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Kigali
Kigali

... and colourful city.

Kigali is Rwanda’s modern and also very clean capital.

Kigali

Kigali

Attractively hilly and surprisingly tidy, Kigali belies its tragic past, and leaves visitors with indelible memories.

Rwanda is a small country, with its modern capital, Kigali, at the centre. From here the roads radiate outwards, like the spokes of a wheel, and hence on most Rwanda trips you'll occasionally need to spend a night here as part of any itinerary. It’s a pleasant city, scattered over several hills, and with enough to do to keep you occupied for a couple of days. Most visitors will have a driver and vehicle, but it's relatively easy to walk around, and has plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants.

One of the first things most people notice is that, particularly for an African city, Kigali is spotlessly clean, partly because plastic bags are banned and because of the universal national practice of Umuganda when everyone gets together on the last Saturday morning of each month working on community projects like keeping streets clean, tending to gardens and helping neighbours. Do bear this in mind should you be on holiday in Rwanda during this time – many shops and businesses will be closed for the morning.

Kigali gets relatively few tourists, and if you take the time to explore the city you'll be rewarded by a friendly response from locals and a rounded insight into the country as a whole – especially if you pay a visit to the poignant Genocide Memorial.

Kigali

Trips visiting Kigali

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Itinerary image

Gorillas and Serengeti Safari

11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

US$12,620 - US$15,540 per person

Itinerary image

Gorillas and Migration Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.

US$17,070 - US$25,280 per person

Itinerary image

The Highlights of Africa

17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.

US$14,360 - US$19,690 per person

Itinerary image

Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.

US$10,600 - US$13,500 per person

Itinerary image

Mountain Gorilla Safari

5 days • 2 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.

US$5,830 - US$6,120 per person

Itinerary image

Golden Monkey Safari

12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.

US$9,710 - US$12,170 per person

View all trips

Most recent reviews of our trips to Kigali

Click below to browse all 129 reviews from Kigali. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.


99%
129 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
124
Good
7
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr N & Mrs S from UK

Arrived 14 Aug 2024, 12 nights

"My Aug 2024 trip"

"Yet another wonderful trip from Expert Africa …" Read Mr N & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

G & L from Washington DC

Arrived 30 Jun 2024, 19 nights

"Extraordinary trip…..perfect in every way"

"Extraordinary trip…..perfect in every way …" Read G & L ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Steve/Val from Los angeles

Arrived 26 Jun 2024, 10 nights

"My Jun 2024 trip"

"Fantastic trip in a really beautiful country with wonderful people. …" Read Steve/Val’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

S&S from Brighton

Arrived 16 Jun 2024, 18 nights

"Rwanda & Ruaha"

"an absolutely fantastic trip, and getting close to gorillas was thrilling …" Read S&S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr S. from USA

Arrived 8 Jun 2024, 21 nights

"My Jun 2024 trip"

"Overall the trip was great and very organized....Maruska was great to deal with …" Read Dr S.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

The D Family from France

Arrived 28 Jan 2024, 11 nights

"Fantastic Jan 2024 trip"

"Outstanding, unforgettable trip combining Kenyan plains and Rwandan rainforest …" Read The D Family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

FamilyB from Los Altos

Arrived 23 Dec 2023, 14 nights

"My Dec 2023 trip"

"This was the best family vacation we’ve ever taken. …" Read FamilyB’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Gina Dai from NYC

Arrived 6 Oct 2023, 11 nights

"My Oct 2023 trip"

"This trip is by far my favorite trip I've ever taken! …" Read Gina Dai’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Kris from Arizona

Arrived 14 Oct 2023, 10 nights

"My Oct 2023 trip"

"I couldn't have asked for a better experience!!! …" Read Kris’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

The Rileys from Cincinnati

Arrived 15 Jul 2023, 19 nights

"Africa - Our Long-Awaited Adventure - July 2023"

"All of the details were what we'd so painstakingly planned except better …" Read The Rileys’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Kigali reviews

Where to stay in Kigali

Kigali’s accommodation options are spread around the city and range from smart four or five star hotels to lower budget bed and breakfasts. While many are of a good international standard, our top pick being the stylish and comfortable Heaven Retreat, or offer historical value such as Hotel des Mille Collines which was the location of the 2004 film Hotel Rwanda, you should be aware that service can sometimes be slow in bars and restaurants.


