Location: Kigali
Top Things to do in Kigali
10 Sightseeing Tours in Kigali That You Shouldn't Miss
Inhabited since the 11th-century, what is now Kigali has been the home of Twas, Tutsis and Hutus. The city sits on a series of verdant ridges and lush valleys, and has a Muslim Quarter and a bustling market. Rwanda's capital is the site of battles that left over a million, mostly Tutsi and moderate Hutus, dead. Kigali Memorial Centre is a permanent memorial to 1994's Genocide, built on a mass grave where 250,000 are buried. Kigali City Tour Bus offers an excellent introduction to this now safe, friendly city.
Restaurants in Kigali
1. 3 Day Gorilla Trekking Budget Safari in Uganda
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
We've got you covered if you want to see more in less time! The 3-day gorilla trekking safari offered by Bamboo Ecotours takes you to the most stunning tourist attractions in southwestern Uganda. The major highlight of the tour is gorilla trekking adventure at Bwindi National Park. If time allows, guests will have an option to do optional activities on Day 1 and Day 3. Optional activities include canoe trekking at Lake Mutanda, Batwa cultural experience, and golden monkey trekking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Gorilla permits, transfers, park entry fees
Exclusions: Travel insurance, flights, tips, porter fees
Reviewed By Quest402245
We are fanatically independent travellers who refuse to go for all-in packages but prefer to vet hotels ourselves and arrange independent transport. This may not be right for everyone but that's the way we roll. We made up our own itinerary for a Kenyan/Ugandan trip but the reality of real journey distances, gorilla permits and other unknowns drove us to choose a company that would respect our wishes while offering on-the-ground advice. The Ugandan leg was Bamboo Eco Tours. My first contact with Edison and his calm knowledgeable Whattsups assured us that we had chosen the right company. At one point I accidentally transferred our entire hotel pre-payments to the Eco Tours account. No problem. Edison transferred the money himself out of his account and to the correct parties. Integrity, professionalism and honesty are the fundamentals of this company. After the Kenyan shutdown we were forced (thankfully in retrospect!!) to cancel our 2 weeks there and add it onto our Ugandan itinerary. No problem!! Edison was on it and we arranged for an extended 26 day epic trip. We stayed a leisurely 5 nights in the Kampala Serena and met up with Fred. From the get go he was polite, friendly and extremely concerned that we would get everything we dreamed off out of this holiday. My first bizarre request was to visit the old Entebbe terminal where the famous July 3/4, 1976 raid was carried out by Israel to free hostages. Hotel: Sorry...it is a UN area and is off limits to tourists. Fred: Let me see what I can do. I have a friend.... The long and the short of it is Fred made it happen. We got a tour of the bullet-riddled tower and environs. Without Fred and Ecotours...forget it!! What a thrill and we hadn't even left Kampala yet!! We had a wonderful city tour with Fred who saw quickly that some midday RnR at the Serena was in order. Bless him!!! Next day it was the road!!! First stop was Mahingo Lodge near Lake Mburo. Fred quietly let us settle in before materialising like Jeeves to ask when we wanted to start next day. That was typical of his understated but efficient manner. We viewed lots of game in Fred's 4 wheel drive aka "The Beast"!! There was no place it could not go and Fred is a fantastically safe driver. Main roads in Uganda are excellent but the side roads are brutal!! No problem for The Beast!! Then on to Kyumbura Gorge where we were the only guests for 3 days!! We even had our own butler!! But that's another review!! Next to Mt Mgahinga Lodge sitting under 2 volcanoes; part of a string of volcanoes stretching into DRC Congo. This was Fred's home town so he was invaluable in getting us to the Silver back and Golden Monkey trekking sites on time and relaxed. Words cannot describe the experience of the Silverback encounter. A family of 9 gorillas in even terrain