Destination Inspiration: Kigali, Rwanda

Why go?

Spread across mountains and valleys, Kigali forms the centre of Rwanda’s booming economy. The capital has a reputation for environmental sustainability – roads are clean, plastic bags are banned, parks are tidy and widespread.

It’s all thanks to an obligatory community cleanup called ‘Umuganda’, taking place every month. Every Rwandan living in Kigali – including the president himself – gets involved, helping to keep the city’s grand Kigali Masterplan 2040 on track.

This forward-looking focus does not shroud Rwanda’s tragic past. The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre honours the estimated 250,000 people that were killed and buried here during the Rwandan Genocide in 1994. You can take the audio-guided tour for a better understanding of the event.

Few people leave Kigali unimpressed by its strength of character, and being at the centre of the country, it’s not far from Rwanda’s most spectacular attraction: the Volcanoes National Park – famous for its wild troops of mountain gorillas.

When to go?

Kigali has a much cooler climate than most other cities around the Equator, due to its high elevation. Temperatures vary between 15 and 27 degrees Celsius throughout the year, and the sun is almost always shining. For the driest weather, go between June and August, which is also the best time to go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Where to stay?

Gloria Hotel – Kigali, Rwanda

Located just 200 metres from Kigali City Market, Gloria Hotel is in a great spot for souvenir shopping. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and breakfast is served each morning on the terrace, so you can admire the streets and distant hills of Kigali as you dine.

2000 Hotel Downtown Kigali – Kigali, Rwanda

2000 Hotel Downtown Kigali is highly rated by guests for its helpful and hard-working staff. You can get quite the view from the rooftop terrace – Kigali sprawling through the valley beneath you, or visit the Bamboo Restaurant, which serves a mix of Chinese and Western cuisine.

Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel – Kigali, Rwanda

Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel blends modern and traditional styles to create a warm and friendly environment. Colourful walls and bedding give the rooms a distinctly Rwandan feel, while the pool and fitness centre add a touch of luxury. At night, there’s even the chance to enjoy some live music, performed by locals.

Yambi Guesthouse – Kigali, Rwanda

This bed and breakfast offers colourful rooms with an authentic style, and a home-cooked breakfast that guests can eat in the on-site restaurant or on the sun terrace. Owner Patrick and his team work hard to create a warm and social atmosphere, and will gladly help with planning your stay in Kigali.

Kigali Serena Hotel – Kigali, Rwanda

Kigali Serena Hotel is Kigali’s only five-star property. Each elegant room features a king-size bed, air-conditioning and a balcony or terrace, which overlooks a newly refurbished swimming pool. The fresh and varied breakfast served on the sun terrace is also a big hit with guests.