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Kigali City Tour

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Kigali City Tour

Big 5 Safari Day Trip

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Go Further - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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A handy guide for the first time visitor to Kigali | Rwanda

Kigali is a fascinating example of a future-focused African city. Recently I visited this beautiful city of thousand hills. To say I was blown away by Rwanda and everything that it offered, would be playing down the magic that country cast on me. Twenty four years after the genocide, it has revived itself into an investment, educational and entrepreneurial hub.  Sushi joints, yoga studios, bakeries, artisan coffee shops, and even a co-working space for start-ups can be found here. The nightlife is something to write home about, so is the food and you will be spoilt for choice for dance clubs, sports bars, and live music.

More than everything else, it is SAFE.

Tree lined, wide roads in a spotlessly clean city, Kigali is easily the best kept city in Africa. An ultramodern convention center dominates the cityscape and gleaming new buildings give the city a sense of stability. The undulating skyline of red-roofed houses, terraced farm plots, and brilliant green foliage is stunning. Crime is rare and police do their job, including handing out speeding tickets. You are never going to be hassled or over-charged and you can be assured that you are never going to be mugged or robbed.

Table of Contents

Things to know before you travel to Kigali, Rwanda

First let me start with some essential Kigali tips.

• Don’t bring plastic into the country.  Rwanda prides itself on being plastic free. Remember to pack your things in paper bags before you arrive in the country. Be prepared to be “searched” for plastic in your baggage.
• Do no ask the locals their ethnicity.  Rwandan people have come from a bad place. As a nation, they are working very hard to move forward, forgive and forget their violent past. Do not ask them about genocide unless they want to tell you about it.
• Don’t eat in public.  Unlike the rest of Africa, you will hardly find any food carts or food being sold openly. This also translates into “do not eat in public.” Rwandans take this rule seriously. Eat at designated spots.
• Dress code.  While there is no strict dress code to be followed, make sure you are properly dressed. Flip flops in public are frowned upon.
• Avoid drinking tap water.  Drinking tap water may not kill you, but best avoid it if you are not used to it. Most hotels and restaurants have free water stations where you can fill up your bottle.

Places to see in Kigali

• Kigali Genocide Memorial One of the most visited sites the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a place that pays tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide. This site is the resting place for over 250,000 victims. Inside you can see the exhibits and the display of skulls and as you progress from room to room, you’ll end up in rooms with pictures of the victims, including very young children. Audio guide is available if you are up for it.

Entry: Free. However, a small donation is always welcome.

• Presidential Palace and Museum The house of the former president now turned into a museum has few interesting exhibits – including some “secret” rooms and an odd presidential nightclub. Entry fee of RWFM6000 applies to tourists. Wreckage from Juvenal Habyarimana’s presidential plane lies on the grounds, in the same place it was shot down – just over his garden wall. The gardens are well kept but keep your eyes peeled for a giant python that escaped when the plane crashed into the python pond.

Open : 9am –5pm daily.

• Kimironko Market The busiest market in Kigali, Kimironko Market is the liveliest spot in the city. Products from Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo get sold here, including local produce and is considered to be the mother of all markets selling everything fruit, vegetables, fabric, clothing, shoes, and general household necessities. This is the place to experience Rwanda at its liveliest.
• Inema Art Centre Kigali’s art scene is on the rise, although visitors coming from other parts of Africa might disagree. All over the city, you can see evidences of this – and of these, the Inema Art Centre is a rising star – it is home to some of the finest talents in the country. The gallery founded by Emmanuel Nkuranga and Innocent Nkurunziza displays the work of different Rwandan artists.
• Caplaki Crafts Market A small handicraft market that sells everything from traditional masks, paintings, jewelry and musical instruments. Operating out of a series of colourful wooden huts, Caplaki Crafts Market is the place to go if you are looking for interesting souvenirs to take back home.
• Hop on a Go Kigali tour Go Kigali Tours offers the easiest and the quickest way to explore the city. With the option of full and half day tours led by local guides, visitors get the best of Kigali, the chance to learn and eat local food. The tour also includes a visit to Kigali’s famous Milk Bars and five neighbourhoods.