moving around you. We were alone but for the rangers, porters and trackers...no other tourists!!! I actually wept after the experience. One of the greatest moments spent travelling....ever!! The walk up to the jumping off point was surprisingly tough. Fred told me of a US lady who wanted to give up even at this point. He said to me that HE wanted to cry for her vanished dreams so he convinced her to go on and she did! What a guy!! On the journey home a small poor child stood by our car. I felt obliged to give him some money. As we drove away Fred spoke to him in Ugandan. I asked him what he had said. "Go give it to your mother to spend on books and clothes not on candy!!" Later I found out Fred had gone away and found out the mother to check he had given the money to her. That tells you everything you need to know about this wonderful person!! Then we drove to Bwindi as we had actually gotten TWO gorilla permits in case the trackers couldn't locate the families!! Trust me they ALWAYS get their man...or primate!! That was a heck of a drive but Fred enriched it by conversing on the terrain, the vegetables, fruit and local villages. What a trip!! The man literally eats and drinks like a bird and runs on power like a Terminator!! Bwindi was totally different and a little bit more touristy although way down on pre-covid days. We again did the gorillas and the trek was even worse than the other two due to the dense forest and steep terrain. It also rained!! Viewing of the gorillas was again different and magical although we enjoyed the Mgahinga experience more. Sliding and slipping down the mountain in the rain was brutal but Fred was there to meet us in The Beast!! We drove back to Kampala stopping off at our favourite Mahingo Lodge again on the way. I also added Jinja and the site of the Speke identification of the source of the Nile. Fred was totally up for it!! This turned into an epic day with beautiful clouds piled up over Lake Victoria. Highly recommended. Finally back at the Serena it was time to say goodbye. We hugged and shed a tear and said goodbye to the guy who had shared one of the greatest trips of our lives. Go with Bamboo Eco Tours. They have the key to unlock the treasures within Uganda's preposterously beautiful land and magical people. You can thank me later!!!
2. Kigali City Private Tour (History, Culture, Art and Markets)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Our city tour covers the cultural and historical insights of Rwanda in general and in Kigali in particular. We visit the memorial, local markets, cultural centres and many other interesting surprises. We start at 9am and finish at 5pm.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water, English speaking guide
Exclusions: Lunch, Snacks
Reviewed By Dirk W
I cannot rave enough about Patrick, the owner, and Benique, my guide, who accompanied me during most of my 10 day visit to Kigali in October. After the first tour I decided to add several other trips. It was an amazing experience and I had the wonderful opportunity to tour in the North, West, South and East. Both Patrick and Benique are extremely friendly, accommodating and easy to work with. They are a wealth of information and being with Benique on the road felt more like travelling with a friend than a guide. The tours are very profesionally organized and the hotels on the road a fantastic selection with amazing views. I cannot wait to come back! PS: Yambi Tours reinforced the great COVID 19 protocol in Rwanda and you feel very safe at all times.
3. 1 Day Trip Akagera National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Do you want to see the big five, but you don't have much time? We pick you up from Kigali and drive you Akagera N.P. in Rwanda. We offer ground transfers and comfortable to make this an unforgettable and hassle-free experience. For those looking to save time and commune with wildlife, this is the perfect tour.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks, WiFi on board, Park Entry Fees
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By kelvinjules
Very Nice tour, amazing car with good price, thank you so much We are very happy with this company...
