KIGALI FAQ`S
Kigali International Airport is a small, organized airport located in the suburb of Kanombe Sector, about 3 miles from the Kigali CBD. This is the primary airport in the city with an ongoing project to build another mega-airport in Bugesera District (not set to be completed until 2023).
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?There are taxis available 24/7 at Kigali International Airport, mostly white with a horizontal strip of color. Most taxis don't have meters, rates should be negotiated, official rates from the airport RWF 2500 for the first miles and 600 RWF per additional mile. Kigali Bus Services operates a shuttle bus hourly from the airport to the Union Trade Center in the CBD. The price is around RWF 1000. There are several rental companies with offices at the airport open 24/7.
How do I get around by public transportation in Kigali?
Cycling is a popular way to get around in Kigali, there are bicycle rentals around the city at locations such as Kairos Cycling or Kigali Rides. Gura Ride is an excellent bike-sharing app launched in Kigali, the bikes are docked at stations throughout the city including the Marriott Hotel in downtown and MTN Center in Remera. You can download the app, unlock a bike, cycle it to the next docking station and pay a fixed fee based on the distance traveled. There are also scooters, and e-bikes available.
Motos or motorbike taxis are one of the most popular forms of transportation in Kigali, quick, cheap, and convenient. Moto drivers usually work from ‘stations” set up at junctions and roadside areas where they hang about and wait for passengers. Fares are usually fixed and based on distance, a typical rate is around 500-2,000 RWF.
Matatus (minibusses) cover major routes throughout Kigali and offer a cheap way to get around the city. There are several minibus companies that connect Kigali and the other cities in Rwanda, price is based on distance, a journey to Ntarama usually costs around 600 RWF, to Runhugeris around 2500 RWF, and to Gisenyi around 3000 RWF.
Buses arrive and depart regularly throughout the city, daily buses run from Kigali and Kampala in Uganda, and some services to Nairobi. Bus #104 will get you to the center for RWF, it also travels to the airport and the bus stop is in front of the Bank of Kigali/Ernst and Young building downtown. There are several bus companies and is one of the most common forms of transportation. The buses are modern, comfortable, and run on set schedules and routes. The destinations and routes are marked by the colors of the buses and the driver. Bus stations in the city are known as ‘taxi parks’, and you will find one in every neighborhood.
There are plenty of rental car agencies and private companies that rent cars in Kigali. The price range will depend on the type of car you want and will vary for different car rental companies, prices usually start around 20,000-30,000 RWF per day. Driving in Kigali is easy, there are lots of parking places but you will need to pay to park in most public spaces. The roads in Rwanda are famously well paved and clean, rules are strictly enforced for speed and restricted areas.
How do I call or hail a taxi in Kigali?There are plenty of taxis in Kigali but can be expensive, a short ride could cost around 2,000 RWF after some haggling, and can go up to 25,000 RWF for an airport run. There are airport fees for entry and exit fees. There are mainly two types of taxis in the city, ones that are operated by individuals (a vehicle with a yellow stripe) and more professionally operated taxis operated by a single large operator. The Kigali Airport Taxis and Kigali Taxi services are the two major groups, and both operate a number you can call to summon a taxi, 3122 for Kigali Taxi Services and 476586 for Kigali Airport Taxi Service. There are two ride-hailing apps; Move and Yego Cabs. Move is exclusively available to drivers of Volkswagen cars, so there are fewer drivers. Yego you can also call 9191 a toll-free number.
Is Kigali a walking city?The city of Kigali offers clean streets, extensive footpaths, and less traffic congestion, making it super easy and walkable. The Kigali CarFree Zone is located downtown and has been transformed specifically for pedestrians. Gaculiro and Nyarutarama roads are good neighborhoods to walk in with quiet streets and less traffic. This is a pleasant city to walk around.
