Kigali Travel Guide
Rwanda’s cosmopolitan capital city is a convenient gateway to East Africa
Surrounded by rolling green hills, Kigali is one of Africa’s most charming capital cities.
A delightful gateway to Rwanda’s remarkable landscapes and wildlife experiences.
While many travelers simply use Kigali as a transit point en route to the country’s famous national parks, the city offers a compelling mix of contemporary culture and culinary adventure that’s well worth exploring.
No visit to Rwanda is complete without reckoning with the country’s turbulent history. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a World Heritage Site, is a sobering yet essential experience for insight into the darkest hour of Rwanda’s recent past, while celebrating the country’s remarkable recovery. Also, stop for a drink (or stay the night) at the Hotel des Mille Collines, which was a haven during the genocide and inspired the film ‘Hotel Rwanda’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Before you set off for a safari or the gorillas, stop in at Kigali’s Museum of Natural History – also known as the Kandt House Museum – to understand the wider context around Rwanda’s natural wonders and its people. Housed in the 1907 residence of explorer Richard Kandt, you’ll enjoy immersive exhibits and superb city views from the gardens.
Kigali is also home to a thriving creative community that is best explored in the city’s vibrant art galleries. The Niyo Arts Gallery supports local artists and community programs, while Inema Arts Center is one of the city’s most important cultural hubs.
Another bellwether of Kigali’s creative renaissance is its restaurants, which are producing some of the most exciting food on the continent right now. Don’t miss the pan-African fusion of Meza Malonga, or the eight-course Afro-Asian menu at Kozo. Discover the contemporary face of Rwanda’s fast-growing coffee culture at Kivu Noir, or tap into the intersection of coffee and cuisine at Kevin Mbundu’s restaurant and cocktail bar Ruä.
Kigali enjoys a mild and temperate climate year-round, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime exploring. A light jacket or sweater is useful for cooler evenings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential for sunny days, and if you plan on booking a table at the city’s chic destination restaurants, you’ll want to throw in a smart-casual outfit for the evening.
Kigali enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, but most travelers arrive in the dry seasons (June to September, and December to February) to make the most of the best weather for gorilla trekking and safaris. Daytime temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C), with cooler evenings.
Thanks to its high altitude, some 5000 feet above sea level, the malaria risk in Kigali is low. However, as most travelers venture beyond the city for trekking and safaris, prophylactics and mosquito repellent are recommended. Consult your travel doctor three weeks before departure.
Put a pin in Kigali with these handy maps to Rwanda.
Kigali International Airport is the main gateway to Rwanda. Direct flights link Kigali to Europe and the Middle East, with Rwandair offering an extensive network across East and Southern Africa.
Rwanda Travel Destinations
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