Kigali

Back to Rwanda

Spread across a dozen ridgelines in the centre of the country, Kigali confounds every expectation of an African capital: immaculate streets, a thriving café and gallery scene, and a calm, safe confidence that makes it the most pleasant city break in the region.

Highlights

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is essential and profoundly moving — context for everything modern Rwanda has built since 1994. Beyond it: the restored 1950s modernism of the city’s heritage buildings, craft cooperatives and fashion studios in Kimihurura, superb Rwandan single-origin coffee, and restaurants that would hold their own in any capital.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round — Kigali’s altitude keeps it springlike in every season. Most journeys begin and end here; we recommend a full day rather than a rushed transfer.

Where to Stay

From grand-dame hotels to design-led boutiques in the leafy suburbs, we place you somewhere that matches the mood of your journey’s first or final night.

Every one of our Rwanda safaris can begin with a Kigali day — just ask.