Food in Rwanda

The local food is delicious, fresh, largely meat-based and locally sourced. Plenty of options for vegetarians – while there aren’t any vegan restaurants, most places have vegetarian option that could easily be modified to suit your need. Fruits can be found in plenty. Some of the must try food in Rwanda include –

Brochettes – grilled meat or fish on a stick found in nearly every restaurant. Sambaza – a finger sized fish from Lake Kivu, best eaten deep fried. Akabanga – whether you are eating brochette or matoke, this chili oil can spice up your meal in incredible ways, usually with just one drop. Urwagwa – home-made banana beer, best consumed cold. Matoke – an African staple made of steamed and mashed plantains Beer –no meal is complete without a bottle of chilled Primus or Mutzig , a local beer bottled in the Lake Kivu area.

Restaurants & Coffee Shops

Here are a few restaurants and coffee shops that I particularly enjoyed eating at during my stay.

Coffee : Inzora Roof Top Café (best views and a place to browse books), Java House (Kigali Heights), Bourbon Coffee (malls). Chez Lando (Remera) offers great local fare and the best place to mingle with locals. Repub Lounge, another great place for traditional food, upmarket settings and fantastic views. Asia Kitchen (Remera) has decent Thai food, Zaaffran Indian Restaurant does a good job of its Indian menu while Panorama Restaurant (Des Mille Collines) is a great option for fine dining.

Cooking Class Tours

If you have time to spare and want the insider guide to Rwandan cuisine, sign up for a cooking class. The Nyamirambo Women’s Centre offers cooking classes for only RWF 15,000. Not only will you be helping vulnerable women in the community make a living, but you’ll get an authentic look into the preparation and creation of traditional meals.

Try these unique things in Kigali

Ride a moto : The uber of Kigali, these moto-bike taxis are the easiest, cheapest and safest ways to get around the city. The moto-drivers are required to wear uniform and the bikes have moto-meters so you are never worried about being overcharged. It is an interesting way to see the city. Helmets are a must.

Eat brochette and fries : To truly feel like a local, eat brochette and fries. This is also the best way to be accepted into Rwandan lifestyle. Brochettes are grilled meat or fish pieces on sticks.

Walking Tour : Join a walking tour in the Muslim Quarter (Nyamirambo) and enjoy the vibrancy of the most colourful and active neighbourhood in Kigali. The tour begins at the Women’s Centre and takes you through some very interesting sights.

Get your dressed tailored : Buy your colourful and vibrant kitenge fabric at any of the markets (Kimironko has a vast section for kitenge fabric) in Kigali and have them tailor made right there, sometimes within an hour.

Souvenirs you can buy only in Rwanda

Pili Pili – this fiery chili is the base for Akabanga, Rwanda’s famous chili oil with consumers all over the world.

Baskets: Also called Peace Baskets, the Amahoro baskets are unique to Rwanda. Triangular at the top and round at the base they are sold through cooperatives all over the country.

Imigongo : A unique piece of art that is made from cow dung mixed with colour. This traditional art form is made across the country, and can be purchased at any art cooperative or market.

Gourmet Coffee : Rwanda is incredibly famous for its rich and fruity coffee. Grab a few different varieties before heading home.

USEFUL INFORMATION

How to get to Kigali

Kigali has an international airport (renovation is nearly complete) and is also well connected to the rest of Africa. There are no direct flights from UK or US, and most visitors arrive at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda or take the one stop flights. It is also possible to arrive to Kigali by road from Uganda, DR Congo and Burundi.

Kigali International Airport is about 15-minute drive from central Kigali. Uniformed taxi drivers are in abundance around the airport and will zip you downtown for a negotiable fee of around Rwf10,000 (US$15). Every vehicle entering the airport zone is thoroughly checked so arrive early to avoid delays.

Where to stay in Kigali

Mass tourism has not found its way to Kigali (which is a good thing) but Kigali is well equipped to cater to travelers of all budgets. From swanky five-star hotel to delightful Bed and Breakfast, there is everything. Bear in mind that accommodation in Kigali is not cheap.

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Kigali Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

Discover things to do and plan a trip to kigali, rwanda with a local guide, popular kigali tour guides.

I have always loved exploring new places and learning about different cultures, so becoming a tour guide was a natural fit for me. I love being able to share my knowledge and passion for travel with others, and help them create their own amazing travel experiences.                                                                                                                                  

Popular kigali private tours.

