rwanda

Kigali, Rwanda

Quick Facts

Best Time to Visit: Year-round. December–February and June–September are driest.
Country: rwanda

Highlights

Cleanest, safest, and most walkable capital in Africa
Kigali Genocide Memorial, moving and essential context
World-class food scene from local Rwandan to East African fusion
Vibrant art galleries, coffee shops, and craft markets
Gateway to all of Rwanda's national parks

Kigali is unlike any other African capital. It is consistently ranked as the cleanest city on the continent, has one of the lowest crime rates of any major city in the world, and is small enough to feel walkable while still home to vibrant food, art, and coffee scenes. Most Rwanda Eco Company trips begin and end in Kigali, with at least a day at each end to decompress and experience the city.

Things to do

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the most important stop. The memorial is the burial site for more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide. The exhibition is sobering, comprehensive, and essential context for any visit to Rwanda. Set aside 2-3 hours and bring tissues. Free admission; donations welcome.

A guided city walking tour with a local Kigali host covers the colorful Nyamirambo neighborhood, the Kimironko Market (Kigali’s largest), Inema Arts Center, and the women-owned Iby’Iwacu cultural craft cooperative. 3-4 hours.

Coffee shop crawls at places like Question Coffee, Inzora Rooftop, Bourbon Coffee, and Neo Cafe sample roasts from across Rwanda’s coffee cooperatives. Pair with a roastery tour at Question Coffee (the only women-run specialty coffee roastery in Rwanda).

Food experiences include cooking classes at Hôtel des Mille Collines, dinner at Heaven Restaurant (founded by Americans who relocated post-genocide), and Rwandan street food at the Iby’Iwacu market.

Art and crafts at the Inema Arts Center (contemporary art by Rwandan artists), Niyo Arts Gallery, and the women’s craft cooperative cooperatives around Nyamirambo.

Day trips from Kigali

Kigali is the launch point for most Rwanda safaris:

Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, 2.5 hours by road
Akagera National Park for Big Five game drives, 2.5 hours by road
Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, 5-6 hours by road
Lake Kivu for swimming and boat trips, 3-3.5 hours by road
Genocide memorials at Nyamata and Ntarama, 1 hour by road, half-day round trip

Accommodation

Kigali Serena Hotel (luxury, central) and Hotel des Mille Collines (mid-range, of “Hotel Rwanda” fame) are the historic luxury options. The Retreat by Heaven is the high-end boutique pick. Hemingways Kigali Retreat is a modern luxury option a short drive from downtown. Mid-range hotels include the Marriott, the Movenpick, and Chez Lando.

Getting around

Taxis and motorbike taxis (“motos”) are everywhere and inexpensive. The Yego Cabs app works reliably and shows fares upfront. Rwanda Eco Company provides private driver-guides for all multi-day itineraries.