Overview Of Kigali
Kigali is a city, and capital, of Rwanda. Having a population of over 1 million people, it is the largest city in the country. The city was founded in 1907 under the German colonial rule by Dr. Richard Kandt. Kigali is famously known for suffering one of the most brutal Genocides ? the Rwandan Genocide ? that saw the death of more than one million people, mostly Tutsi. However, since 1994 when the massacre ended, the city has undergone a restructuring, moving on from its awful past. Due to the city?s elevation, Kigali is cooler than most cities in the same region, making it a favourable spot for tourists. Exciting places to visit in the city include the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, Ishyo Art Centre, Goethe Institut, Kigali City Tower, and the Mamba Club.
Annual Festivals and Events In Kigali
Kigali Up Festival
The Kigali Up Festival is an annual music event that brings both the locals and tourists together. Taking place at the Amahoro stadium, the festival gives an insight into the city, including its cultural cuisines and the African arts and culture. It features musical performances by Rwandan singers from all over the world in different genres: blues, jazz, pop, reggae, etc.
Rwanda Film Festival
The Rwandan film industry, known as Hollywood, celebrates movies across the world in different venues across Kigali city. The festival holds for a week, screening major movies on the international scene. Movie-loving tourists would find this event very exciting and the fact that if is often free to the audience. They can also get to see indigenous movies made by local film makers.
Mutzig Beer Fest
Mutzig Beer Fest is a smaller replication of the popular German Oktoberfest that holds every year in Kigali. It is a two-day event of drinks, food, and dance. Mutzig Beer Fest is definitely the favourite event for beer lovers. The feast happens in different locations in he city every year but there are always free buses to take participants to the event location.
Other popular festivals in the capital city include Jamafest and Hobe Rwanda.
Best Time To Book A Flight To Kigali
Major airlines operating flights in and out of Kigali include Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, RwandAir, and Turkish Airlines. The best time to book flights on these airlines should be at least three months before departure. There is always a demand for reservations on flights into Kigali as it is one of the most visited cities in Africa. Travellers should always be on the lookout, too, for the best deals by comparing the fares of each airline.
Peak Season
Over the years, Kigali has become one of the African cities that attract a lot of tourists and expatriates every year. Everyone visits this wonderful city for different reasons; for its history; for its culture; and for its tourist attractions. All these factors, coupled with the very cool ambience, make Kigali a highly visited place when it comes to touring Africa. The visits occur all through the year, especially from May to October, when the city is agog with a variety of festivals and events including the International Food Fair, the Kigali Up Festival and the popular Mutzig Beer Fest. As a result, it is not unusual to find that the costs of flight tickets may increase during these periods.
Off Season
It is very hard to find an off season for travels into the beautiful city of Kigali. The weather there is so friendly that most travellers do not schedule their tours because of the weather but for the events they do not want to miss. However, there is a little window for when the flights into Kigali are a little lower. This varies between November and March, especially in March when the rains are more frequent and heavier. Coincidentally there are hardly any annual events that hold during this period. And as a result, a good number of tourists would not be found during this period.
Best Time To Visit Kigali
The climate in Kigali is very favourable. The city enjoys a subtle tropical climate as it is warm for the majority of the year. November and March witness the most rainfall in the year. Asides from those months, there really is nothing to take away from the city?s climatic condition. Tourists can come in any time of the year.
The best time to visit Kigali is during annual events and festivals with a?majority of them holding between May and October. In the same vein, the ?best time to visit Kigali? is relative. It depends on the interests of tourists. For instance, to participate in gorilla trekking, the best time to visit Kigali is during the brief dry period around December to February. The same goes for other tourist activities in the city.
Diseases like malaria and STDs are still rampant in the city, and Rwanda as a whole, it would, therefore, be in the interests of travellers to prevent transmission in any form. If they can, travellers should also take vaccinations against some of the popular infections.
Kigali International Airport
Kigali International Airport is a civil aviation airport and the primary airport serving the city of Kigali. The airport is the major base for air travels in Rwanda. Kigali International Airport is the primary hub for RwandAir, the biggest airline in the country. The airport is the 7th best regional airport in Africa. The airport is referred to by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) using the airport code KGL. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) uses HRYR when referring to Kigali International Airport.
Flights From Popular Cities To Kigali
Due to the fact that Kigali city attracts a lot of tourists and expatriates, a couple of major airlines operate scheduled passenger flight from popular cities of the world into the Rwandan capital. Below is a list of airlines that fly from selected major locations and their average fares.
