Things to do in  Kigali

Kigali is known for being one of the cleanest, safest, and well-maintained cities in Africa, which is partly due to the monthly umuganda, compulsory community service. The city is also known for the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a museum focuses on the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the prevention of future atrocities.

Genocide landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Nyamata Church, and Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial are among the city’s most visited attractions. Mt. Kigali is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts with its hiking trails and ziplines, while Kigali’s creative spaces include Inema Arts Centre and Niyo Arts Gallery.

Yes and no—as a holiday destination, Kigali works best as a stop-off point on a wider Rwanda or East Africa trip. There isn’t enough to do within the city itself to fill up a full vacation itinerary, but with multi-day trips and out-of-town tours, Kigali makes a convenient base.

You need three days (minimum) for the full Kigali experience. On day one, try trendy cafés like Inzora Rooftop Café or Question Coffee Bar to taste Rwanda’s famous export. Next, dive into Rwandan heritage at a museum or art gallery. On day three, take a nature tour of Nyandungu Eco-Park.

It's in the middle. Compared to other capital cities in East Africa, Kigali is slightly more expensive, though there are accommodation and dining options at all price points. Multi-day national park tours with transfers from the city are generally expensive because they include wildlife-tracking permits, entrance fees, and security.

English is an official language in Rwanda and is spoken by most people in Kigali. French and Swahili are also official languages, though the national—and most widely spoken—language is Kinyarwanda. In more rural Rwanda, English is spoken less often, so learn a few Kinyarwanda phrases, starting with muraho for hello.