Kigali City
A guide through Kigali City
Welcome to Kigali, Rwanda’s dynamic capital nestled amid verdant hills, where modernity meets resilient history and warm hospitality.
As the gateway to East Africa’s wonders, Kigali boasts clean, safe streets, innovative urban planning, and a thriving arts scene.
Explore the poignant Genocide Memorial, vibrant markets like Kimironko, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city.
Indulge in local cuisine at trendy cafes or embark on day tours discovering nearby countryside, coffee plantations, serene lakes, and wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park.
Perfect for urban adventurers, cultural enthusiasts, or relaxed explorers, Kigali offers customizable experiences blending tradition and progress in a compact, walkable metropolis.
Welcome to Kigali
Embark on an unforgettable Rwandan adventure, beginning in the heart of Kigali with the Discovery Tour, where rolling hills and vibrant streets reveal the nation’s resilient spirit and modern charm.
Transition seamlessly into the Taste of Rwanda, savoring scenic drives through lush countryside, indulging in aromatic coffee and tea tastings by tranquil lakes, and spotting wildlife in their natural habitats.
Culminate your journey with the Cultural Day, immersing in everyday traditions, local artistry, and community interactions that showcase Rwanda’s rich heritage. We recommend starting with the Kigali Discovery Tour to unlock this tapestry of exploration, flavors, and authenticity in the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Immerse yourself in the delectable Taste of Rwanda day tour
A culinary odyssey through East Africa’s vibrant heart. Begin in Kigali’s bustling markets, sampling street favorites like smoky brochettes, chapati, ugali with stew, and fresh plantains. Engage in hands-on cooking lessons with local hosts, mastering traditional recipes using seasonal ingredients. Delight in banana beer tastings and aromatic coffee or tea sessions amid lush farm visits and serene lakeside views. Spot wildlife en route, blending flavors with nature’s beauty.
Kigali Birdwatching Adventure — A Full Day in Nature
This full-day birdwatching experience reveals a quieter, more intimate side of Rwanda, just beyond the city. Designed for nature lovers and photographers, it blends wetlands, green urban spaces, and conservation-focused sanctuaries into one well-balanced day.
The experience begins before sunrise, when birdlife is most active. Wetland habitats near Kigali come alive with movement and sound, offering excellent opportunities to observe both resident and migratory species in soft morning light. With an experienced guide, each sighting becomes more than a name — it becomes part of a larger ecosystem story.
Midday brings a cultural pause with visits to the historic Nyamata and Ntarama churches, grounding the day in Rwanda’s human history before returning to nature. Lunch in a green, open setting at Nyandungu Eco-Park allows time to relax and reflect.
The day closes gently at Umusambi Village, where rescued and native birds inhabit a peaceful landscape of lakes and gardens. As the light fades, evening birdwatching offers a final, serene chapter to the experience.
This is a day designed for those who enjoy slow observation, meaningful contrasts, and nature experienced with intention — all within easy reach of Kigali.
Practical Information
Rwanda is one of Africa’s most organised destinations, but it’s still important to prepare well.
We guide you through every step before you travel.
Visas & Entry
Visa on arrival / online
Rwanda offers visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and land borders, and you can also apply online. Migration Rwanda+1
Passport validity: plan for at least 6 months validity. Migration Rwanda
Fees: visa fees should not exceed USD 50 (single entry) or USD 70 (multiple entry). Migration Rwanda
EAC travellers
EAC travellers
Citizens of East African Community member states can receive an entry pass free of charge (commonly up to six months). Visit Rwanda+1
Tip: Entry rules can change. We’ll confirm the best option for your nationality before you travel and share the official steps. Migration Rwanda+1
Health & Fitness
Yellow fever
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if you’re arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission (or an active outbreak). rwandair.com+1
Travellers arriving from non-endemic countries generally do not need the certificate. rbc.gov.rw+1
General travel health
Travel with comprehensive insurance, pack any personal medication, and ask your clinic about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention for your itinerary. (We can advise based on where you’re going in Rwanda, altitude, and season.)
Safety
Rwanda is generally considered safe and well organised, with relatively low crime — but common sense still applies. Travel.gc.ca+2Travel+2
Smart habits
Keep valuables out of sight, especially in busy areas; secure passports and phones. Travel.gc.ca+1
At night: use trusted transport, avoid unlit streets, and keep car doors locked. Travel.gc.ca+1
We’ll brief you on neighbourhoods, driving times, and practical do’s/don’ts for each stop.
Getting Around
In Kigali
Public transport is mainly shared minibuses; city buses use the Tap&Go smart card system. Visit Rwanda
For trips and national parks
For comfort, timing, and flexibility, most visitors use a private vehicle + driver-guide (especially for early gorilla trekking starts and longer routes).
Money & Payments
Currency
The local currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). US dollars are widely accepted, but many local services are paid in RWF cash. Visit Rwanda
Cards & cash
Cards are common in larger hotels and many restaurants in Kigali, but keep some cash for smaller shops, tips, and rural stops.
Mobile money
Mobile money is widely used locally; visitors usually rely on card + cash, and we can advise if you want a local SIM + wallet setup.
Language & Connectivity
Languages
Kinyarwanda is the national language; English and French are widely used in tourism.
SIMs & data
Main networks are MTN and Airtel. SIM cards are easy to arrange in Kigali, and coverage is strong in most populated areas. Visit Rwanda+1
Wi-Fi
Most hotels and many cafés offer Wi-Fi (speed varies outside Kigali).