Flights From New York To Kigali International Airport
| Airline |
Duration |
Average Fare |
| Air France |
20 hours 50 minutes |
645, 753 naira |
| Brussels Airlines |
20 hours 20 minutes |
435, 040 naira |
| Egyptair |
36 hours 10 minutes |
1, 067, 942 naira |
| Qatar Airways |
22 hours 15 minnutes |
1, 614, 849 naira |
| United Airlines |
20 hours 20 minutes |
694, 310 naira |
| South African Airways |
27 hours 30 minutes |
816, 251 naira |
| KLM |
27 hours 35 minutes |
552, 794 naira |
Flights From Brussels, Belgium To Kigali International Airport
| Airline |
Duration |
Average Fare |
| Lufthansa |
29 hours 40 minutes |
426, 866 naira |
| Ethiopian Airlines |
15 hours 40 minutes |
320, 637 naira |
| Brussels Airlines |
10 hours 30 minutes |
342, 328 naira |
| Egyptair |
22 hours 45 minutes |
542, 071 naira |
| Etihad Airways |
32 hours 5 minutes |
525, 490 naira |
| Kenya Airways |
25 hours 40 minutes |
417, 219 naira |
| KLM |
11 hours 45 minnutes |
413, 574 naira |
| South Africann Airways |
31 hours 25 minutes |
648, 208 naira |
| Turkish Airlinnes |
28 hours 40 minutes |
396, 369 naira |
Flights From London, United Kingdom To Kigali International Airport
| Airline |
Duration |
Average Fare |
| Air France |
17 hours 10 minutes |
542, 658 naira |
| Brussels Airlines |
12 hours 45 minutes |
244, 621 naira |
| Egyptair |
20 hours 40 minutes |
462, 077 naira |
| Ethiopian Airlines |
26 hours 45 minutes |
262, 674 naira |
| Etihad Airways |
21 hours 14 minutes |
407, 488 naira |
| Kenya Airways |
48 hours 40 minutes |
416, 714 naira |
| KLM |
15 hours 10 minnutes |
413, 574 naira |
Flights From Lagos, Nigeria To Kigali International Airport
| Airline |
Duration |
Average Fare |
| Kenya Airways |
12 hours 45 minutes |
168, 348 naira |
| Lufthansa |
20 hours 50 minutes |
3, 169, 348 naira |
| Rwandair |
4 hours 30 minutes |
179, 670 naira |
| South African Airways |
21 hours 25 minutes |
420, 996 naira |
| Turkish Airlines |
26 hours 20 minutes |
605, 820 naira |
It should be noted that majority of these airlines are not non-stop flights, as some may have more than 2 stops at other airports.
Airlines Operating International Flights To Kigali
Airlines operating scheduled international flights to Kigali include Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, South African Airways, Rwandair, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, and Etihad Airways.
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Getting Around Kigali
There are a number of transport options for travellers in Kigali to get around the city and other parts of the country. Commuting can be done using any of the three major means of transportation including commercial motorcycles, buses, and taxis.
Taxis
Taxis are in abundance in Kigali. There are two types of taxis available in the city. Some are operated by individuals whose vehicle can be identified by the yellow stripes on the taxi. The other type is predominantly run by two different taxi service owned by different operators ? the Kigali Airport Taxi and Kigali Taxi Service. The taxis can be hired by calling any of the taxi services. Trips around 1 kilometre generally cost about Rwf 2, 000 and more for further locations.
Buses
Matatu is the local name for buses in Kigali and other parts of Rwanda. They travel to major locations around the city and offer the cheapest means of commute. The prices for certain locations are fixed and unlike the taxis, they can?t be negotiated. Short distances around Kigali cost 600 RFr and far distance could get as expensive as 2500 RFr and 3000 RFr.
Motorcycles
They offer the fastest means of getting around the Kigali metropolis and are quite popular in the city. The cost of boarding motos (local name for motorcycles) in Kigali falls between 200 RFr and 1000 RTr, depending on how far the destination is.
Car Rental Service
This is only ideal for experienced drivers because most of the connecting roads are undulating and not really in good condition. There are car rental companies available for tourists to choose from. Most of the car rental services are open every day of the week and vehicles can be pre-arranged before the arrival of visitors into Rwanda.
Getting From Kigali Airport To Kigali
Kigali International Airport is located 5 km from the city centre. Kigali is a 5 minute drive from the airport. There are taxis available outside the airport and can be chartered for around 10,000 Rwf. Pre-arrangements can be made for shuttle services from the airport to any destination in the city by contacting any of the Kigali taxi operators including Kigali Airport Taxis and Kigali Taxi Service.
Travellers with less luggage can get around from the airport using motorbikes. Travels from the airport to most destinations in the city cost an average of 1500 RFr and 2000 RFr.
Staying In Kigali
There are different types of accommodation available in Kigali, from budget to luxurious hotels. However, they are more expensive than the ones in other cities in nearby countries. This is due to the number of people coming in at all times of the year.
Kigali Serena Hotel
This is a five star hotel and one of Kigali?s biggest hotels. It is just 10 kilometres away from the Kigali International Airport. The average price of rooms at the hotel is 240 dollars.
