Kigali

Kigali is the capital of Rwanda.

Celebrants at Festive Occasion - Along Nyabugogo Avenue - Kigali - Rwanda - Nyabugogo Avenue, Kigali Rwanda avocado - Market stalls selling avocados Rwanda fruits - Fruit shop in Kigali

Kigali Halal Travel Guide

The centre of political and commercial life, Kigali dominates Rwanda and few visit the nation without passing through. The city is developing fast, and is very much a showpiece capital designed to impress visitors from the humble tourist to foreign investors and visiting dignitaries.

With a population topping 1 million and the city spreads over several hills and valleys, with many of the better restaurants and hotels away from the traditional downtown area. The Kigali City Masterplan outlines the future for this burgeoning metropolis – with plans for a new city to be built south of the current downtown.

As a clean, comfortable and ordered city, Kigali is very popular with long term expats, and the city is teeming with westerners, from young church or NGO volunteers having their first African ‘experience’ to career development workers enjoying a relaxed lifestyle where it is safe to bring up young children. This in turn means the city supports numerous restaurants, coffee shops and supermarkets that cater to this demographic. The downside of Kigali’s popularity with foreigners is that it is easy to forget you are in Africa.

Local Language in Kigali

Learn a bit of French and maybe even a bit of Swahili and Kinyarwanda; all three are extremely useful here. English is also widely spoken, at least in Kigali. A useful Kinyarwanda vocabulary cheat sheet is available.

Travel to Kigali

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kigali

KigaliAirport - Kigali International Airport

Kigali International Airport IATA Flight Code: KGL -1.966562, 30.133125 - Kigali International Airport KigaliAirport Kigali International is a small and organized airport, and it is common to encounter any problems. Be aware that plastic bags are illegal in Rwanda for environmental reasons, so you should bring only reusable bags into the nation.
Flag carrier RwandAir has by far the largest selections of flights out of KGL including one to O R Tambo Airport, but other airlines also offer Flights to their respective hubs, including KLM-Airline to Amsterdam Schiphol, Brussels Airlines to Brussels, Qatar Airlines to Doha Hamad International Airport and Turkish Airlines to Istanbul Atatürk.

On flying out of Kigali airport keep in mind the need for a Yellow Fever Certificate at your destination (eg South Africa) - Airport officials will ask for this. Also be careful of waiting in the cafe for your flight - some flights (eg Kenya Airways to Nairobi) are often overbooked and you won't hear any announcement when they decide to start boarding early, and you could miss your flight.

Alternative: Entebbe, Uganda|Some international fliers find it much cheaper to fly into Entebbe in Uganda and then take the bus to Kigali. Depending an how long they stop you at the border and the bus trip takes about 9 hours. Try to get a seat on a Jaguar bus. The seats should be booked a day or two in advance in order to get seats #1 to #4.

During the 2010s there was talk of constructing a new airport a bit further out under the name Bugesera Airport. Construction started in August 2017, but as of late 2017 no concrete date for completion is known.

By car

Travel on a Bus in Kigali

Buses arrive and depart to many parts of Rwanda regularly.

There are a couple of daily buses that run directly between Kigali and Kampala in Uganda. The bus is cramped and uncomfortable but is the cheapest choice. There are a couple of daily buses that run directly between Kigali and Bujumbura in Burundi. Yahoo Car, New Yahoo, East African Car Express (big bus) and Belvedere have buses in the morning.