4. 1 day Trip to Lake kivu beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
After breakfast, from your hotel in Kigali around 7Am in morning meet your driver guide and gives you short briefing about journey and takes 20 min, after 7h30 Am star drive to North-West province with 3 hours driving direct to get there, but on way we have one stop interesting spot for culture village ( Ibyiwacu cultural village is one of the key features that make Rwanda safaris exceptional experiences. its gives you a rare chance to meet local people, in their environment, with a taste of our culture and traditions. Be genuinely welcomed by the community as a special visitor while they proudly present to you aspects of their traditions and beliefs. The only way to get to know people, is getting close and interacting with local people, and taking part in their daily activities and most of all with them.) for 1.5h, thereafter we keep moving to lake kivu for relaxation,boat cruiser, hot spring water and massage takes 3 hours. Around 4 Pm we can plan back to Kigali with 3 hours driving.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By okolin
Where to begin, I must say I really had a great time at Rwanda I think Akagera National Park was the Highlight of my Trip all thanks to Peter, he's the Best!! and I highly recommend Silverbird Tours Agency...Okay! the day started very early, Peter was already at our guest house on time and ready to go, it took us about 2 hours to get to the park, when we got there, He had already arranged Breakfast and Lunch which was very good!. Then we got set for our Adventure into the park, the best part for me was he knew how to navigate the park and he knew how to find all the animals (Hippos, Antelopes, Zebras, Monkeys, Baboons, Elephant, Giraffe etc) even when we had a flat tire he was so down to earth, very Professional, made us laugh and he made sure we had a good time, he ensured we got back to our Guest House on time so much to say but in all i had a Great Experience hope to come back soon!....
5. Day Trip - Akagera National Park with Optional Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
This tour takes you to Akagera National Park, a Big Five destination that is emerging as one of the best off-the-beaten-path Safari Parks. It lacks of tourist hordes sets it apart from other destinations in East Africa and the fact that you can enjoy an optional boat Safari at lake Ihema makes it a unique experience. The tour will be led by an experience guide, who is not only at home in the park but also knowledgeable on all-things-Rwanda
Inclusions: Pick up and Drop off in Kigali, All Transportation in a Customized Safari Vehicle with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing, 1 Bottled Water Per Person
Exclusions: Akagera Park Entrance Fee 100 USD Per Person, Optional Lake Ihema 1 Hour Boat Safari 35 USD Per Person, Lunch 5 - 20 USD - Kindly Discuss/Request guide for Options, Items and Services of Personal Nature
6. 3 DAYs & 2 NIGHT TOUR PACKAGES IN RWANDA WITH GORILLA TREKKING
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Most of the people chose this tour because as long as they have a limited time in Rwanda that would be the only way to Experience the Gorilla trekking as well as enjoying the culture of Rwanda and doing the Kigali sightseeing tour with in only 3 days. In this 3 days and 2 night full informative gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda you can enjoy many things because from the day 1 of the departure we can transfers you to Musanze and start by doing the Musanze city tour and on the following day, it can be the day of getting a lifetime experience with the Mountain gorillas, and on this day we will also have a chance to spend sometime with the former poachers who have finally became the Gorilla Guardians. On the last day we can’t escape Kigali without doing the Kigali City Tour by visiting the main spots of the Capital city of Rwanda including Gisozi Genocide Memorial and Belgian Memorial,
Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Dinner, Snacks, Lunch, Soda/Pop, Breakfast, Bottled water, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Laundry, Airfares and Visas, Tip to Local Guides and Alcoholic Drinks
Reviewed By derekgY1090OE
I booked a 1 month rental through Alain at Shalom Safaris. He was very friendly and professional. He provided me 2016 Toyota RAV4. It was very clean and well maintained. The 6 speed manual transmission was a pleasure to drive. The price was fair.
7. Kigali City Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 332 reviews
Our City Tour is designed to give you an intimate view of Kigali on a fun, action packed day. Our tour is the perfect way to kick off your visit to Rwanda and give you the confidence to explore on your own. Your guide is a Kigali resident who know this city better than anyone else. The tour visits a wide range of places to give you a varied yet intimate view of the city and give you great insight to the city and country in just one day.
Inclusions: Beverages, Bottled water, Lunch, Driver/guide, Local guide, Professional guide, Hotel drop-off
Exclusions: Hotel pickup, Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By Livushdessu
Everything was well organized and they know what they are doing really. Even tho having different types of very fresh fruits in a open air market was such an amazing experience and special treat.... I loved that milk bar the most. The fermented milk????????. I will remember Rwand when ever drinking milk. Desie the guide is a wonderful host and easy to talk to and kept me there always making sure that I am enjoying the time. Thank you!!
