The 10 Best Things to Do in Kigali

The 10 Best Things to Do in Kigali

The 10 Best Things to Do in Kigali include mountain hikes, cultural markets, moving Rwanda genocide memorials, and vibrant Kigali nightlife.

Here Are the Best Things to Do in Kigali

1. Climb Mount Kigali for Panoramic City Views

The best things to do in Kigali must include conquering its highest point, Mount Kigali, standing at 6,000 feet with gentle slopes perfect for hikers of all levels. Starting from Nyamirambo near Sun City Hotel, this adventure ranks among the best things to do in Kigali for those seeking both exercise and spectacular photo opportunities. At the summit, visitors enjoying the best things to do in Kigali can refuel at Mera Neza bar or visit Fazenda Sengha horse ranch for equestrian activities and barbecue on their viewing platform. The best things to do in Kigali often combine natural beauty with local experiences, and this hike delivers both with stunning 360-degree views of Rwanda's rapidly developing capital city.


2. Take a Motorcycle Taxi Tour Through Local Neighborhoods

Experiencing Kigali like a local means hopping on a motorcycle taxi, one of the best things to do in Kigali for adventurous travelers seeking authentic city exploration. These nimble bikes navigate Kigali's hillsides with ease, making them perfect for discovering the best things to do in Kigali without being stuck in traffic. The flexibility to stop wherever interests you counts among the best things to do in Kigali, allowing spontaneous discoveries of hidden gems throughout the city's diverse neighborhoods. For safety, always wear the provided helmet and consider hiring a knowledgeable guide who can enhance your experience by sharing insights about the best things to do in Kigali while ensuring you navigate the city safely, especially during the rainy season.


3. Volunteer with Local Community Organizations

Among the meaningful best things to do in Kigali is volunteering with local organizations, where visitors can contribute skills while gaining deeper cultural understanding. The best things to do in Kigali include teaching English, assisting in healthcare facilities, or supporting numerous NGOs that continue Rwanda's remarkable development journey. These opportunities, though challenging, rank among the best things to do in Kigali for travelers seeking purpose beyond typical tourism. The rewards of such experiences exemplify the best things to do in Kigali – creating genuine connections with locals and contributing positively to a country still healing from its past while building an impressive future.


4. Visit Art Centers and Craft Markets

The vibrant creative scene represents some of the best things to do in Kigali, with Inema Art Center standing as the premier destination for contemporary Rwandan art since 2012. Hosting 13 resident artists, this cultural hub epitomizes the best things to do in Kigali for culture enthusiasts, offering workshops, dance lessons, and Thursday evening social events. Shopping for handcrafted souvenirs ranks among the best things to do in Kigali, with Abraham Konga Collections featuring upcycled jewelry, GoKigali Boutique in Marriott Hotel selling premium crafts, and Sarah Day Design offering affordable accessories. These artistic experiences highlight the best things to do in Kigali while supporting local creative entrepreneurs who express Rwanda's culture through various mediums.


5. Explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial

While emotionally challenging, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial stands as one of the most important things to do in Kigali to understand Rwanda's tragic history and remarkable recovery. The memorial honors over 700,000 victims and is considered among the essential best things to do in Kigali for contextualizing the country's present-day achievements. Through powerful exhibitions, visitors experiencing the best things to do in Kigali learn about Rwanda's history, colonization, and factors that led to the 1994 atrocities. The memorial expands beyond Rwanda to include other genocides worldwide, making it one of the best things to do in Kigali for gaining perspective on human rights and reconciliation that defines modern Rwanda.


6. Relax at Local Coffee Shops and Cafés

Sampling Rwanda's world-renowned coffee ranks among the best things to do in Kigali for culinary enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation between activities. The growing café scene represents the sophisticated best things to do in Kigali, with spots like Camellia, Bourbon Coffee, and Inzora Rooftop Café serving locally-grown beans in stylish settings. Coffee appreciation extends beyond consumption to education, making plantation tours one of the best things to do in Kigali, with organizations like Question Coffee offering insights into sustainable production methods. Evening café culture has become one of the best things to do in Kigali, where visitors can watch city life unfold while enjoying premium brews that showcase Rwanda's agricultural excellence.


7. Experience Kigali's Vibrant Nightlife

When the sun sets, some of the best things to do in Kigali involve its energetic nightlife scene, from catching the latest blockbusters at Century Cinema to dancing at popular clubs. Learning salsa at Chillax Lounge before hitting K-Club represents the best things to do in Kigali for those seeking social experiences with locals and expats alike. Live music enthusiasts find the best things to do in Kigali at venues like Tiamo, featuring African rhythms every Friday, while karaoke fans head to ROSTY Bar on Wednesdays. These evening entertainment options highlight the best things to do in Kigali for experiencing the city's youthful energy and contemporary culture that complements its daytime historical and natural attractions.