How to get around in Kigali

Motorcyle taxis (motos) are the most popular and quickest way to get around town. The fare for the motorcycle ranges from Rwanda#Money|FRw200-1000, depending on distance, but most of the motocyclists will ask for FRw200-500. A trip to or from the airport should be FRw1500-2000. On the primary street out to the airport they really put their foot down. It is however a good well sealed road, nice views over Kigali City and a thrilling ride.
Matatus/city buses (shuttle vanes) provide major routes throughout the city and are the cheapest way to get around. The shuttle van in Rwanda is one of the best forms of transport in East Africa. Most of the buses are still new and are maintined well. There are several shuttle van companies which connect Kigali and the other cities in Rwanda. All of them give the same price depending on the distance. For short distance, such as to Ntarama, it costs only FRw600. The distance to Ruhungeri cost FRw2500 and to Gisenyi FRw3000.
City buses in Kigali cost FRw240. Bus number 105 goes from the Bus station where you get off the bus from Uganda to the Kigali Youth hostel.
There are several car rental agencies in Kigali.
There are many taxis in Kigali, and in comparison with motos are expensive. A short 1km trip will cost FRw2,000 after haggling, going up to FRw10,000 for an airport run. Taxis are mainly of two types in Kigali - those operated by individuals (usually with some form of yellow stripe on the vehicle) and more professorially run services operated by a single large operator. The Kigali Airport Taxis and Kigali Taxi Service are the two major groups and there are others companies also running taxis , but these are the largest and both operate a number you can call to sumon a taxis. 3122 for Kigali Taxis service and 476586 for Kigali Airport Taxi service. A reliable individual is Alex, who is on 0788741559 (French & some English spoken).

What to see in Kigali

The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre - -1.930886, 30.060713 free/donation - extra fee for photography Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre - Deputy Secretary Wolin's visit to the Kigali Memorial Centre opened in April 2004 on the 10th anniversary of the genocides. Over 250,000 people are buried here, and there is a truly touching museum. Kigali houses several memorials, museums, and centers dedicated to the Rwandan Genocide. Audio guides and real guides are available. Cafe on site that makes excellent Coffee, and supports local youth and businesses.

Presidential Palace Museum n=Results&id=2 In Kanombe, 4km east past the airport - under the flightpath - The abode of the former President Habyarimana, who died in that infamous plane crash of 1994. Guided Tours in Kigali by ehalal.io (email for prices) are mandatory, where you can get a glimpse of life as an African dictator in the 1970s & 80s. There is also a display on Rwandan clothing that is quite interesting. Photography is restricted. FRw6,000 (FRw5,000 for resident foreigners). To get there a moto should cost about FRw1,000, and tell him to go to Kanombe. You'll probably end up outside the military hospital at the end of the tarred road; the museum is another 300 metres along the dirt road ( GPS coordinates 1.97543S, 30.17206E).

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kigali

Take a trip to a craft centre, like the Dancing Pots Craft Centre or the Cards for Africa workshop and sales room in Kigali.

Ballet Rwanda - ☎ +250 785 380 336 Opening Hours: afternoons & evenings National Ballet of Rwanda Professional ballet school in Gaculiro - lessons for both children & adults, beginners & experienced dancers. Good mix of Rwandan and expatriate students.

Gisozi circuit +road&daddr=-1.9093747,30.0840894+to:-1.8929565,30.079682+to:Unknown+road&hl=en&ll=-1.911524,30.090609&spn=0.050183,0.077162&sll=-1.911567,30.090609&sspn=0.025092,0.038581&geocode=FdKn4v8dXDTLAQ%3BFYLd4v8d-QvLASkDjk03QqHcGTFIpYPQWUCSmw%3BFaQd4_8dwvrKASn1mkAKd6HcGTE6 bArFuQX0wQ%3BFVKo4v8d3jHLAQ&mra=dme&mrsp=3&sz=15&via=1,2&t=m&z=14 behind Gaculiro - A great 10 kilometers running circuit through Kigali's suburbs - flat, very little traffic and some great views over the Rice paddies.

Ten pin bowling - Kimihura a custom-built shed next to the swimmingpool at Mamba Club ☎ +250 788513438 Opening Hours: 12:00-00:00 Opened in 2012 and proving popular. Six lanes of ball-rolling fury complete with the TV screen keeping score, ball returners, shoe rental, and slidy, polished alleys. Adding a delightful twist to employment creation the pins are reset by hand rather than a machine. First game costs FRw3,000 per person and the second is FRw2,500 each.

How to work legally in Kigali

Your best option would be with an aid organization or NGO. If you are a resident of the U.S. or EU, keep in mind that you can avoid paying for an expensive residency permit simply by declaring yourself a tourist upon arrival and then traveling outside of Rwanda once every 90 days for the length of your day. Your 90-day tourist visa (automatically granted upon entry) will be renewed each time you leave and reenter the nation (and it's a convenient excuse to go on vacation!).

