Where to Stay in Kigali, Rwanda: Best Areas & Accommodations
Heading to Rwanda and trying to figure out where to stay in Kigali? This guide has all the top Kigali hotels to help you plan your trip easily.
Compared to other East African capitals like Kampala and Nairobi, Kigali is much smaller. Finding the right place to stay can still be confusing since there are endless choices, from boutique hotels to hostels to luxury name-brand resorts.
Kigali is a city with an intense history. Most people know about Rwanda because of the genocide that occurred from April to July 1994.
Even though most people come here to learn about the Rwandan Civil War and visit the Genocide Memorial, there are many other things to do in Kigali.
Save this guide for your trip to Rwanda, so you know what to do, what to see, and where to stay!
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Kigali Accommodation—Quick Guide
While there are many hotels in Kigali, Rwanda, here are the top three places to book!
Budget—Urban by CityBlue: My friends who stayed here loved it. They offer free breakfast and have a nice restaurant and rooftop bar. They offer twin and double rooms with balconies, or you can upgrade to a suite with a little kitchen and a pull-out couch.
Mid-range—Hotel des Mille Collines: This is the hotel the movie Hotel Rwanda is based on, so it’s worth checking out. During the genocide, the manager of the hotel allowed people to hide. Besides just having a special history, the Hotel des Mille Collines is stunning, with two on-site restaurants, an outdoor pool, a tapas bar, and a free breakfast buffet.
Luxury—Kigali Marriott Hotel: If you want to stay in downtown Kigali in a bit of luxury, this is the best place to be. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer amazing views of the city, and the all-marble bathrooms are stunning. They have a rooftop bar with daily happy hours and a huge spa.
Kimihurura
This neighborhood is right in the city center near the Kigali Convention Center. There are endless restaurants and bars around.
Kimihurura has some of the best places to stay in Kigali, especially for those wanting luxury or 5-star hotels. You’ll find tons of ex-pats and tourists in this area and some of the top tourist attractions in Kigali.
Budget—Tugende: One of the best hostels in Kigali, Tugende offers private rooms and dorms for a great price. It is just a few minutes from the convention center. The hostel has tons of social areas, including a restaurant and bar, making it easy to meet other travelers.
Mid-Range—The Hut Restaurant & Boutique Hotel: Voted one of the best hotels in Kigali, Rwanda; The Hut is located on top of a little hill offering stunning views of the city and convention Center. The hotel has a rooftop restaurant, pool, a bakery, and a bar.
Luxury—Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre: Just a 3-minute walk from the Kigali Convention Center, this hotel has all the amenities you need to enjoy your stay in the capital of Rwanda. If you want to stay in luxury, you can upgrade to a suite and gain access to the hotel’s lounges, where complimentary snacks and cocktails are served throughout the day.
Kiyovu
Many tourists plan to stay in Kiyovu because it’s centrally located and has some of the top-rated hotels in the city. You can easily walk to tons of bars and restaurants.
Kiyovu has many of the city’s best tourist attractions, including the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial and the Nyamirambo Women’s Center.
Many of the hotels are near or in Kigali’s Car-Free Zone. This part of town only allows pedestrians making it super safe to walk or bike around.
I really like this part of town because there are also many green spaces where you can rest, people watch, and stop to rest your feet.
Budget—Hotel Gorillas Kigali City Center: This is one of the best budget hotels in Kigali because it has everything you need for a low price right in the city center. They offer free Wi-Fi as well as an on-site restaurant and bar. The best part about the hotel is the extensive gardens where you can relax.
Mid-range—Mythos Boutique Hotel: Most people love this boutique hotel because the rooms are small apartments with kitchenettes and sitting room areas. They have a large outdoor pool and a fabulous restaurant serving Greek and African dishes.
Luxury—Kigali Serena Hotel: One of the top-rated hotels in the city, Serena Hotel has two international restaurants and a huge outdoor pool. They also have upgraded suites with jacuzzis inside. Make sure to take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
Kagugu
This is the neighborhood I stayed in while visiting Kigali. It’s definitely more of a local neighborhood than some touristy places around the city.
It’s a great place to try local dishes, as there are many small restaurants and bars around. There are also a few supermarkets. In addition to hotels, this place has many Airbnbs.
By taxi or motorbike, you can reach popular attractions like the Genocide Memorial Museum in about 15 minutes.
Budget—Peponi Living Spaces: I stayed here while in Kigali and loved it. It’s an apartment building with an on-site restaurant, a bar, and an outdoor pool. The restaurant has a fantastic breakfast. I especially loved the hotel staff. They were all super friendly and helped me to get safe motorbike taxis to take me into the city.
