Overview
Kigali is Rwanda's capital and the calm, green gateway to the country often called the land of a thousand hills. Spread across a series of ridges at around 1,500m, it is clean, notably safe and easy to get around, with a growing café scene, thoughtful museums and busy craft markets. Many UK travellers pass through on the way to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, but the city itself rewards a day or two.
Best time to fly to Kigali
Thanks to its altitude, Kigali stays mild all year, with daytime temperatures usually in the low to mid 20s Celsius. There are two drier spells — roughly June to mid-September and again from December to February — which are the most comfortable for sightseeing and for trekking further afield. The long rains fall between March and May. Fares tend to climb around the July and August peak and over Christmas; the When to book chart above shows how prices move through the year.
Airlines and routes
There is no permanent year-round direct flight from the UK, though RwandAir, the national carrier, has operated a London Heathrow to Kigali service at times, so it is worth checking the current schedule. Most travellers connect once through a hub: KLM via Amsterdam, Brussels Airlines via Brussels, Qatar Airways via Doha, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, or Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways via Addis Ababa and Nairobi. A one-stop trip from London typically takes 12 to 16 hours; from Manchester expect a similar routing via Amsterdam, Brussels or the Gulf. A direct flight, when available, is around nine hours.
Things to do in Kigali
A short stay fills easily with history, art and markets before you head for the hills.
- Kigali Genocide Memorial: a moving, beautifully presented museum and resting place that explains the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
- Kimironko Market: the city's liveliest market, piled high with kitenge fabric, baskets and fresh produce.
- Inema Arts Centre: a bright gallery and studio space showcasing contemporary Rwandan painters and makers.
- Nyamirambo Women's Centre: guided neighbourhood walks that support a local women's cooperative.
- Caplaki Craft Village: a row of stalls ideal for wood carvings, textiles and gifts to take home.
At Kigali International Airport (KGL)
Kigali International Airport sits in the Kanombe area about 10km east of the city centre, a drive of roughly 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Official airport taxis wait outside arrivals, and app-based car and motorbike services such as Yego and Move are popular and often cheaper. Many hotels will arrange a pick-up if you ask in advance, which is the easiest option after a long journey.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Kigali
- Book roughly two to four months ahead for the best balance of price and choice; last-minute long-haul fares to Kigali are rarely a bargain.
- Fly midweek and avoid the July to August and Christmas peaks — the price charts on this page highlight the cheaper windows.
- Keep your dates flexible by a day or two either side; shifting a weekend departure to a Tuesday or Wednesday often trims the fare.
- Compare hub routings, as Amsterdam, Brussels, Doha and Istanbul connections can differ widely in price for the same travel dates.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa in advance: Rwanda issues a 30-day visa on arrival, and you can also apply online through the official Irembo portal beforehand. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. The currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF); cards work in hotels and larger restaurants, but carry some cash elsewhere. A yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from or have transited a country where the disease is a risk, and antimalarials are usually advised — check the NHS TravelHealthPro website before you travel. Note that plastic bags are banned in Rwanda, so remove them from your luggage.
