Kigali, Rwanda: City & Arrival Guide
Where almost every Rwanda gorilla safari begins, and a city worth a day or two of its own.
Kigali at a glance
Kigali is the capital of Rwanda, spread across green hills in the centre of the country. It is the gateway for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, the Big Five in Akagera and the rainforest of Nyungwe, and it is also the easiest airport for reaching the southern gorilla sectors of Uganda's Bwindi forest.
Travellers are often surprised by the city itself: orderly, green, notably clean and safe, with a growing food, art and coffee scene. Adventures & Hikes has an office in Kigali, so our team meets you here in person.
Arriving in Kigali
Kigali International Airport (KGL)
Kigali International Airport sits in Kanombe, about 10 km east of the city centre, a drive of roughly 20 to 30 minutes. It is the hub of RwandAir, and international carriers connect it through hubs such as Amsterdam, Doha, Istanbul, Addis Ababa and Nairobi. On a safari with us, your guide meets you in arrivals.
Visas
Most travellers can get a visa on arrival, and citizens of many countries enter visa-free. If your trip also includes Uganda or Kenya, the East Africa Tourist Visa covers all three countries on one multiple-entry visa. Entry rules change, so check Rwanda's official Irembo portal before you travel.
Good to know
- Money: the currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF). US dollars are widely used for permits, lodges and tours.
- Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda and can be taken from your luggage on arrival. Pack in fabric or paper.
- Umuganda: on the last Saturday of each month, the country takes part in community work in the morning, and traffic and most businesses pause until around midday. Plan transfers around it.
Where to stay in Kigali
- Kiyovu: central and leafy, close to the city centre and many of the established hotels.
- Kimihurura and Kacyiru: embassies, restaurants and cafes, and a relaxed base for a night or two.
- Nyarutarama: quiet and upmarket, with boutique hotels and some of the city's best dining.
- Remera: practical for late arrivals and early flights, being close to the airport.
Things to do in Kigali city
- Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, the essential visit for understanding modern Rwanda and the resting place of more than 250,000 victims. Allow two hours.
- Kimironko Market, the city's busiest, for fabrics, baskets, produce and tailoring.
- Inema Arts Center and the city's other galleries, showcasing contemporary Rwandan artists.
- Nyamirambo, Kigali's liveliest neighbourhood, best explored on a guided walking tour.
- Kandt House Museum, the city's natural history museum in the former home of Kigali's founder.
Kigali stopover ideas
One day
Land, rest, then spend the afternoon at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and finish with dinner in Kiyovu or Kimihurura.
Two days
Add Kimironko Market in the morning, a gallery visit, and a Nyamirambo walking tour in the late afternoon.
Three days
Use the third day to drive to Musanze and Kinigi for your gorilla trek, or head east to Akagera National Park for a Big Five game drive.
From Kigali to the gorillas and the parks
- Volcanoes National Park (gorillas and golden monkeys): about two to two and a half hours to the Kinigi park headquarters. See Rwanda gorilla trekking.
- Akagera National Park (Big Five savannah): roughly two and a half to three hours east.
- Nyungwe National Park (chimpanzees and canopy walk): around five to six hours south-west.
- Bwindi, Uganda (southern sectors Rushaga and Nkuringo): roughly four to five hours by road, crossing the border, and often cheaper overall thanks to Uganda's lower gorilla permit. See Uganda gorilla trekking.
Journeys that start in Kigali:
Want to meet a family face to face? Read our silverback gorilla guide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kigali from Volcanoes National Park?
About two to two and a half hours by road from Kigali to Kinigi, the park headquarters where gorilla treks start. Most travellers drive up the day before their trek and stay near the park.
Do I need a visa for Rwanda?
Most travellers can get a visa on arrival in Kigali, and citizens of many countries enter visa-free. If you are also visiting Uganda or Kenya, the East Africa Tourist Visa covers all three countries. Rules change, so confirm on Rwanda's official Irembo portal before you fly.
Is Kigali safe for tourists?
Kigali is widely regarded as one of the safest and cleanest capital cities in Africa. Normal city precautions apply, and our team in Kigali meets guests on arrival.
How many days should I spend in Kigali?
One day is enough for the Kigali Genocide Memorial and a first taste of the city. Two days lets you add markets, galleries and the Nyamirambo neighbourhood before heading to the gorillas or to Akagera.
What currency is used in Rwanda?
The Rwandan franc (RWF). US dollars are widely accepted for tourism services such as permits, lodges and tours, and cards work in most hotels and larger restaurants in Kigali.
