Rwanda's clean, safe capital, a city of green hills known for its genocide memorials, vibrant markets, and Africa's tech-hub ambitions.

About Kigali City Center

Kigali is one of Africa's cleanest, safest, and most orderly cities, spread across a series of lush hills in the heart of Rwanda. The city center occupies a ridgeline with views across valleys of red earth and green vegetation. The Kigali Convention Centre, with its distinctive dome, and the modern Kigali Heights complex anchor the commercial district.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial, where over 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide are interred, is an essential and deeply moving visit that provides crucial context for understanding modern Rwanda. The memorial combines personal testimonies, historical documentation, and peaceful memorial gardens.

The Kimironko Market is the city's largest, a bustling, colorful hub for fabrics (kitenge), fresh produce, and crafts. The emerging Kigali Arts District (KAD) features the Inema Arts Center, Niyo Arts Gallery, and a growing contemporary African art scene. Rwanda has positioned itself as a technology hub with the Kigali Innovation City and hosts major events at the new Kigali Arena. The country's famous mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park are a 2.5-hour drive northwest.

Nearby Landmarks

Kigali Genocide Memorial Kigali Convention Centre Kimironko Market Inema Arts Center

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

Exit arrivals and take a taxi from the official stand, or use the Move Rwanda app. The drive to the city center follows the main highway through Kicukiro to the central business district (20-35 min).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Airport taxis operate 24/7. A nighttime ride to the city center costs RWF 15,000-25,000 ($13-22). There are no public buses from the airport at night. Ride-hailing (Yego Moto for motorcycle taxis, or Move Rwanda for cars) works in Kigali. The city is safe at night but quiet after 10 PM on weekdays.

Luggage Tips

Airport taxis have trunk space. Kigali's hilly terrain means some hotel approaches involve steep roads. Motorcycle taxis (motos) are ubiquitous but cannot carry luggage. For city transfers with bags, always take a car taxi. Hotels typically have good vehicle access.

Accessibility

Kigali Airport has basic wheelchair assistance (arrange through airline). Car taxis are the accessible transfer option. Kigali's hilly terrain and some unpaved sidewalks present challenges for wheelchair users. The Kigali Convention Centre and major hotels are accessible. The Genocide Memorial has ramp access.