Is Kigali a dangerous city? Is there anything I should be aware of?Kigali is the safest city in Africa with friendly residents, be sure to keep your eyes open and your wallet out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Don’t walk around after dark especially alone, and take extra precautions in the area between New Cadilac Nightclub and Carwash bar.
What are some popular areas for shopping?Kigali is home to many bustling street markets with a wide range of shopping opportunities to choose from. There are markets, local stores, and several malls to shop for your souvenirs and authentic gifts. You can choose from handicrafts, clothing, fresh produce, Rwandan coffee, Rwandan honey from the Nyungwe Highlands, and Rwandan tea. The large market in Kimironko is a great place to shop for food, an outdoor covered market with many stalls selling everything from meat and fish to sunglasses and household items.
What is the language spoken in Kigali?The official language spoken in Kigali is Kinyarwanda, along with French and Swahili. Many people speak English, especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. We recommend you get a good English-Rwandan guidebook and learn the common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.
What is the best time to visit Kigali? The best time to visit Kigali is between June and September, during the Dry season when wildlife is at its prime. Safari's in Rwanda includes primate walks in the forest, walking in the forest is easier during the dry season, including gorilla trekking. The average temperature in Kigali varies a lot with hot, humid summers and cold winters, with low chances of precipitation most of the year. The hottest months are July, August, and then June, the warmest time of the year is generally early to mid-July with highs around 102F, and lows around 76F. The rainy season lasts from around March to May, with heavy, persistent rainfall. October and November have a shorter rain season, followed by a short dry season from December to February. April and June are the coolest months of the year in Kigali, which features year-round temperatures that vary from 77-81 highs, and evening lows between 57-61F. What is the currency in Kigali? Can I pay in US dollars?The currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc (Rfr), although the US dollar is widely accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for Rwandan Franc, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus. ATMs can be found in Kigali, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, cash is usually preferred.
What is the food like?Rwanda has a great food scene with delicious local delicacies and regional delights displayed on menus. Kigali is a dynamic capital city with many great restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. Popular dishes are often made with fresh, local ingredients that are full of flavor, with some adaptations of dishes from around East Africa. There are some great food tours offered in the city where you will tour with a local company through the cool Remera neighborhood, and discover some of the best places to eat. The Nyamirambo neighborhood is Kigali’s Muslim quarter where the local specialty is ‘big fish’, a whole tilapia simply grilled and served with onions, celery, garlic, and carrots. The restaurant scene is starting to boom in Kigali, the city has embraced its status as a burgeoning economic, innovative, and creative hub in the region. There are many fabulous restaurants in Kigali that blend global cultures, reinvent traditional dishes, and bring new experiences. There is a diverse restaurant scene from Ugandan street food stalls, Italian trattorias, African buffets, Belgian culinary influences, and Asian grills there is something for everyone. Freshwater fish, fresh vegetables, beef, and many more items are available on local menus. Many of the eateries are organized in suburbs in the city of Kigali. Be sure to try African coffee there are many cozy cafes to sip on some joe.
What is the nightlife like in Kigali?Nightlife in Kigali has grown tremendously over the years there are many new bars and nightclubs scattered throughout the city. Hang out in the hip-hop bars, discos, and cocktail lounges, and enjoy happy hours and live music several nights a week. The capital city offers some of the best nightlife in the country with options to sit at charming outdoor cafes, trendy restaurants, cinemas, and sports bars. Nightclubs, discos, and bars offer some amazing musical performances. Some of the top nightlife spots in the city include Choma’D restaurant and bar in the Nyarutarama neighborhood, Trophy’s bar is a city staple, Sundowner is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights with live music, Papyrus a modern bar with beautiful views and a club in the basement, Le Must is the place to be on Thursday nights, and Cocobean with an indoor bar and dance floor on the pool deck.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?In case of an emergency dial 111 for the fire department, 112 for an ambulance, 113 for traffic accidents, and 999 for police.
Hospital:
King Faisal Hospital tel. 0252-588888
Polyclinique du Plateau tel. 0252-57876