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kigali

First thing to be aware is that Kigali can be expensive. As a cash strapped landlocked country costs of imported goods are high and import duties and VAT considerable. Foreign Muslims visitors often complain that fruit cocktail, Olive oil, breakfast cereals, kettle chips and other mundane foodstuffs cost a fortune, so beware. Costs can be lowered considerably by buying Rwandan or East African Community goods - Kenya in particular produces a wide range of produce that often cost half the imported European equivalent.

Outside of supermarkets and restaurants most vendors are used to a bit of haggling (even over fruit and veg) although as always keep things in perspective - but don't let storekeepers charge you double what you think you should be paying.

Cash machines/ATMs – most banks ATMs now accept Master Card, Visa card, Amex card, Diners club, Union pay, JCB, including Equity Bank , Ecobank, Bank of Kigali, Kenya commercial bank, GT bank, I&M bank; Eco bank HQ is located in the center of town next to CNLS and near UTC. There are many ATMs accepting international cards at the airport also. Don't count on any particular ATM to have money or be working at any particular time - even at the airport.

There are banks in Kigali with counter service for withdrawals (and Ecobank can do MasterCard withdrawals).

What to buy Rwandan coffee is generally very good (although stay away from the cheapest stuff, which will be the sweepings from the grinding factory floor). Expect to pay around FRw4,000 per 500g. Rwandan honey is great, especially the Nyungwe Highlands type. Around FRw1,750 per 500g. Rwandan tea (both black and green) is also pretty good.

Local markets are stocked with Rwandan handicrafts, clothing, fabulous colorful fabric from West Africa and just about anything else. The large market in Kimironko is a good place for fruit, veg, Rice and other basic foodstuffs - and it can be good fun looking through the secondhand clothes section.

Jet Home Rwanda - 3rd Floor, UTC building☎ +250 782895455 - Pleasant westerner-themed art gallery.

Union Trade Center Shopping mall - The biggest shopping mall at this time in Kigali. Home to 80 shops and a supermarket.

How to find a Supermarket with Halal food in Kigali

T-2000 Supermarket
Simba Supermarkets - The anchor tenant at the new Kigali Heights mall. Also has branches in Gishushu, Kimironko, and Kicukiro.

Halal Food & Restaurants

By all standards Kigali is an excellent city in which to dine. A combination of Belgian culinary influence, plenty of cows, plenty of freshwater fish, and plenty of fresh vegetables equates to some of the best eating in the region. And it's all pretty affordable.

Kigali restaurants go in and out of fashion, not to mention close down, quite frequently. Check for the latest once you are in town and be aware that some places mentioned in some print guidebooks no longer exist. (The oft-mentioned Turtle Cafe has been closed since 2003!)

The region restaurants take their time – with a usual 45 minutes to 1 hour wait between ordering and your food arriving, especially for dinner. If you are after a quick meal at lunchtime and there are several African buffets around, where you pile your plate high and are out the door in 30 minutes.

As Kigali is quite a sprawling city eateries are organised by suburb.

Downtown

Babas Cafe at the Kigali Business Centre slightly out of town. Has great wholesome food. Eat as much as you like for US$3.

La Classe - Boulevard de la Revolution Opening Hours: Lunch & dinner Mains from Rwf 4,000 Sometimes excellent, sometimes not, La Classe is oft overlooked by Kigali's expats, but the fillet Steaks can be sublime. Also does a FRw3,500 lunchtime buffet