Mid-range—Amen Hotel Kigali: This accommodation is mid-range to budget depending on when you’re traveling and what kind of room you book. They have an on-site restaurant with international and local options. It’s also in a very convenient area where you can walk to many places, including restaurants and bars.
Luxury—Iganzo Boutique Hotel: There are not many luxury places in this neighborhood as it’s more of a budget place to stay, but this hotel is super spacious with extra amenities. They also have a beautiful spa where you can get a massage or facial.
Top Things to Do in Kigali, Rwanda
Are you trying to find the best things to do in Kigali? The city is full of attractions, museums, and cultural centers, and you might not be sure where to start!
Here are the must-sees while in Kigali!
- Kigali Genocide Memorial: Make this one of your first stops when in Kigali. You will learn all about the genocide that affected the Tutsi people of Rwanda. The museum contains exhibits, artifacts, and memorabilia from the genocide. The gardens are also lovely.
- Inema Art Center: This is a fantastic art center displaying works from local people and art local art students. They also offer art classes and workshops.
- Niyo Arts Gallery: If you want to see more art from local students, you can also explore the Niyo Arts Gallery. They also have exhibits where you can see artwork from all over Africa. Some days, you can even see the artists painting, sculpting, and dancing.
- Climb Mt. Kigali. If you want some of the best city views, you can hike up Mt. Kigali. The hike is a gentle uphill walk, perfect for even inexperienced hikers. Mera Neza Bar is a great place to relax at the top. They serve cold beer and local food. There is also a place where you can go horse riding at the top.
- Go shopping at Kimironko Market. It’s the best place to get fresh produce, local spices, and clothes. There is a whole section of the market with traditional Rwandan fabrics. You can either buy a couple of yards and make something yourself or request one of the tailors to take your measurements and make something for you.
- Have a drink at one of the coffee shops in Kigali. Stop in and relax at Inzora Rooftop Cafe, Cafe Neo, or Le Panorama. All have great local coffee and blends from other places.
How to Get to Kigali
If you’re coming internationally, flying is the best way to get to Kigali. Kigali International Airport has many different airlines that have daily flights.
If you’re in nearby Uganda or Kenya, you can take a bus into Kigali if you’re on a strict budget. Take the daytime buses only, as the night drivers tend to speed and accidents are more common.
How to Get Around Kigali
Like many East African countries, Kigali has motorbike taxis. They are waiting for customers on every street corner. Just give them your destination and hop on the back!
In Kigali, you must wear a helmet while on a motorbike, or you can get a ticket. All drivers have an extra one, but you should bring your own if you prefer not to wear the same one that others have worn.
If getting on a motorbike scares you, you can always ask your hotel or a recommended taxi driver.
Kigali also has public buses available.
If you stay in the city center, you can also walk to many places. Kigali is very pedestrian-friendly, and many parts of the city don’t allow cars.
When to Visit Kigali
If you want to avoid rain, come to Kigali from June to September. This is also the best time to see wildlife if you plan to visit Rwanda’s national parks.
December to February is also pretty dry, but scattered storms can occur throughout the month.
Is it safe to walk around Kigali, Rwanda?
Of all the places I’ve traveled around Africa, Kigali felt the safest to me. I walked around during the day and night without any issues.
Petty crime and violent crimes are uncommon, especially if you don’t flash valuables around. I loved the freedom I felt in Kigali to enjoy the nightlife and evening dining scene without worrying about returning to my hotel.
Where do expats live in Kigali?
Many expat neighborhoods have great Airbnbs. Check out Kimihurura, Rugando, and Kiyovu. These places can be a little more pricey though since they are aimed at travelers and expats.
Is Kigali better than Kampala?
Even though I’ve lived in Kampala since 2021, I must admit that Kigali is superior to Kampala in several ways. It’s cleaner and safer, and the quality of life is better.
Kampala is cheaper, which is better for budget travelers. Even though it’s chaotic, I recommend visiting Kampala before or after your trip to Kigali.
Do they speak English in Kigali?
Everyone at our hotel spoke English, including the tour guides. Restaurant workers and other locals also speak basic English.
Motorbike and taxi drivers speak limited English, which can make it hard to ask for directions or get to the right place.
One person I was traveling with got sick, and we found it surprising that most of the doctors and nurses at one of the largest hospitals spoke very little English.
The main languages in Rwanda are French and Kinyarwanda. Some also speak Swahili.
Where to Stay in Kigali: Book One of These Places Today!
If you’re looking for where to stay in Kigali, booking one of these great places will ensure you have a comfortable and safe place to relax. Whether you just want a hotel for sleeping or a place with endless amenities to enjoy, this guide has an option for every traveler.
Ready to book your stay in Kigali? Which of these great places are you going to reserve?
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