Hotel des Mille Collines
This is a large luxurious hotel in the Kigali metropolis. It is famously known for housing refugees during the Rwanda Genocide.
Iris Guest House
Iris Guest House is located in KN 33 Street 9, Kigali, Rwanda. Kigali International Airport is only 8 kilometres away.
Auberge Le Cavern
This is a budget hotel located in the ambience of Blvd de Nyabugogo, Kigali, Rwanda. It is located very close to the city post office and just off the main road.
Great Places To Visit In Kigali
Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
This centres serves as the resting place and commemoration of victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Tourists who would like to learn about the events of the massacre can visit the memorial as it documents all that happened.
Rwesero Art Museum
Rwesero Art Museum is one of the most prestigious art museums in Rwanda. The museum is situated on the top of the Rwesero hill in Nyanza. It showcases a lot of contemporary artwork, imbibing the Rwandan culture. It was initially built as a palace for King Mutara III Rudahigwa but following his death before completion, it was converted into an arts museum instead.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
This is the largest montane forest in East Africa.Covering a very large area of land, the forest is home to over 300 bird species, unpopular golden monkeys, mangabeys, and baboons.
Cost Of Things In Kigali
| Restaurants |
Average Price (RF) |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
1,529.00 - 3,000.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
20,000.00 - 25,000.00 |
| ?(or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
3,397.92-6,000.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) |
700.00-1,000.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) |
1,000.00-1,700.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) |
1,200.00-2,500.00 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) |
300.00-700.00 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) |
300.00-500.00 |
| Common Market Items |
|
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) |
400.00-1,000.00 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) |
800.00-1,200.00 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) |
800.00-1,200.00 |
| Eggs (12) |
960.00-1,440.00 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) |
2,500.00-8,000.00 |
| Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) |
3,000.00-6,000.00 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
2,200.00-3,000.00 |
| Apples (1kg) |
1,200.00-2,500.00 |
| Banana (1kg) |
500.00-700.00 |
| Oranges (1kg) |
600.00-1,500.00 |
| Tomato (1kg) |
500.00-800.00 |
| Potato (1kg) |
250.00-300.00 |
| Onion (1kg) |
500.00-700.00 |
| Lettuce (1 head) |
100.00-500.00 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
600.00-1,200.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
10,000.00-12,000.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
600.00-2,000.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) |
1,000.00-2,000.00 |
| Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) |
1,000.00-1,500.00 |
| Transportation |
|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
230.00-300.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
8,000.00-10,000.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2,000.00-5,000.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) |
1,000.00-2,000.00 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
3,000.00-5,000.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) |
860.00-1,050.00 |
| Clothing And Shoes |
|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
10,000.00-40,000.00 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
10,000.00-50,000.00 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
25,000.00-60,000.00 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
30,000.00-70,000.00 |
| Rent Per Month |
|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
150,000.00-400,000.00 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
100,000.00-200,000.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
400,000.00-1,200,000.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
300,000.00-800,000.00 |
Tips For Staying In Kigali
Safety and Security Tips In Kigali
Kigali is a safe zone and there are not a lot of cases of robberies but travellers should tread carefully when moving around the city. They should walk alone only during the day, and preferably in crowded streets. If at all tourists would move in the night, perhaps to go clubbing and other nightlife activities, they should do it in the company of other people.
All valuables should be kept out of the sight of public. Luxury jewellery is best left at home as being flashy might attract the attention of thieves.
Changing Money In Kigali
The most popular foreign currencies that can be easily exchanged into the Rwandan currency include US Dollars, Euros, and UK Pound, while the US dollars is the most accepted foreign currency for purchases within the city.
Forex Bureaus
Forex Bureaus are available in the city and at the Kigali International Airport. They offer better exchange rates than the bank and funds are as well easier to obtain.
Banks
Money can also be exchanged at the banks inside the city. The process requires credit cards, means of identification, and a little more stress than the bureau and ATMs.
ATMs
With debit cards like Visa, travellers can withdraw money in Rwandan Francs from the ATMs scattered across different locations inn Kigali. It is quite easier than the rest but may only be available to travellers who informed their parent bank of their travelling into Kigali as they might block withdrawals from the city as a security measure.
Traditions and Customs To respect In Kigali
People in Kigali, and the rest of Rwanda, do not exactly like to discuss their ethnic groups with outsiders. Travellers should know not to bring conversations about ethic groups with indigenes.
Domestic Flights To Kigali
RwandAir Express operates scheduled flights from Kamembe International Airport to Kigali. There are about nine different flights per week to and from the capital city. Some airports like Bugesera International Airport is still undergoing construction and are yet to begin domestic flights from the airport. While the airport will become the largest airport in Rwanda, it will operate flights from Bugesera to Kigali.
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