Ki Asili Resto Cafe and Fast Food - the name Ki-Asili comes from the Swahili word Asili for Natural/Original | kiasilifastfood2017@ Kn 55 st☎ +250785023815 Opening Hours: Sunday - Su, 24 hours 5$ Roof top resto bar serving Ethiopian/Eritrean food. Ideal for groups, birthdays, get-togethers. Check with client care before planning, and book your date. Many times venue is booked in advance.
Bourbon Cafe, Union Trade Center shopping plaza in the centreville and at the MTN Centre in Remera. In 2011 it is getting mixed reviews
Kigali Serena's Milima & Sokoni restaurants have good food, with special themes during the week such as the Wednesday Mongolian BBQ, Friday's African Buffet and Sunday's Buffet at Sokoni, and special themed lunches everyday at Milima.
Chez Robert is about 5 minutes walk from Mille Collines and serves local food in a nice setting. Their dinner buffet is quite good and costs about €7 for more than 20 items. There may be better local food in a hole-in-the wall restaurant for cheaper, but this is wonderful restaurant.
Shanghai, near Milles Collines, is a relatively unknown Chinese restaurant. Not very cozy, but the food is really good.
Heaven, three blocks downhill from the Mille Collines, is a new restaurant serving American and Continental cuisine. A bit pricy, with most entrees costing FRW4000 or above, but the well-prepared food (and fantastic dessert menu) are worth every franc.
Ki Asili Resto Cafe and Fast Food, located at the clean Down Town Taxi Park in Nyarugenge. It is a fusion restaurant serving African, European and local food, with specialty in Ethiopian/Eritrean food. Not very pricy, but the if you are new, you would not miss a dish that you can relate to.

Gacuriro

{{ eat
Kigali Guestlux GPS -1.9195, 30.0973 - = one of the few eateries in Gacuriro – serves up adequate fare in the gardens of the guesthouse.

Kiyovu

Republika Great restaurant, great environment.
The New Cactus - Very good Pizzas, popular among expats. Nevertheless the served Pizzas can't be compared to Italian ones. Try to get a table in the sheltered part of the open air restaurant, it can be quite windy.
Khana Khazana serves fantastic Indian food and is one of the best and most popular restaurants in town with expats, visitors, business travellers and Rwandan citizens.

Kacyiru

Mimosa – A reliable lunchtime buffet for FRw2,500. Just down from Top Tower hotel.
Shokola Great restaurant, great environment. In Kiyovu, close to downtown.

Kimihurura

L'Atelier is tucked away in the residential neighborhood of Kimihurura, within walking distance of Papyrus. You may need help to find it but you'll be rewarded with serves delicious french cuisine in an intimate setting.
Africa Bite – pronounced locally as “Africa Bi-te”. Popular lunchtime African buffet, with excellent rotis, for FRw3,000.
Thai restaurant at New Cadillac night club was well liked when it first opened. However it is getting mixed reviews after the departure of its (Thai) chef. This is quite common in Kigali.

Mama Africa - next to New Cadillac, at the bottom of the Kimihurura hill ☎ +250 2511622 Mains from FRw5,000 Despite the terrible name, this place serves up some excellent food in its thatched surrounds. The beef carpaccio is some of the best in the city and the Steaks reliable, and the brochettes as good as they come. The place can be a bit quiet, but worth checking out (avoid the buffet). Its owned by Eugene Cobra, longstanding Rwandan musician.

Kimironko

Nyarutarama

Sakae | down a back road between MTN Centre and RDB. Signposted. Opening Hours: Lunch & dinner Mains from FRw7,000 Run by a Korean family, Sakae serves up both Japanese and Korean dishes in spacious and pleasant surroundings. A little pricey, but many prefer Sakae to nearby Zen.

Zen | north of the MTN Centre ☎ +250 782 588 593 Opening Hours: Lunch & dinner Mains from FRw8,000 With the dining area nestled under a huge thatched hut, with trickling water and subtle lighting and there are few places in town that can compete atmosphere-wise. The food is usually pretty good, however you can feel a little cheated by the portion sizes, and the extras added to your bill (rice, service, VAT). Accordingly Zen is popular with those with expense accounts.

Remera

Sol e Luna - Boulevard de l’Umuganda signposted so quite easy to find ☎ +250 7 888 59593 Mains from FRw5,000 A firm favourite in Kigali - decent wood fired Pizzas, expensive lunch time buffet, great views from the terrace - popular with local residents and expats alike. Monday nights is quiz night, which is mystifyingly popular.

Tangren Chinese Restaurant | near Rwanda Development Board ☎ +250 783 011583 Opening Hours: lunch and dinner Mains FRw4,000 Set in lush gardens, this is one of the better Chinese places in town, in part as the owner and chef is Chinese. An added plus is that service only takes 15 minutes or so. One of the few restaurants with rabbit on the menu - and very tasty it is too.