Kigali Serena Hotel

Kigali Serena Hotel

Just 10km from the airport, the Kigali Serena is a comfortable option and one of Expert Africa's favourites for a stopover in Kigali.


89% (77 reviews)
Hotel des Mille Collines

Hotel des Mille Collines

The international-style Hotel des Mille Collines offers a comfortable base in Kigali, or a stopover on the way to or from Rwanda's national parks.


83% (69 reviews)
Heaven Boutique Hotel

Heaven Hotel

Heaven Boutique Hotel is a comfortable and great-value option for a stopover in Kigali, or as a longer stay to explore Rwanda's capital city.


90% (14 reviews)
Heaven Retreat

The Retreat

Heaven Retreat is the luxurious and stylish sister hotel of Heaven Boutique, and makes for a great stopover, or a base to explore Kigali.


100% (3 reviews)
Kigali Marriott Hotel

Kigali Marriott Hotel

The Kigali Marriott is a smart international hotel located close to KIgali's business district, in the heart of the city.


100% (1 review)
Kigali Radisson Blu

Kigali Radisson Blu

The Kigali Radisson Blu is only a short drive from the airport and offers a comfortable base in Kigali.


No reviews yet

View all places

When to go to Kigali

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kigali in Rwanda


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Rwanda in January

January falls into the shorter dry season in Rwanda and conditions can be good, however expect some showers during your stay. Christmas and New Year can be a very popular time of year to travel and lodges book up early. The high demand and favourable conditions lead to high prices for the more luxurious lodges.

Travellers spending at least two nights in another of Rwanda’s national parks, in addition to the Volcanoes National Park, can take advantage of lower prices for one gorilla permit. This makes it great-value to do a longer trip to Rwanda, taking time to explore Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park. January can be fantastic for birding too, with plenty of migrant species found in the forests.

  • Generally good weather although with some rainy spells.
  • Popular time of year to travel, particularly around New Year.
  • Advance booking advised, particularly for high-end trips.
  • Good for birding with migrant species present.
  • Special offers are great for exploring the other national parks.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in January

Rwanda in February

As February progresses the likelihood of more rain increases as Rwanda heads towards the heavy rains in March and April. This can still be a good time of year to visit, particularly at the start of the month, and you are a likely to experience a mix of dry days and rainy spells. Your days are likely to be warm, however as with the rest of the year nights can be cold. This is particularly true of the Volcanoes National Park which is at higher altitude.

February can be a good time of year to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with seeing the wildebeest migration in Tanzania as the vast herds gather in February on the southern Serengeti plains for the calving season.

  • Transitional month, with the chance of rain increasing towards March.
  • Warm days and cold nights, particularly in Volcanoes NP.
  • High-end lodges are expensive, although demand is lower.
  • Migrant birds present with great birding to be had.
  • Good time of year to combine with the wildebeest migration.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in February

Rwanda in March

The heavy rains typically start in March, often continuing through to early May. This is generally not a great time to visit Rwanda and conditions are likely to be fairly wet and muddy underfoot. Many people still visit at this time, taking advantage of lower prices at the more luxurious lodges and good availability of gorilla permits. The rain clears the air and it is likely to be far less hazy at this time, making it very good for photography.

The green season can be particularly good for bird watching with many migrant species visiting Rwanda at this time. This can also be a good time of year for chimpanzee trekking, as their food is plentiful in March and troops are not likely to travel as far.

