Kigali

Situated in the heart of Rwanda, Kigali is the national capital and main port of entry to the country. It’s a small capital compared to many others in East Africa, with a low-skyline and few high-rises. The city centres on a colourful open-air market, and has a generally relaxed feel. There’s little in the way of sights, but Kigali provides an easy introduction to the country. It has a very moderate climate due to the altitude.

Kigali’s roads are good and the airport within easy reach of the city centre. Most travellers will fly into Kigali, but the roads to Uganda and Tanzania are surfaced and constantly improving, making it possible to drive.

Kigali offers a good range of hotels, as well as a number of mostly good restaurants whose European-influenced menus reflect the country’s historical ties with Belgium.

In and around Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali's sights include the National Museum and the Kigali Memorial Centre.

The Kigali Memorial Centre is built on the site where over 250,000 people were buried during the conflict of the early 1990s, and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fell victim to the genocide.

Akagera, Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks are all located in reasonably close proximity to the city and are easily accessible by road.