Best Things to Do in Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda, one of Africa's cleanest, safest, and most rapidly developing capitals. Thirty years after the 1994 genocide that killed approximately 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu in 100 days, Rwanda has transformed under Paul Kagame's leadership into a model of post-conflict reconstruction, urban planning, and conservation.
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The unmissable in Kigali
These are the staple sights — don't leave Kigali without seeing them.
Attractions in Kigali
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Kigali sprawls across multiple hills and valleys in the center of Rwanda, a city that bears witness to the most rapid post-conflict transformation in modern Africa. The things to do in Kigali are shaped by this history and this transformation. The Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi is one of the world’s most important and difficult memorials: the remains of over 250,000 genocide victims are interred here, and the museum chronicles the history and mechanics of the genocide with unflinching honesty and tremendous dignity; visit before gorilla trekking — the juxtaposition of Rwanda’s past horror and present achievement is the defining lesson of visiting this country. The Inema Arts Centre in Kicukiro district is one of East Africa’s most vibrant contemporary art spaces, founded by brothers Emmanuel and Innocent Nkurunziza; their work and the gallery’s exhibitions represent Rwanda’s extraordinary artistic Renaissance. The Kimironko Market is the city’s largest and most authentic market: produce, fabrics (including kitenge prints), handicrafts, and the daily life of Kigali. The Caplaki Crafts Village concentrates Rwanda’s artisanal production — imigongo (geometric cow-dung paintings, a uniquely Rwandan art form), woven baskets, and woodwork.
Best time to visit
June through August and December through February are the driest months and generally the best times. Rwanda has two rainy seasons: March-May and October-November. The rains don’t prevent gorilla trekking but do make some forest paths more difficult. Temperatures in Kigali are remarkably consistent year-round (18-26°C) due to the equatorial location and 1,567m altitude. The Africa Day celebrations (May 25) and the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony (September) are notable events.
Getting around
Kigali International Airport is 8 km from the city center, with RwandAir connections across Africa and to London (from 2021, non-stop via Brussels or direct), Brussels, Dubai, and Guangzhou. Within Kigali, moto-taxis (motorcycle taxis) are the fastest urban transport; both driver and passenger must wear helmets (provided). Taxis and ride-hailing (Yego Moto app for motorcycle taxis, SafeMotos) are available. For gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park (100 km north), organized transfers from Kigali take 2.5 hours.
What to eat
Kigali’s restaurant scene has grown remarkably in the past decade. Isimbi Restaurant at Hotel des Mille Collines (the Hotel Rwanda hotel) serves Rwandan cuisine including brochettes (grilled meat skewers), isombe (cassava leaves with eggplant and spinach), matoke (cooked plantain), and ugali (maize porridge). Repub Lounge in Nyamirambo is a neighborhood cultural hub with live music and local food. Kigali’s international dining scene (Indian, Lebanese, Thai, Italian) reflects the growing expatriate community. The Sunday artisan market in Nyamirambo has the best combination of craft shopping and local food.
Frequently asked questions
Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda worth the $1,500 permit fee?
For those who can afford it, yes — emphatically. Mountain gorillas (approximately 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild, all in the Virunga Mountains shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC) are one of the most profound wildlife encounters possible. The 1-hour allotted time with a gorilla family in their natural habitat, watching the silverback, mothers, and infants in thick mountain forest, is described by almost all visitors as the most extraordinary wildlife experience of their lives. Rwanda's permit fee is the highest ($1,500 vs. Uganda's $800); the difference is in the trek quality and the higher level of habituation of some groups. Permits must be booked months in advance through Rwanda Development Board.