Kigali Holidays

While the wildlife attractions of Rwanda might be the purpose of your trip, there’s always a reason to stay another day in the capital. Dedicate a day to galleries and craft centres and another to browsing markets and sampling local specialities in cafés, restaurants, and milk bars. Enjoy a steady hike to the peak of Mount Kigali for incredible views across the city. 

Visit the Presidential Palace, where debris from the fateful plane crash assassination of 1994 can still be seen. Dig deeper into the history and culture of Rwanda at the Ethnographic Museum. Witness the impressive architecture and sand-shaded dome of the Gaddafi Mosque. Amahoro Stadium, home to the Rwandan national football team and once a shelter for 12,000 refugees, is a magnificent sight close to the sport and musical entertainment of the BK Arena.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Kimironko Market, the largest and liveliest collection of stalls in Kigali. Hosted in a huge warehouse complex, Kimironko sells fabrics and food from across Rwanda and its neighbouring nations. Pick up tasty produce and quirky souvenirs or have bespoke clothing made while you wait. 

For crafts, visit Nyamirambo Women's Center, a non-profit project helping to bridge the gender divide by empowering women through training and opportunity. Find tote bags, hand-woven baskets, mats, rugs, jewellery and local fashions, all created by neighbourhood women. After shopping, dip into Kigali’s emerging culinary scene with dozens of restaurants and cafés offering varied cuisines. Sample Rwandan coffee, discover milk bars, try a plate of big fish, or take a taste tour through the vibrant Muslim quarter of Nyamirambo.

Uncover the light and dark of Kigali in its galleries, museums, and memorials. A colourful exterior makes the Inema Arts Center easy to spot but the contemporary work created by its artists in residence is the real attraction. Rwanda Art Museum, housed in the former Presidential Palace, showcases local and international work in every medium, while Niyo Arts Gallery hosts exhibitions, performances, and opportunities to meet creatives. 

In sharp contrast to the inspiring Kigali art scene are the locations and exhibitions dedicated to the most violent moments of Rwanda’s recent past. Kigali Genocide Memorial and Camp Kigali Memorial open a window on the 1994 massacres which took place across the nation while the luxurious Hôtel des Mille Collines stands resistant as a site which once gave refuge to those hiding from their attackers.

Kigali is a modern capital city and has more than enough to keep visitors entertained every day of the year. It offers a combination of indoor and outdoor activities allowing you to enjoy your stay regardless of the weather. 

Like much of Rwanda, Kigali temperatures are consistent throughout the year with most days expected to reach between 12°C and 26°C. June to September and December to February are the dryer periods but showers can fall at any time. Continuous rain is rare but is more common from March to May and October to November.