Kigali
Kigali is where many Rwanda trips begin, with the Genocide Memorial, local markets and a base for gorilla trekking.
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Kigali is the capital of Rwanda, a landlocked country in East Africa's Great Lakes region. The city sits at about 1,500 meters in the central highlands, built across hills, so its streets climb and drop steeply. The center has wide main roads and a range of restaurants and cafes.
Many visitors go to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which explains the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. The city is also the usual base for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, about two hours' drive northwest. For daily life, go to Kimironko market or the older streets of Nyamirambo. Two to three days cover the city, and add time if you plan to trek. Motos and taxis are the usual way around the hills. The drier months are June to September and December to February. Kinyarwanda, English and French are all used in the city.
Kigali in five
- Set up mobile money on a local SIMMTN MoMo and Airtel Money are used for moto rides, small shops and some restaurants, and many hotels take cards. Keep Rwandan francs for markets.Phones and eSIM
- Ask for a helmet before a moto rideMotorcycle taxis, called motos, are the quickest way across the hills, but they have no meter. Agree the fare before you get on and ask for a helmet.
- Leave plastic bags at homeRwanda bans plastic bags, and the rule covers bags brought in from abroad. Pack in a cloth bag or a rucksack.
- Set aside half a day for the Genocide MemorialThe Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi explains the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in detail. Go in the morning and leave the afternoon free.
- Book gorilla permits months aheadGorilla permits for Volcanoes National Park are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and can sell out in peak months. Book before you fix dates.Tours and tickets
Things to do in Kigali
See all attractions in Kigali
Need to know
- Currency
- Rwandan franc (RWF)
- Entry
- eVisa or visa on arrival for many passports; some visa-free
- Emergency
- 112 police, 111 fire, 912 ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected in shops or taxis; small tip in restaurants without service charge
- Time
- UTC+2, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, warm
- FebruaryDry, warm
- MarchLong rains
- AprilLong rains
- MayRains easing
- JuneDry, cool
- JulyDry, cool
- AugustDry, cool
- SeptemberDry, warm
- OctoberShort rains
- NovemberShort rains
- DecemberDry, festive
Right now in Kigali
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
20
- Feels like
- 22°
- Humidity
- 76%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 84%
Kigali
10:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today27°15°84%Monday: Rain. High 27°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 84%.
- Tue27°16°100%Tuesday: Rain. High 27°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed27°16°73%Wednesday: Rain. High 27°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 73%.
- Thu27°16°94%Thursday: Rain. High 27°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Fri26°16°91%Friday: Rain. High 26°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 91%.
- Sat27°15°89%Saturday: Rain. High 27°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 89%.
- Sun27°15°95%Sunday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 95%.
Updated 07:55 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1,476 RWF
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Akagera National Parkabout 2 to 3 hours by roadSavannah park with wildlife drives and lake views, a full day from Kigali.
- Volcanoes National Parkabout 2 hours by road to MusanzeGorilla trekking in the Virunga volcanoes. Book permits before you travel.
- Lake Kivu at Rubavuabout 3 to 4 hours by roadA lakeside break with calm water, better as an overnight.
Before you go to Kigali
Rules for Kigali, checked
- Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda, including bags brought in from abroad. Check the rule with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) before you pack.
- Check entry rules with Rwanda's immigration service before you book, since an eVisa, a visa on arrival or no visa depends on your passport.
- Gorilla permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board. Check current permit rules on its official site before you travel.Source
- Follow the behavior and photography rules posted at the Kigali Genocide Memorial entrance, and dress respectfully inside.
Plan around Kigali
Parks, entry rules and transport for a Rwanda trip
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry options and what to check before you fly
Read the guideGetting aroundMotos, taxis, buses and car hire
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, mobile money and typical prices
Read the guideWhere to stayHotels and guesthouses by area
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData for maps and mobile money
Read the guideKigali FAQ
Is Kigali worth visiting?
Yes for the Genocide Memorial, the Kimironko and Nyamirambo markets, and as a base for the national parks. Two to three days cover the city well.
How many days do you need in Kigali?
Two to three days cover the memorial, a market and a walk around the hills. Add a day trip to Akagera or Volcanoes National Park if you want wildlife.
How do you get around Kigali?
By taxi, ride-hailing app or moto. Motos are quick for short trips, and a taxi suits the longer ones. Agree the price before you start.
How do you get from the airport to Kigali?
Kigali International Airport is a short taxi ride from the city center. Ask your hotel to arrange a taxi, and agree the fare before you go.
When is the best time to visit Kigali?
June to September and December to February are the drier months. The long rains run from March to May and the short rains from October to November, so plan walks in the hills for the dry months.
Do you need a visa for Rwanda?
It depends on your passport: some visitors get a visa on arrival, others need an eVisa before they fly, and some need no visa for short stays. Check with Rwanda's immigration service.