Kigali city tour

Our city tour is an all day adventure that combines historical highlights, markets and some of the best rwandan food in kigali. the tour starts at 9:30am in the city center, where you’ll meet your guide for the day. you’ll set off for one of the capital’s bustling markets, visit a milk bar and see some of the impressive street arts, before sharing a traditional rwandan lunch. after exploring a few more city sites. the tour will wrap up around 5pm to 5:30pm and we’ll drop you at your hotel..

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Browse kigali tour itineraries by our local professionals and book your favorite kigali tour., related kigali tour guide pages.

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Kigali City Tour

Big 5 Safari Day Trip

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Go Further - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Half day kigali city tour, kigali city tour.

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Kigali Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Kigali. We've got 240 adventures going to Kigali, starting from just one day in length, and the longest tour is 93 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the largest number of tour departures.

240 Kigali tour packages with 263 reviews

• Gorilla Trekking
• Christmas & New Year

3 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Golden monkey trekking

We recently made a four days trip to Rwanda with Devine African Safaris, the booking process was efficient although we had to make several changes because of the Covid 19 restrictions. The actual tour was awesome and we awe this largely to the wonderful guide Chris who was fabulous. He shared his vast knowledge about Rwanda’s history, culture, nature and life in general. We had a great time going to Akagera, Volcanoes National Parks after day-long tour of the capital Kigali. Rwanda is a beautiful country with and I am happy that we had an awesome time with a great operator.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

3 Days Combined Nyungwe and Akagera National Park

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkeys

4 Days Rwanda Experience with Golden Monkey Excursion

I and my friend and I booked for a 3 days Gorilla trekking trip to Rwanda. Yvonne handled our requests professionally and customized a budget suiting us. More importantly we were able to secure Gorilla trekking permits  discounted for African residents in a short period of time and were facilitated with PCR tests required to trek gorillas at a local hospital near the Volcanoes Park. Emmanuel, my driver was outstanding as spending time with him was amazing.Apart from Gorillas, the company was able to organize us village visits whereby we spent time with local communities. Thank you team for organizing, highly appreciated and recommended. Greetings from Cairo

3 Days Nyungwe National Park Visit

I have traveled with Emmanuel during my days tour in Rwanda. Emmanuel is such amazing driver guide, communicating openly and responding to any question asked. We want for chimps trekking in Cyamudongo forest and have enjoyed the African massage there. Also Emmanuel has been on time in all what we did and could not hesitate to recommend him and his company to any platform i know. I wish him and his company all the best

• Hiking & Trekking

3 Days Gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali

Seeing the gorillas was absolutely amazing and our guide Boaz was great. In terms of the tour itself, it wasn't overly organised, the company asked me for numerous things to confirm our itinerary such as what we had purchased and where we were staying, which is information we thought they should have had. The accommodation was also quite basic, we stayed at the Bwindi Forest Lodge, the staff were incredible and the food was delicious, but the rooms themselves were quite basic and we woke up in the morning to find the toilet had leaked and completely flooded the room and wet our bags, which definitely put a dampener on our stay (no pun intended). We also would have liked to be offered some form of refund for the second day and night that we had to cancel due to coronavirus but were told that wasn't possible. Another thing to note is the 4-5 hour drive from Kigali to accomodation in Bwindi was much more than 4-5 hours. We were picked up at 9am, spent an hour at the Kigali Genocide Museum, but then didn't arrive at the accommodation until 4:30pm. Overall it was good but there is definitely room for improvement.

3 Day Uganda Gorilla Trek Budget Safari via Kigali

Our guide Jackson was excellent in every way. Very knowledgeable of both Uganda and Rwanda. He made the tour and trek a seamless experience and we couldn’t think of anything to improve about the experience. Thank you Jackson!

2 Day Akagera National Park safari

• Wildlife Trekking

3 days Rwanda gorillas and golden monkeys tracking tour.

Wild Encounters in Rwanda National Geographic Journeys

3-Day Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari

3Days Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trekking Uganda Experience

3 Days Nyungwe forest tour with chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk.

2 days Gorilla tracking Bwindi from Kigali

2 Day Gorilla Trekking Budget Safari in Uganda

Wonderful experience. Our driver, Jackson, was great. Accommodation was really good. Jungle guides were very good. Gorillas were awesome!!! This tour was seamless. Highly recommended.

