Rwanda's Capital: Where Every Gorilla Trip Begins
Kigali spreads across a series of green hills in the centre of the country. It is known for clean streets, good roads and a strong sense of order — plastic bags have been banned in Rwanda since 2008. For most visitors, it is the arrival point and the base for the drive to Volcanoes National Park.
A day in the city is well spent. The Kigali Genocide Memorial explains the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and how the country has rebuilt since. Elsewhere, Kimironko market, contemporary art galleries, coffee shops and a growing restaurant scene give a sense of modern Rwanda.
Photo: GATETE Pacifique, CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
Kigali Genocide Memorial
The memorial at Gisozi is the resting place of more than 250,000 victims and the best place to understand Rwanda's recent history. Allow at least two hours.
Kimironko Market
Kigali's busiest market for fabric, baskets, produce and tailoring — a great place to order an outfit in kitenge cloth.
Art Galleries
Inema Arts Centre and other galleries showcase contemporary Rwandan painting, sculpture and crafts.
Coffee and Food
Rwanda's speciality coffee is served across the city, alongside a growing number of restaurants.
When to Go
Kigali can be visited all year. Note that on the last Saturday morning of each month, Umuganda community work runs from about 8:00 to 11:00 am and many businesses and roads are quiet; we plan transfers around it.
Getting There
Kigali International Airport (KGL) is about 10 km from the city centre and is served by RwandAir and several international carriers. Volcanoes National Park is roughly two and a half hours north by road, Akagera two and a half to three hours east and Nyungwe five to six hours south-west.
Tours Including Kigali
2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour
The shortest way to see mountain gorillas: drive north from Kigali, spend one night near the park, trek the next morning and be back in Kigali by evening.
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8-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Big Five & Lake Kivu
Savannah, volcanoes and lake in one trip: game drives and a boat safari in Akagera, gorillas and golden monkeys in the Virungas, then time to unwind on Lake Kivu.
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1-Day Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kigali
See the mountain gorillas and be back in Kigali the same night: an early start, the 7 am briefing at Kinigi, one hour with a gorilla family and the drive home.
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3-Day Budget Gorilla Trek: Kigali to Bwindi
The most affordable way to see mountain gorillas from Kigali: cross into Uganda for a Bwindi permit at about half the Rwanda price, with simple lodges and a private driver-guide.
View TourFrequently Asked Questions
Is Kigali safe for tourists?
Kigali is widely regarded as one of the safest capitals in Africa. Normal precautions apply.
Should I stay a night in Kigali before trekking?
If you arrive late or after a long-haul flight, yes. A night in Kigali means you travel to the park rested and in daylight.