  • Heavy rains make gorilla trekking conditions not ideal.
  • Lower prices and good availability for gorilla permits.
  • Good for bird watching with plenty of migrant species present.
  • Typically shorter distances to walk for chimpanzee trekking.

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

Rwanda in April

April is typically one of the wettest months in Rwanda, with an average rainfall of around 150mm. It is still possible to visit during April, however be prepared for heavy rain and muddy conditions in the mountains. April is the low season for high-end lodges and prices can be significantly cheaper at this time.

Comparatively few people choose to visit during April, meaning that it is likely to be fairly quiet and relatively easy to secure gorilla permits. The 7th of April marks ‘Kwibuka’, an annual ceremony which begins three months of remembrance for the victims of the genocide. During this time the whole nation enters a period of reflection, with a number of events being held in commemoration.

  • Expect heavy rains throughout the month.
  • Few visitors means it is fairly easy to secure gorilla permits.
  • It is the green season for luxury lodges, with much lower prices.
  • Good time of year for birding.
  • Kwibuka remembrance ceremony on 7th April.

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in April

Rwanda in May

May is often a transitional season in Rwanda, following on from the rains in April. Heavy bursts of rain can be expected at times, however it will often start to dry up as the month progresses. Any rainy spells are likely to last a few hours rather than all day. With the heavy rain earlier in the year it can often remain muddy underfoot when trekking the gorillas and chimpanzees and it’s advisable to wear gaiters.

Following the rains the air can be clear, without any haziness, and this leads to great photographic opportunities at this time of year. For many of the high-end lodges May is classed as the low season, which can make this month great value for money, with fairly good weather and comparatively low prices.

  • Weather can be variable, mostly dry with some rainy spells.
  • Be prepared for muddy conditions when trekking the gorillas.
  • Good air clarity leads to great photographic opportunities.
  • Can be good value for money if you’re looking at a high-end trip.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

Rwanda in June

The weather in June can be fantastic and this is one of the best times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the start of the main dry season in Rwanda and the rainfall in June typically averages only around 20mm. It is likely to be warm and dry during the day, however the odd rainy shower remains possible. Conditions for gorilla trekking can be very good, although you are still likely to experience mud underfoot in parts.

This is the peak season for the high-end lodges and prices rise significantly. Rwanda is exceptionally popular between June and September and the luxurious lodges regularly fill up well over a year in advance, so we advise planning early.

  • Dry weather can lead to excellent conditions for gorilla trekking.
  • High-end lodges increase their prices and trips can be costly.
  • Very popular time of year, advance booking is strongly recommended.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in June

Rwanda in July

July is a great time of year to visit Rwanda, this is in the middle of the longer dry period and conditions for gorilla trekking can be excellent. Expect long dry days, although always with the off-chance of rain at some point during your stay. As with the rest of the year, temperatures are likely to average around 20-25ºC during the day, though nights can be chilly.

July is a very popular time of year to travel to Rwanda and we advise booking at least 12 months ahead, particularly if you’re looking for a high-end trip. Prices at the top end of the market can be very high in July, however many of the mid-range lodges have the same prices throughout the year, making these options great value at this time.

  • Excellent conditions with dry weather for much of the month.
  • Very popular time to travel with a limited number of gorilla permits.
  • Advance booking is required to for the best choice of accommodation.
  • High-end trips can be expensive at this time of year.
  • Many mid-range lodges have the same price throughout the year.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

Rwanda in August

August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the middle of the longer dry season and conditions can be very good. While it can still be muddy underfoot this is unlikely to impact your trek. Our top advice for travel in August is to plan early as many of the more popular lodges will regularly book up well over a year in advance at this time.

Many people visiting Rwanda will choose to combine this with a safari in the Serengeti and August is one of the best months for this. The wildebeest migration is in full swing, with the vast herds being up near the Mara River and river crossings likely.

