per 500 g. Rwandan tea (both black and green) is also pretty good.

Local markets These are stocked with Rwandan handicrafts, produce, clothing, fabulous colorful fabric from West Africa and just about anything else.

1 Kimironko market (2nd Floor, KG 11 Ave, Kigali Nobiscum House), ☏ +250 788 143 522. This large market is a good place for fruit, veg, rice and other basic foodstuffs - and it can be good fun looking through the secondhand clothes section, or even buy some local-style clothes yourself. (updated Feb 2024) 2 Caplaki Craft Village, KK 2, ☏ +250 786540678. 08:00-20:00. Place to shop for local

Eat

By all standards Kigali is an excellent city in which to dine. A combination of Belgian culinary influence, plenty of cows, plenty of freshwater fish, and plenty of fresh vegetables equates to some of the best eating in the region. And it's all pretty affordable. Kigali restaurants and bars go in and out of fashion, not to mention close down, quite frequently. Check for the latest once you are in town; some places mentioned in some print guidebooks no longer exist. (The oft-mentioned Turtle Cafe has been closed since 2003!) The region restaurants take their time – with a usual 45 minutes to 1 hour wait between ordering and your food arriving, especially for dinner. If you are after a quick meal at lunchtime, there are several African buffets around, where you pile your plate high and are out the door in 30 minutes. As Kigali is quite a sprawling city eateries are organised by suburb.

City Centre 1 La Classe, Boulevard de la Revolution. Lunch & dinner. Sometimes excellent, sometimes not, La Classe is oft overlooked by Kigali's expats, but the fillet steak can be sublime. Also does a FRw3,500 lunchtime buffet Mains from FRw4,000. 2 Ki Asili Resto Bar and Fast Food (the name Ki-Asili comes from the Swahili word Asili for Natural/Original), Kn 55 st, ☏ +250 785023815, [email protected]. 24 hours. Rooftop resto bar serving Ethiopian/Eritrean food. Ideal for groups, birthdays, get-togethers. Check with customer care before planning, and book your date. Many times venue is booked in advance. US$5. (updated Feb 2019) 3 Milima, Boulevard de la Revolution, Kigali, Umujyi Wa Kigali · 6.1 km (Serena Hotel), ☏ +250 788 184 500. Milima have good food, with special themed lunches everyday. (updated Mar 2023) 4 Chez Robert, 3 KN 25 St. Serves local food in a nice setting. Their dinner buffet is quite good and costs about €7 for more than 20 items. There may be better local food in a hole-in-the wall restaurant for cheaper, but this is wonderful restaurant. (updated Mar 2023) 5 Heaven (three blocks downhill from the Mille Collines). Is a new restaurant serving American and Continental cuisine. A bit pricy, with most entrees costing FRw4000 or above, but the well-prepared food (and fantastic dessert menu) are worth every franc. (updated Mar 2023)

Gacuriro 6 Kigali Guestlux, Gacuriro - street number KG 416, ☏ +250 788 552 018. One of the few eateries in Gacuriro – serves up adequate fare in the gardens of the guesthouse.

Kiyovu 7 The New Cactus, KN 47 St. Very good pizzas, popular among expats. Nevertheless the served pizzas can't be compared to Ital

Drink & nightlife

Bottled water is recommended for foreign visitors. It can be bought at almost every supermarket or pump station. About FRw2,500 without deposit.

For alcohol try the 1 New Cadillac night club and the 2 Repub Lounge. Both are superb. Watch out for pickpockets outside the New Cadillac.

Sleep

Accommodation in downtown Kigali is noticeably more expensive than neighboring capitals like Kampala and Nairobi. Most of the budget options (for example the Hotel Gloria mentioned in older LPs) are gone. Outside the city center however, it is possible to find good budget options.

Budget 1 Auberge La Caverne, Nyabugogo Blvd (a few hundred meters before Place de l'Unite roundabout on the left side). Clean rooms and good basic breakfast. It's a long, uphill walk from the bus station, consider paying FRw500 for a moto-taxi single from FRw13,000 en-suite, double from FRw20,000. 2 Mamba Rwanda Youth Hostel, KG 680 St, ☏ +250 780 303 463. Check-in: any time. Table tennis and billiards, bar and grill available. 3 Hope Guesthouse, Nyabugogo Blvd. Check-out: 10:00. Good basic traveller hotel two minutes walk from the Nyabugogo bus station on a main road. There is a large pub next to the hotel with good food and the usual football TV in the evenings. Downstairs is a massage place. There are also some Visa-accepting ATMs next door. There are plenty of buses to the city center, or walk for about one hour up-hill. Next to the Hope Guesthouse are many other guesthouses with even cheaper clean rooms. Room with one bed FRw10,000; room with two beds FRw15,000. (Beds are big enough to fit a couple). (updated Jan 2019) 4 Auberge de Nyamirambo (near Islamic centre), ☏ +250 252572879. Single room with outside bathroom. Double room with own bathroom. FRw5000/8000/10,000. (updated May 2015) 5 Anthurium Residential Hotel, KN 159 Street (in Nyamirambo), ☏ +250 781 104 587. Single/double rooms. Has 8 rooms. from FRw31636. (updated May 2015) 6 Center St Paul, KN 32 St (200 m east of the place-de nationale), ☏ +250 785 285 341. Clean single double rooms with own hot water bathroom. Nice garden. FRw15,000/20,000. (updated Dec 2015)

Mid-range 7 Gloria Hotel, 25 KN 59 St, ☏ +250 788930233, +250 785363180, [email protected]. Which only has cold water showers. (updated Mar 2023) 8 Hotel Chez Lando, KG 201 St, ☏ +250 252589804, +250 788385300, [email protected]. From US$60 per night. 9 Hotel Isimbi, 6 KN 84 St (downtown), ☏ +250 791 054 146. Also has a good bar and restaurant. US$30-40. 10 Iris Guest House, 9 KN 33 St, ☏ +250 785 806 300, [email protected]. Clean, big rooms, hot water, very good restaurant and free Internet. US$75. (updated Mar 2023) 11 Okapi Hotel. Some rooms available for US$25 per night, good location and friendly staff. Some rooms have an excellent view over the outskirts of Kigali. Just forget the US$30 rooms. They are 'downstairs' and aren't

Go next

Volcanoes National Park, home of the mountain gorillas, and the setting for Gorillas in the Mist author Dian Fossey's research. If you can afford it it's an excellent experience... even possible as a daytrip from Kigali. Enquire at the Rwandan Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN), Boulevard de la Révolution n° 1, Kigali, +250 576514 or 573396, [email protected]. US$600 cash, or it is possible to use your Mastercard.