RW
Kigali
Rwanda’s green hilltop capital: genocide memorials, art and markets, and the gateway to gorilla country
Rwanda’s green hilltop capital: genocide memorials, art and markets, and the gateway to gorilla country
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
The US advises travellers to reconsider travel to Rwanda because of the large Ebola outbreak in neighbouring DR Congo, although Rwanda has reported no cases. Rwanda refuses entry to foreign nationals who have been in DR Congo in the previous 30 days, and border crossings can close at short notice. Several governments advise against travel near the DRC border, including Rubavu (Gisenyi) and Rusizi districts. Gorilla trekking continues; check the latest advice before booking.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
Opened in 2004 at Gisozi, the memorial is the final resting place of more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Its exhibitions explain the history, the genocide and its aftermath, with a deeply moving children’s memorial.
Allow at least two hours, and take time afterwards in the gardens.
Photo: Fanny Schertzer, CC BY-SA 3.0
Kigali’s liveliest market sells fruit, vegetables, household goods and colourful kitenge fabric. Tailors in the market can make clothes from your chosen fabric within days.
Bargain politely and keep an eye on belongings in the crowds.
Photo: Hanay, CC BY-SA 3.0
This collective of Rwandan artists exhibits contemporary paintings and sculpture in a colourful gallery space, and hosts workshops and events. It is one of several galleries showcasing Kigali’s art scene.
Most artworks are for sale and can be shipped.
Photo: Jim Joel, CC BY-SA 4.0
The domed convention centre, lit in changing colours at night, is a symbol of modern Kigali. The surrounding Kimihurura district has hotels, restaurants and cafés.
See it lit up after dark from the roads nearby.
Photo: Emmanuelkwizera, CC BY-SA 4.0
About 30km south of Kigali, the church at Nyamata, where thousands of people were killed in 1994, has been preserved as a memorial. It is often visited with the nearby Ntarama church memorial.
Visit with a guide who can explain the history respectfully.
Photo: Dave Proffer, CC BY 2.0
Rwandan dishes include brochettes (grilled skewers), isombe (cassava leaves), plantains, beans and tilapia. The country’s coffee and tea are excellent, and Kigali has a growing café culture.
The Kimihurura, Kiyovu and Nyarutarama areas have a wide range of restaurants, including Ethiopian, Indian and international cuisine.
Kigali International Airport is a few kilometres east of the centre, with flights across Africa and to Europe and the Middle East. Check current visa rules before you travel, as Rwanda offers visas on arrival or online for many nationalities.
Moto taxis, ride-hailing apps and buses are common; drivers are needed for longer trips, such as to Volcanoes National Park, about 2.5 hours away.
Rwanda uses the Rwandan franc (RWF). Gorilla permits are very expensive; city costs are moderate.
Lunch buffets at local restaurants are good value.
Book drivers through your hotel.
Gorilla permits must be booked well in advance.
Two days covers history, markets and art.
Morning at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, then a quiet lunch. Afternoon at Nyamata and Ntarama memorials with a guide.
These are emotionally demanding visits; plan time to reflect.
Morning at Kimironko market, afternoon at Inema Arts Center and other galleries, and dinner in Kimihurura.
Ride with a helmet on moto taxis.
Plastic bags are banned; they may be confiscated on arrival.
On the last Saturday morning of each month, community work pauses many activities.
Cheap and quick; always wear the helmet provided.
March to May and October to November are wettest.
Quick answers for planning time in Kigali.
Kigali is widely regarded as one of the safest capitals in Africa, though normal precautions still apply.
A community work morning on the last Saturday of each month, when many activities pause.
Yes, Volcanoes National Park is about 2.5 hours away, but permits are expensive and must be booked in advance.
Allow at least two hours.
June to September and December to February are the dry seasons.
Planning a wider trip? Our Rwanda travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.