Kigali spreads over a series of green hills and valleys in the centre of the country. It is clean, calm and safe, and far more interesting than many visitors expect. We like to give it at least one full day, ideally at the start of a trip.
A morning at the Kigali Genocide Memorial is the place to begin. It is moving and thoughtfully done, and it helps you understand the country you are about to travel through. Afterwards, the city's galleries, markets, coffee shops and restaurants show a young, creative Rwanda. We use The Retreat by Heaven, a quiet, small hotel in Kiyovu.
Kigali spreads across a series of green hills, with terraced neighbourhoods and views across the valleys. The city is clean and leafy, and sunset is a lovely time to look out from the hills.
Activities here
Kigali has a mild climate, with daytime temperatures of around 24 to 28°C and evenings of 15 to 17°C all year. The long rains fall from March to May and the short rains from October to November.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27 | 16 | 77 |
| Feb | 27 | 16 | 91 |
| Mar | 27 | 16 | 114 |
| Apr | 26 | 16 | 154 |
| May | 26 | 16 | 88 |
| Jun | 27 | 15 | 19 |
| Jul | 28 | 15 | 11 |
| Aug | 28 | 16 | 31 |
| Sep | 28 | 16 | 67 |
| Oct | 27 | 16 | 99 |
| Nov | 26 | 16 | 113 |
| Dec | 26 | 16 | 77 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
The long dry season runs from June to September, with a shorter, less reliable dry spell from December to February. Days are warm and sunny, around 27 to 28°C, evenings mild at around 15 to 16°C, and it is the most comfortable time for walking tours and markets.
The long rains fall from March to May, with April usually the wettest month, and the short rains from October to November. Heavy showers usually come in the afternoon or at night and clear quickly, so most plans go ahead with a little flexibility.
Kigali is good to visit at any time of year. The dry seasons from June to September and December to February are the most comfortable for walking tours.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jun to Sep
Kigali International Airport is about 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre. From Kigali, the Volcanoes are about 2.5 hours by road and Akagera about 2.5 hours.
Most visitors can get a Rwandan visa online as an e-visa or on arrival at Kigali. Please see the Rwanda page for details, and check the rules for your passport before you travel.
Kigali has good private clinics and hospitals, and tap water is best avoided in favour of bottled or filtered water. Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda. Please take medical advice on vaccinations well before you go.
National ParkVolcanoes National ParkMountain gorillas in the Virungas
National ParkNyungwe National ParkChimpanzees and the canopy walkway
National ParkAkagera National ParkRwanda’s Big Five savannah
National ParkGishwati-Mukura National ParkRwanda’s restored rainforest
Lake & IslandsLake KivuLakeshore rest between treksLake & IslandsTwin Lakes Burera & RuhondoQuiet lakes below the volcanoesOur take
“Stay a day”
We see many travellers fly into Kigali and leave for the Volcanoes the same morning. We think that is a mistake. A day here, with the memorial in the morning and Nyamirambo or Inema in the afternoon, gives you a feel for Rwanda that no park can. Our guides will also take you to their favourite places for lunch.
Safaris from
US$169 per person
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