  • Fantastic time to visit with dry weather and great conditions.
  • Very popular time to travel, we advise booking early.
  • Lodges book up and gorilla permits can be hard to secure.
  • Higher prices for the top-end lodges.
  • Great time of year to combine with a safari in the Serengeti.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Rwanda in September

The dry season comes to an end in September, with the rains increasing towards the end of the month. For the most part you are likely to experience dry conditions, but be prepared for rainy showers and cold nights. September remains a popular time to travel, especially for those combining the gorillas with the wildebeest migration.

The Kwita Izina festival (the official naming ceremony for all baby gorillas born in the past year) takes place ever year, usually in September. It’s a time of celebration for everyone involved in their conservation. The exact date varies. Chat to us if you’d like to plan your trip around this event.

  • Conditions typically good but expect some rain.
  • Popular time to travel and early booking is advised.
  • Great time of year to combine gorillas and the wildebeest migration.
  • The Kwita Izina festival, usually in September, names baby gorillas.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in September

Rwanda in October

The short rains have typically started by October with the month’s rainfall averaging around 110mm. This rain normally falls in short, heavy bursts and you’re likely to have plenty of dry spells too. As with the rest of the year, days can be warm, although nights can be cold, and this is especially true around the Volcanoes National Park where lodges set log fires to keep you warm in the evening.

Lots of people choose to visit Rwanda at this time and prices remain high for the top-end lodges. Booking early is recommended, particularly if you plan to stay at one of the smaller, more exclusive lodges around the Volcanoes park.

  • Good time of year to travel although with an increased amount of rain.
  • Days are warm however nights can get cold.
  • October is popular, particularly for the high-end lodges.
  • Prices remain high at the top end of the spectrum.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in October

Rwanda in November

The rains typically continue into November and this can be one of the wetter months of the year. This can still be a good time to travel, as there are still likely to be plenty of dry periods and the gorillas can still be trekked. However, expect quite a bit of mud. The high-end lodges drop their prices in November, making it much more affordable for luxury accommodation.

Between November and April there is also a special offer from the parks authorities, providing a discount on your first gorilla permit if you spend at least two nights in one other national park. This special offer combined with lower prices for luxury lodges makes Rwanda great value for money in November.

  • One of the wetter months however gorilla trekking is still possible.
  • Far less busy, making it easier to secure gorilla permits.
  • Reduced prices for high-end accommodation.
  • Special offers to encourage travel to multiple national parks.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Rwanda in December

Rwanda has a second short dry season which typically runs from December to January. Conditions at this time can typically be fairly good, although not as ideal as June – August, and you can still expect rain at this time. Many of the forest tracks can be muddy and nights can be cold.

Many people choose to travel to Rwanda over Christmas and New Year and we advise booking early, particularly if you have preferred lodges in mind. The special offer for a your first gorilla permit at a reduced price remains in place for all travellers spending at least two nights in another park, making Rwanda excellent value for money in December.

  • Short dry season, however rain is still possible.
  • Conditions for gorilla trekking can be good, but expect mud.
  • Cold at night, warm clothes are recommended.
  • Very popular over Christmas and New Year, early booking advised.
  • Special offers make December good value for money.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

Kigali: In detail

What to do in Kigali


Shopping in Kigali

There are a number of smart shopping malls in Kigali city centre with some chic boutiques and coffee shops. But if you’re after something more authentic, take a stroll around one or two of its lively markets, you'll usually be met with great friendliness. If you like browsing for curios and souvenirs from your Rwanda holiday, pay a visit to the Caplaki handicrafts cooperative, which sells a variety of local crafts.

Alternatively, the lively Nyamirambo area of Kigali is regarded as the most vibrant quarter of the city, known for its excellent tailors and hair salons, as well as its many bars and cafes. As with any city, take care if visiting at night but during the daytime, Nyamirambo Women’s Centre offers interesting walking tours around their neighbourhood that takes in their own craft shop, a typical Rwandan meal and the local market too.