Kibagabaga/Kinyinya

Kinyinya Topview – ( GPS co-ordinates -1.9173, 30.1121) pleasant local brochette bar near the Deutsche Welle radio masts. Somewhere different to go – great at night time when the masts are lit up like a red Christmas tree. Brochette and chips around FRw2,000

Other

Le Glacon A great ice cream store.
La Sierra Serves nearly everything imaginable
Camellia tea house amazing selection of teas, good food. Lunch buffet is very popular

Bottled water is recommended for foreign visitors.

For alcohol try the New Cadillac night club and the Republica. Both are superb. Watch out for pickpockets outside the New Cadillac.
Don't miss Planet Club at the KBC roundabout in Kimihurura, it has 2 sides, a lounge bar with house music and a club with African and modern hip-hop music.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kigali

Kigali - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kigali, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kigali. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kigali and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kigali. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kigali. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKigali: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kigali.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kigali: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kigali, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kigali.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kigali, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kigali, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kigali and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kigali, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kigali, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kigali without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kigali is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kigali.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kigali is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kigali, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kigali Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kigali

eHalal Group Kigali is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kigali. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kigali.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kigali ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kigali. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kigali, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kigali are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Accommodation in downtown Kigali is noticeably more expensive than neighboring capitals like Kampala and Nairobi. Most of the budget options (for example the Hotel Gloria mentioned in older LPs) are gone. Outside the downtown however, it is feasible to find good budget options.

Auberge La Caverne Nyabugogo Blvd -1.939834, 30.061157A few hundred meters before Place de l'Unite roundabout on the left side. single from FRw13,000 en-suite. double from FRw20,000 Clean rooms and good basic breakfast. It's a long, uphill walk from the bus station, consider paying 300 for a moto-taxi

Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel - Kigali -1.950785, 30.093538 ☎ +250 782265679 Check-in: any time. / Check-out: 10:/0 camping FRw6750, dorm bed FRw12,000, room from FRw17,250 Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel offers clean beds in 4/6 bed dorms and superior Muslim friendly rooms as well as hot water bathrooms and free breakfast and free internet access,. It also has space for campers inside its 24-hour guarded gate. Discover Rwanda is an Aegis Trust social enterprise in which all proceeds go towards social programs offered by its parent organization at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The only backpacker hostel in Kigali.

Hope Guesthouse Nyabugogo Blvd -1.9423, 30.0439 Checkout: 10:00 Room with one bed FRw10,000; room with two beds FRw15,000. (Beds are big enough to fit a couple) Good basic traveller hotel two minutes walk from the Nyabugogo bus station on a primary street. There is a large pub next to the hotel with good food and the usual football TV in the evenings. Downstairs is a private massage place. There are also some Visa-accepting ATMs next door. There are plenty of buses to the downtown, or walk for about one hour up-hill. Next to the Hope Guesthouse are many other guesthouses with even cheaper clean rooms.

Auberge de nyamirambo near Islamic centre ☎ +250 252572879 FRw5000/8000/10,000 Single room with outside bathroom. Double room with own bathroom.

La Vedette Motel around the junction from Auberge de Ayamirambo ☎ +250 252573575 FRw8000/10000 Double room with outside bathroom. double room with own bathroom

Logement Ikaze Located in Nyamirambo. ☎ +250 252573655 from FRw7000 Single/double rooms. Has 8 rooms.

Kigali Guest House Ave De La Justice☎ +250 252571384 FRw8000/10000/12,000 Single/double rooms with or without own bathroom.

Amani Best Guest House Remera Kigali☎ +250 788759874, +250 783701543 FRw8,000 Double room with bathroom

Resident Hotel Kn 8 Street Nyabugoogo Check-in: 10:00 / Check-out: 09:00 FRw11,000 double room with own bathroom.

Center Street Paul 200m east of the place-de nationale. ☎ +250 783191589 FRw15,000/20,000 Clean single double rooms with own hot water bathroom. Nice garden.

Gloria Hotel (which currently only has cold water showers).

