Kigali

What It Is and Where

Kigali sits at altitude, so the climate is mild for most of the year. Kigali International Airport is about 20 minutes from the city. Two things visitors notice quickly: plastic bags have been banned in Rwanda since 2008, and on the last Saturday of each month, Rwandans take part in Umuganda, a morning of community work, so plan arrival days with that in mind.

What You Do There

• The Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, the final resting place of 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. It is a serious and important visit, and we encourage every client to go.
• Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park: about 121 hectares of restored wetland, opened in 2022, with walking and cycling paths.
• Umusambi Village: a restored wetland of about 21 hectares on the road toward Akagera, home to grey crowned cranes rescued from captivity.
• Inema Arts Centre and the city's growing restaurant and café scene.

When to Go and How Long to Stay

Kigali follows the rest of Rwanda's seasons, with drier spells from June to September and December to February. The city works well any time of year. One night on arrival and one before departure is the usual pattern, with a half day for the memorial.

Getting On From Kigali

Volcanoes National Park is about two and a half hours by road, Akagera about three hours to the southern entrance, and Nyungwe about five hours or a short flight to Kamembe.

Where to Stay in Kigali

Hemingways Retreat Kigali

Formerly The Retreat by Heaven, a 20-room boutique hotel in leafy Kiyovu, with pool villas that have private plunge pools. Our choice for a calm first and last night.