Kigali Museums and the Kigali Genocide Memorial

Kigali’s museums include the State House Museum and the Natural History Museum, both of which are worth a visit if you’re in town, with the latter having superb views over the city.

Perhaps the city’s best known landmark, and with good reason, is the insightful and moving Kigali Genocide Memorial, standing amid beautiful rose gardens and fountains. The memorial sets out the history preceding the genocide in Rwanda and also explains other genocides around the world. It includes poignant displays of victims’ photographs and belongings, bringing the realities of the atrocities to life. While it might seem an unusual tourist attraction and can be upsetting, it helps to put into context the causes of the genocide and enables a better appreciation of just how far the country has moved on in the intervening years. It also plays a vital role in educating Rwanda’s future generations about their country's history.

Map of Kigali

Choices for where to stay in Kigali


Kigali: Holidays


Showing 1-6 of 6
Name
Duration
Cost
Most popular
Itinerary image

The Highlights of Africa

17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.

US$14,360 - US$19,690 per person

Itinerary image

Gorillas and Serengeti Safari

11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

US$12,620 - US$15,540 per person

Itinerary image

Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.

US$10,600 - US$13,500 per person

Itinerary image

Mountain Gorilla Safari

5 days • 2 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.

US$5,830 - US$6,120 per person

Itinerary image

Golden Monkey Safari

12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.

US$9,710 - US$12,170 per person

Itinerary image

Gorillas and Migration Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.

US$17,070 - US$25,280 per person

Showing 1-6 of 6

Best 6 hotels and places to stay in Kigali

Listed below are our recommendations for places to stay in Kigali. Ask us for more details of what's where, and what's likely to suit you best!


Showing 1-6 of 6
Name
Traveller's rating
No. of reviews
Kigali Serena Hotel

Kigali Serena Hotel

Just 10km from the airport, the Kigali Serena is a comfortable option and one of Expert Africa's favourites for a stopover in Kigali.


89% (77 reviews)
Hotel des Mille Collines

Hotel des Mille Collines

The international-style Hotel des Mille Collines offers a comfortable base in Kigali, or a stopover on the way to or from Rwanda's national parks.


83% (69 reviews)
Heaven Boutique Hotel

Heaven Hotel

Heaven Boutique Hotel is a comfortable and great-value option for a stopover in Kigali, or as a longer stay to explore Rwanda's capital city.


90% (14 reviews)
Heaven Retreat

The Retreat

Heaven Retreat is the luxurious and stylish sister hotel of Heaven Boutique, and makes for a great stopover, or a base to explore Kigali.


100% (3 reviews)
Kigali Marriott Hotel

Kigali Marriott Hotel

The Kigali Marriott is a smart international hotel located close to KIgali's business district, in the heart of the city.


100% (1 review)
Kigali Radisson Blu

Kigali Radisson Blu

The Kigali Radisson Blu is only a short drive from the airport and offers a comfortable base in Kigali.


No reviews yet
Showing 1-6 of 6

Excursions in Kigali

Optional, extra day-trips and excursions that are possible while you’re staying in Kigali. Talk to us: these excursions are usually best arranged before you go.


Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit

Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit

Half day

You'll be driven around Kigali to see the highlights of the city, with a main stop at the Genocide Memorial and museum. This will give you a fascinating, though sobering, insight into Rwanda's modern history. It is remarkable to learn just how far Rwanda has come in such a short period of time and it certainly adds a deeper understanding about the Rwandan people.

More about Kigali Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
95% (44 reviews)
King’s Palace & Museum Visit

King’s Palace & Museum Visit

Half day

If your trip in Rwanda incorporates travelling south from Kigali, a visit to the King’s Palace and Museum gives an interesting insight into Rwanda’s cultural history and monarchy. It's also ideally placed to break up the long journey to Nyungwe Forest.

More about King’s Palace
91% (13 reviews)
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