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Is Kigali Rwanda Worth Visiting? Top Reasons to Go

When one is planning to visit a country, he/she tends to think of national parks or beaches but Kigali Rwanda is making a difference in this […]

When one is planning to visit a country, he/she tends to think of national parks or beaches but Kigali Rwanda is making a difference in this matter. The city is located in the middle of green, hilly hills and has a very cozy, friendly atmosphere where the life of modern city could be mixed with the traditions. 

The place being one of the cleanest and safest capitals in Africa, impresses first-time visitors with its clean streets, hospitable people and breathtaking high altitude views at 1,567 meters above the sea level. In addition to its smooth images, the city narrates the story of the Rwandan spirit of strength and makes the ideal base of its adventures, including tracking gorillas and typical periods of safaris.

Where Is Kigali Rwanda Located & How to Get There

The city is almost in the geographic center of Rwanda and is therefore a good point to tour the whole country. Its central location enables the travelers to easily access the national parks, lakes and the border areas and most of these areas are only a few hours away by the road.

The country’s government serves as a hub to Africa, the Middle East and Europe, and the majority of international visitors use Kigali International Airport. In this place, transport is easy once you are there, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and motorbike taxis are highly abundant, cheap, and controlled.

Culture & Local Life 

The culture is welcoming, respectful and very community centred. Life moves slowly every day, as people in the area greet each other in a polite manner, and as the guest, you are most of the time amazed by the fact that people who have to walk in the daytime are so secure. 

The cultural life of the city is gradually increasing. This country is a changing identity that is exhibited in art galleries, music places, and creative spaces. The old dances, narrations and new art all are in a good harmony and give a visitor an idea about the past and future of the nation.

Top Reasons to Visit 

  • The ease at which it is enjoyed is one of the largest reasons that make travelers fall in love with this place. 
  • The location is safe, tidy and quite comfortable compared to the majority of other capitals. 
  • There is not so much traffic, the streets are clean, the overall impression of the places is pleasant and welcoming as compared to suppressive.
  • The other reason why one should visit is because it is the main port to the country. 
  • Most of the journeys start here whether you are going to see the mountain gorillas, visit the savannah wildlife or just relax by Lake Kivu. 
  • And to top it all there is the city with its picturesque hills, contemporary cafes and historical places of significance.

What to Do 

There is not much rushing when it comes to the experiences that the place can give. City tours will offer an equal perspective of contemporary quarters, historical places, and local markets. 

Strolling along in various areas it is possible to see how organically nature is combined with the urban environment and greenery can be seen in nearly every place.

The cuisine will be popular to food lovers who may sample the local Rwandan delicacies or the global foods. At least cosy cafes and rooftop restaurants should be utilized to relax and to assimilate the scenery of hills. 

Must-Visit Attractions 

The most appealing thing in the city is the country genocide memorial that cannot be visited without prior knowledge of the history of the country. It is considered considerate, emotional and educative and repaying background and memory and vow of relativity.

Another point of interest is Kimironko Market, full of color, life, and energy. In this case, people are able to witness local business going on, purchase crafts, or just watch the pulse of the city. 

There are also other attractions such as Mount Kigali where one can observe panoramic views as well as art spaces which indicate the creative heartbeat of the city.

Popular Itinerary Pairings from Kigali

Safari Parks: Kigali + Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking has been one of the activities that tourists visiting the region have chosen to engage  in order to experience a cultural city adventure, as well as a lifetime wildlife adventure.

Kigali + Akagera National Park

Perfect to those who desire traditional safari tributes, mixing the peaceful city life of Kigali with open savannahs and Big Five hunting safaris.

Kigali + Lake Kivu

Ideal in terms of relaxation, the visitors can enjoy the lakeside after sightseeing within the city and the nearby places of interest.

Why These Pairings Work

Rwanda is a small state and getting there is not a big task and the city is the major centre where one can easily interrelate the culture, wildlife and nature.

Climate in Rwanda’s Capital

  • The temperature is mild and temperate all year round because the place is high. 
  • Mostly days are not hot but relatively warm and evenings can be cool. 
  • The city has two dry seasons and two rainy seasons, and rainfall hardly has an impact on the travel plan.
  • This climate is partly what gives the city its green outlook and clean air in the form of the greenery that surrounds the area. 

Best Time to Visit 

The place is classified as best in the dry seasons; June to September, and December to February. The months are favorable with good weather and good conditions to explore the city and have a good hunting experience.

But when it is in the green season, there are benefits as well in visiting. It can be easier and more intimate since fewer tourists, colorful scenery, and a slower tempo can make the experience more individual and more relaxed due to the preference of quieter places by tourists.

Tourism Packages

Package NameDurationKey HighlightsApprox. Cost (USD)
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari4 daysGorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP, Kigali city experienceFrom $2,359
Rwanda Big 5 Safari & Chimpanzee Trekking6 daysBig Five game drives (Akagera), chimpanzee tracking (Nyungwe)From $2,345
Rwanda Primates Safari – Chimp & Golden Monkeys6 daysFocused on chimp & golden monkey tracking experiencesFrom $2,341
Rwanda Safari – Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking6 daysGorilla trekking combined with chimpanzee trekking, wildlife & cultural experiencesFrom $4,067

Is The City Worth Visiting for Tourists?

Kigali Rwanda is the perfect destination when a traveler appreciates the safety, culture, and quality experiences. It can accommodate lone flyers, couples, families and even business persons interested in visiting other places than conference rooms. The serene nature of the city is what makes it ideal to the individuals who are drawn to the depth rather than the disorder.

Conclusion

Kigali Rwanda is not a place to go and be impressed: it is a place of authenticity. The streets are clean, people are kind, the past is mighty and the presentation of the best wildlife on the earth all just happens naturally. You can hang around, or it can be a starting point to further exploration, but the place makes an impression, and it whispers to the traveler that some of the best places to explore are the ones that make sense, are relaxing and human.

Kigali is not merely a point of departure or a point of destination with Activentures Africa Safaris it is a significant experience of your trip to Rwanda and makes the journey more profound and closer to your heart.

Writen by:

East Africa Safari Experts

The authors are a team of safari consultants from East Africa. Having been born and raised there and with over twenty years of experience in planning and managing safari trips, they are well-versed in the topics they discuss in this blog.
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