8. Watch Local Football at Amahoro Stadium

Sports enthusiasts will find attending a football match at the 30,000-seat Amahoro Stadium among the best things to do in Kigali for authentic local experiences. The passionate atmosphere when top teams like Rayon Sports FC play exemplifies the best things to do in Kigali for cultural immersion beyond tourist attractions. Affordable tickets make this one of the best things to do in Kigali on a budget, allowing visitors to join devoted fans and experience Rwandan community spirit firsthand. The stadium itself holds historical significance, making attendance one of the best things to do in Kigali to understand the role sports play in national unity and everyday life in Rwanda's vibrant capital.


9. Visit Hotel des Mille Collines

Made famous by the film "Hotel Rwanda," visiting Hotel des Mille Collines stands among the important historical best things to do in Kigali. This elegant establishment, where over 1,000 people found refuge during the genocide, represents the best things to do in Kigali for connecting with recent history in a respectful setting. Though the hotel doesn't offer specific genocide-related tours, experiencing its ambiance counts among the best things to do in Kigali for thoughtful travelers. With 112 luxury rooms, a pool, fitness center, and excellent restaurant, stopping for a meal or drink ranks among the sophisticated best things to do in Kigali even for non-guests wanting to visit this significant location.


10. Sample Local and International Cuisine

Culinary exploration ranks among the delicious best things to do in Kigali, with options ranging from local specialties to international fine dining. Trying Rwandan dishes like akabenz (pork), brochettes (meat skewers), and ibirayi (goat with potatoes) represents authentic best things to do in Kigali for food enthusiasts. Restaurant Heaven attracts expatriates with international cuisine, while Brachetto serves premium Italian dishes, both exemplifying the sophisticated best things to do in Kigali's dining scene. For diverse culinary experiences, the best things to do in Kigali include visiting Zaaffran for Indian cuisine, Zen for Asian specialties, and Afrika Bite for traditional Rwandan buffets that showcase the capital's increasingly cosmopolitan food landscape.

How to Get There for the Best Things to Do in Kigali

Accessing the best things to do in Kigali is straightforward with multiple transportation options serving Rwanda's capital. By air, the best things to do in Kigali begin after landing at Kigali International Airport, served by RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and KLM with direct connections from major African cities and select European hubs. For regional travelers, the best things to do in Kigali are accessible via excellent road networks from Uganda (Kampala), Tanzania (Mwanza), and Burundi (Bujumbura) with regular bus services like Jaguar, Trinity, and Modern Coast connecting these destinations. Once in the city, the best things to do in Kigali can be reached via affordable motorcycle taxis, car rentals, or pre-arranged tours that optimize your experience in this remarkably clean and organized African capital.

What to Carry for the Best Things to Do in Kigali

Preparing properly enhances your experience of the best things to do in Kigali throughout your visit. Lightweight, breathable clothing suits the moderate climate where the best things to do in Kigali often involve walking or outdoor activities, though evenings can be cool, so include a light jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the best things to do in Kigali across the city's hilly terrain, while sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) guards against the equatorial sun during outdoor best things to do in Kigali. A small backpack carrying water, camera, power bank, and hand sanitizer supports full-day exploration of the best things to do in Kigali, along with some cash in small denominations for markets, street food, and motorcycle taxis that complete the experience of the best things to do in Kigali.

Where to Sleep, Eat and Drink During the Best Things to Do in Kigali

Accommodations near the best things to do in Kigali range from budget to luxury, catering to all travel styles. Budget travelers enjoying the best things to do in Kigali can stay at Step Town Motel ($30-50) or Mijo Hostel ($20-40) with clean rooms and central locations. Mid-range options near the best things to do in Kigali include Kigali Serena Hotel ($150-200) and Urban by CityBlue ($80-120), offering comfort and amenities within reach of attractions. Luxury seekers will find the Marriott Hotel ($200-300) and The Retreat ($350+) exemplify upscale accommodation near the best things to do in Kigali, with premium facilities and exceptional service. Dining options complement the best things to do in Kigali, from street food brochettes ($2-5) to upscale restaurants like Repub Lounge or Poivre Noir ($15-30 per meal) that complete your cultural immersion.

Booking the Best Things to Do in Kigali with Dav Safaris

Maximizing your experience of the best things to do in Kigali becomes seamless when working with local experts like Dav Safaris, who specialize in customized city experiences. Our knowledgeable guides enhance the best things to do in Kigali with cultural context, hidden gems, and logistical support that independent travelers might miss. Packages combining the best things to do in Kigali with Rwanda's famous gorilla trekking or national parks offer comprehensive experiences, while city-specific tours focus on the best things to do in Kigali with specialized themes like history, art, or cuisine. Booking the best things to do in Kigali through Dav Safaris provides peace of mind with reliable transportation, vetted accommodations, and 24/7 support, ensuring your time in Rwanda's capital delivers memorable, authentic experiences tailored to your specific interests.


Contact Dav Safaris to craft your perfect Kigali experience that balances history, culture, and unforgettable Rwandan hospitality

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