Hotel Chez Lando - ☎ +250 252 584394 From USD90 per day
Hotel Isimbi - Rue Kalisimbi, District Nyarugenge down town ☎ +250 572578 - Also has a good restaurant. USD70-40

Iris Guesthouser 75 USD, clean, big rooms, hot water, very good restaurant and free Internet.
Okapi Hotel Some rooms available for USD25 per day, good location and friendly staff. Some rooms have an excellent view over the outskirts of Kigali. Just forget the USD70 rooms. They are 'downstairs' and aren't worth it.
Park View Courts Rwanda Enjoy a serene environment in this homely apart-hotel complex, with a view to die for and friendly staff. Prices range from USD 150-300.
Sphinx Belair Located behind Telecom house and not far from Novotel Umubano. Standard room starting at USD 60.
Step Town Motel USD 50, clean, very nice rooms, hot water, and free Internet.

Kigali now has three international class hotels, built as part of the nation's bid to increase tourism and better support business travellers.

Hotel Laico Umubano - Boulevard del Umuganda -1.946202, 30.092234 - From USD 150 per day Still known by its former name Novotel by almost everyone. Ask for a swimming swimmingpool view room on a high floor for a beautiful sunrise to wake you from your slumber.

Hotel des Mille Collines | Avenue de l'Armée/Avenue de la République -1.946717, 30.062059 ☎ +250 252 576530 +250 252 576541 Prices from €151 While the movie Hotel Rwanda was filmed in South Africa, this is where the actual events took place. The hotel has two restaurants, a swimming pool, internet and a gift shop. The hotel underwent extensive renovation in 2010. Rates are slightly higher for swimmingpool view rooms. All rooms have safes but no hair dryer or coffee maker. Free access to Wi-Fi, but coverage is uneven. Wonderful breakfast buffet. Apart from the movie this hotel is also the setting for the novel Un dimanche à la piscine à Kigali.

Kigali Serena Hotel - -1.956202, 30.062686 ☎ +250 252 597100 From USD 310 per day Formerly a Belgian-owned hotel known as the Diplomates and briefly portrayed in Hotel Rwanda. Renovated in 2003 and 2011. Free WiFi throughout, health club and spa. The lagoon swimmingpool and waterfall form a centerpiece to the hotel. While inside the hotel or the restaurants, you can truly be oblivious to the rest of the city outside - which may be a good or bad thing - depending on your mood.

Telecommunications in Kigali

English language broadcasts are available from Al Jazeera World Service in Kigali on 93.9MHz.

Simba Cafe Place de la Constitucion - Free Wifi at this starbucksy cafe attached to a supermarket by the same name.

Stay Safe

Kigali is relatively safe and friendly as far as African capitals go. Keep your eyes open and your wallet out of the reach of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking after dark if feasible, especially alone. Take extra precaution in the area between New Cadilac Nightclub and Carwash café.

Police officers are generally helpful if you're in a bind, but don't expect speedy results.

Cope in Kigali

Embassies & Consulates in Kigali

South Africa (High Commission) - 1370 Blvd de North Umuganda, Kacyiru-Sud ☎ +250 252 583 185

{{flag|Switzerland

Switzerland (Consulate General) | ac-@ 38 Blvd de la Révolution☎ +250 252 57 55 34 +250 252 57 24 61
United Kingdom - Parcelle No 1131, Blvd de l'Umuganda, Kacyiru-Sud ☎ +250 252 556000

United States | #2756 Ave de la Gendarmerie, Kacyiru☎ +250 0252 596 400 {{flag|Belgium

Belgium - Rue de Nyarugenge, B.P. 81 – Kigali, Rwanda☎ +250 252 57 55 51

News & References Kigali

Travel Next

Parc National des Volcans, home of the mountain gorillas, and the setting for Special:Booksources/061808360X|Gorillas in the Mist author Dian Fossey's research. If you can afford it it's an excellent experience... even feasible as a daytrip from Kigali. Enquire at the Rwandan Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN), Boulevard de la Révolution n° 1, Kigali, +250 576514 or 573396, @. USD 600 cash, or it is feasible to use your Mastercard.