What people love about Kigali Tours

Had an excellent time in Rwanda as a solo traveller coming from Australia. My guide and driver Ronald was always accommodating and knowledgable and far exceeded my expectations. The tour itself was amazing, it was such a treat visiting the gorillas and monkeys as was learning about and exploring Rwanda.

Booked my Rwanda's trip with New Horizons. From the first contacts, the new horizon team was very responsive, flexible and good to customize trips and this contributed to choosing them for my vacation and business in Rwanda. I was impressed with the progress made by this country and their fight against the global virus. Headed to Nyungwe Forest and I did my visit to different museums on the way including incredible cows at the King's Palace. Had my lunch in Butare and did my Canopy Walk in the afternoon.On my second day, I did Chimpanzeess and Colobus Monkeys which were amazing. Lastly, Have enjoyed Lake Kivu with hikes to Napoleon island and hiking & Biking around my Hotel in Kibuye. All I can say is that Rwanda is beautiful and New Horizons are the great partners for Safaris and business in Rwanda, My Nyungwe Forest experience was indeed the best. Highly recommend them.

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Embark on a Journey of Discovery: Join the Go Kigali Tour in Rwanda

Unlock the best of kigali: a city tour with a difference.

Exploring a new city can be an exhilarating adventure, and there’s no better way to dive into the heart of Kigali than by joining a guided tour. Tours, much like vibrant markets, offer a glimpse into the pulse of a place. In Kigali, it’s not just an activity; it’s an integral part of the experience.

Go Kigali: Your Local Tour Companion

When it comes to guided tours in Kigali , Go Kigali stands out as a local company that offers half-day and full-day tours of the city. These meticulously crafted tours encompass some of the most captivating attractions and activities that Kigali has to offer. If you’re wondering about what to do in Kigali, this is your answer.

A Go Kigali tour is more than just a convenient way to explore the city; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and heritage. With a knowledgeable guide at your side, you can uncover the hidden gems of Kigali, gain insights into its history, and witness its vibrant present.

Experience Kigali’s Soul

The Go Kigali City Tours are thoughtfully designed to provide an intimate and immersive view of Kigali. These tours are a fantastic starting point for your journey through Rwanda, offering a chance to delve into the country’s rich culture and history.

One of the highlights of Go Kigali is their boutique located within the Kigali Marriott Hotel. Here, you can discover a curated selection of Made in Rwanda products from over 50 local designers. These unique items are often hard to find elsewhere in Rwanda , making it an ideal place to pick up local souvenirs.

What to Expect on the Tour

The Go Kigali City Tour is an action-packed day that promises a deeper understanding of this beautiful city. Some of the notable stops on the tour include:

• A trip to the summit of Mt. Kigali, where you can soak in panoramic views of the city and its surrounding countryside.
• A visit to a local milk bar , a unique experience that offers a taste of everyday Rwandan life.
• Exploring a neighborhood market, a vibrant hub of activity where you can witness local commerce and interact with residents.
• A captivating mural walk that showcases Kigali’s artistic side, with vibrant street art adorning the city’s walls.
• Savoring a delicious Rwandan lunch that allows you to relish the flavors of the local cuisine.
• Sampling the finest coffee in town, a treat for coffee enthusiasts.
• A ride on a water taxi, offering a refreshing perspective of Kigali from its waterways.
• A neighborhood walk that immerses you in the city’s daily life, providing insights into local customs and traditions.
• The tour culminates at the Kigali Genocide Memorial , a somber but essential visit for those interested in understanding Rwanda’s history.

Tour Inclusions

Your Go Kigali City Tour package includes:

• Transportation by a private vehicle for the duration of the tour (please note that pickup is not included).
• Lunch, snacks, and coffee to keep you energized throughout the day.

The tour typically concludes around 3:30 pm at The Kigali Genocide Memorial . For those interested, the driver and vehicle will remain with you until 5 pm, when the memorial closes. Visiting the memorial is highly recommended.

For those who prefer not to visit the memorial, there’s an option to arrange a ride back to your hotel at 3:30 pm.

Your Journey Begins with Go Kigali

With Go Kigali , you’ll embark on a journey that goes beyond the surface of Kigali, delving deep into its heart and soul. Explore, learn, and discover the city with the guidance of passionate locals who are eager to share their insights and stories. Joining a Go Kigali tour is not just an activity; it’s an opportunity to experience Kigali in all its vibrancy.

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Things to do and See in Kigali Rwanda

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