8. One-day Akagera National Park Game Drive with a Safari Car
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 11 reviews
Leave Kigali as early as 05h30 and drive for an estimated 3 hours to reach Akagera National Park by 08h30. Spend the entire day through the park to depart to Kigali late afternoon or in the evening. Akagera National Park has a diversity of wildlife including buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas and many others. After a long time being extinct in Akagera National Park, the black rhinos and lions have recently been restocked. Their sighting is always not guaranteed due to their small number and the hiding character of the black rhino. Enjoy the game drive viewing the natural habitat of different animals, birds and enjoying the view of different lakes and landscape.
Inclusions: Safari vehicle with a protective sunroof, A driver-guide by Countryside Tours-Rwanda (with a Covid-19 test), Akagera Game Lodge Picnic packed lunch, Bottled water, Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Kigali City
Exclusions: Akagera entry fee, Akagera National Park guide, Alcoholic Beverages, Anything not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions
Reviewed By sarahwT1643XS
I took this tour as I just moved to Kigali and wanted to get an overview of the town and various neighborhoods. This tour provided just this. My guide Emmanuel was extremely helpful and patient with my endless questions about Kigali and Rwanda. He provided great information on the history of the country and city, but also was very helpful in showing me how things 'work' in Kigali - eg how to use mobile money, book a taxi, what various neighborhoods were like, etc. - eg requests beyond what the tour required. However, if you are just here as a tourist and are familiar with other African countries, you might not need a full day tour. You might do the 1/2 day instead. The restaurant we went to for lunch was fine, but a bit random...There must be places for lunch with a nice view, or something a bit more interesting...
9. Kigali City Tour (History minded city tour of Kigali)
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 9 reviews
Far from simply looking at buildings and listening to a few anecdotes, you will learn about life in Kigali during several different time periods and begin to understand the impact each era had on the Rwandan people.
Inclusions: Lunch, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, Flowers to lay at the memorial
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Ashland_Local43
In discussing the Holocaust and the genocide of 6 million Jews, Hannah Arendt wrote about the "banality of evil." When you visit the Millenium Village, you will get to see for yourself whether this description applies to the Rwandan genocide. It may be one of the most important and touching experiences of your life. How does an ordinary person kill his neighbors? How do you react when you come home to find that everyone you love has been killed? -- and how can you possibly forgive the people who did it? Visiting the Nyamata memorial, you will be horrified at the scale and the cruelty of the Rwandan genocide. But when you visit the Millenium village, you will undoubtedly be left with feelings of hope -- hope that such terrible acts do not necessarily have to perpetuate a cycle of reprisals and revenge that continues forever. Perpetrators can show true repentance and victims can move past unspeakable tragedy to demonstrate forgiveness that is almost unimaginable. This give us hope, not just Rwanda, but for all of humanity.
10. 1 Day Rwanda Cultural Tour
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
This 1 Day Rwanda cultural Tour will take you to visit the most predominant and well known cultural sites in Rwanda including the famous genocide memorials, the Kigali Traditional Construction Experience, Kigali city tour and community walks, as well as an exceptional birding experience in the capital. This particular tour can be tailor-made to suit your varying needs & timing either to start and End in Kigali or directly pick you up from the airport for those with limited time of traveling. For purposes of visiting the different attractions in a day and for this tour, you will take our tour vehicle with an experienced tour guide to the different sites you are interested in visiting while on this Kigali city tour.
Inclusions: Transportation, Food, Soft Drink, Entrance fees and Guiding
Exclusions: Air fares & Visa, Alcoholic drink, Accommodation, Dinner, Insurance, Laundry and tip to local guides
Reviewed By derekgY1090OE
I booked a 1 month rental through Alain at Shalom Safaris. He was very friendly and professional. He provided me 2016 Toyota RAV4. It was very clean and well maintained. The 6 speed manual transmission was a pleasure to drive. The price was fair.
