Guidebook for Kigali
Food Scene
The best pizza in the country. Even better, every Monday night Sole Luna hosts trivia, a fun activity well-attended by expats living in Kigali. It starts at 8:30 pm, but make sure to get there at least 30 minutes early to get a seat. Teams are minimum 4 and maximum 6 people.
22 locals recommend
Sole Luna
KG 599 StreetThe best pizza in the country. Even better, every Monday night Sole Luna hosts trivia, a fun activity well-attended by expats living in Kigali. It starts at 8:30 pm, but make sure to get there at least 30 minutes early to get a seat. Teams are minimum 4 and maximum 6 people.
Quite simply the best restaurant in the country, but don't forget to make a reservation or you may get turned away! You can reach them at +250 735 823 282.
20 locals recommend
Poivre Noir
KG 670 StreetQuite simply the best restaurant in the country, but don't forget to make a reservation or you may get turned away! You can reach them at +250 735 823 282.
Looking for a cheap lunch? Mr. Chips is the place to go for burgers and chips (aka 'fries' in American English). It's the closest thing to fast food in Rwanda!
8 locals recommend
Mr Chips
31 KG 12 AvenueLooking for a cheap lunch? Mr. Chips is the place to go for burgers and chips (aka 'fries' in American English). It's the closest thing to fast food in Rwanda!
It's definitely the best Indian food in Rwanda. The real question is, will it be the best Indian food you've ever had? I've heard many claim exactly that... you'll need to eat there to decide for yourself. You should also consider telling the wait staff it's your birthday (even if it's not)... you won't be disappointed.
6 locals recommend
Khana Khazana Kiyovu
9 KN 31 StIt's definitely the best Indian food in Rwanda. The real question is, will it be the best Indian food you've ever had? I've heard many claim exactly that... you'll need to eat there to decide for yourself. You should also consider telling the wait staff it's your birthday (even if it's not)... you won't be disappointed.
Drinks & Nightlife
No visit to Rwanda is complete without a stop at the Hotel des Milles Collines, better known as 'Hotel Rwanda' and featured in the film by the same name. The drinks are expensive, but the outdoor patio is a great place to have a beer and brochette (choose from chicken, beef or fish).
7 locals recommend
Hôtel des Mille Collines
2 KN 6 AveNo visit to Rwanda is complete without a stop at the Hotel des Milles Collines, better known as 'Hotel Rwanda' and featured in the film by the same name. The drinks are expensive, but the outdoor patio is a great place to have a beer and brochette (choose from chicken, beef or fish).
Entertainment & Activities
It's just a 30 second walk from the space and it's got all sorts of activities on offer, from bowling to swimming to volleyball, not to mention great snacks and cold beers. It's the idea weekend afternoon spot.
20 locals recommend
Mamba Club
KG 680 StreetIt's just a 30 second walk from the space and it's got all sorts of activities on offer, from bowling to swimming to volleyball, not to mention great snacks and cold beers. It's the idea weekend afternoon spot.
Arts & Culture
It's impossible to understand Rwanda without learning about the tragic period of ethic violence that occurred here in 1994. The exhibits are heartbreaking, but extremely well presented and informative. Take a few hours out of your schedule to make this essential stop during your stay.
58 locals recommend
Kigali Genocide Memorial
KG 14 AvenueIt's impossible to understand Rwanda without learning about the tragic period of ethic violence that occurred here in 1994. The exhibits are heartbreaking, but extremely well presented and informative. Take a few hours out of your schedule to make this essential stop during your stay.
It's the best art gallery in the country. But due to the growing popularity, it's also a lot pricier than in simpler days. Still, there's lots to be enjoyed at Inema Arts - from cultural events and exhibitions, to Thursday night cocktail parties and a Cuban sandwich shop.
23 locals recommend
Inema Art Center
KG 563 StreetIt's the best art gallery in the country. But due to the growing popularity, it's also a lot pricier than in simpler days. Still, there's lots to be enjoyed at Inema Arts - from cultural events and exhibitions, to Thursday night cocktail parties and a Cuban sandwich shop.
Essentials
Nakumatt is the closest thing to WalMart in Rwanda. If you need it, either they've got it or you won't be able to find it in the country!
14 locals recommend
Nakumatt City Centre
KN 4 AvenueNakumatt is the closest thing to WalMart in Rwanda. If you need it, either they've got it or you won't be able to find it in the country!
This hole-in-the-wall grocery store doesn't have everything, but they do have what you need, at prices cheaper than Nakumatt and other stores.
New Frulep
KN 3 RoadThis hole-in-the-wall grocery store doesn't have everything, but they do have what you need, at prices cheaper than Nakumatt and other stores.
Parks & Nature
The town of Ruhengeri, at the border of Virunga National Park, is hands down the most beautiful place in Rwanda. It's about an hour and a half drive from Kigali, but if you catch it on a clear day, you won't be disappointed! If you're willing to spend a bit of money you can trek gorillas (this is where Dian Fossey carried out her famous research) or hike a volcano (cheaper, and there's a chance you run into some gorillas on your way).
Ruhengeri
The town of Ruhengeri, at the border of Virunga National Park, is hands down the most beautiful place in Rwanda. It's about an hour and a half drive from Kigali, but if you catch it on a clear day, you won't be disappointed! If you're willing to spend a bit of money you can trek gorillas (this is where Dian Fossey carried out her famous research) or hike a volcano (cheaper, and there's a chance you run into some gorillas on your way).
You can't come all the way to Africa without going on safari! Rwanda's Akagera National Park might rank below Kenya's Maasai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti, but if you'd like to see some zebras, giraffes and elephants on a budget, a day here will not disappoint. The park's large population of lions was unfortunately killed off during the Rwandan Genocide, but a few lions were recently re-introduced to the park, so keep your eyes open!
18 locals recommend
Akagera National Park
Akagera RoadYou can't come all the way to Africa without going on safari! Rwanda's Akagera National Park might rank below Kenya's Maasai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti, but if you'd like to see some zebras, giraffes and elephants on a budget, a day here will not disappoint. The park's large population of lions was unfortunately killed off during the Rwandan Genocide, but a few lions were recently re-introduced to the park, so keep your eyes open!
Everything Else
For a different perspective on life, you're welcome to join the host for a visit to Hope for Life Rescue Home in Kabuga. Hope for Life is an organization that rescues boys as young as five years old who are living on the streets. Their former dire circumstances will be hard to imagine when you're greeted with these smiling, joyful faces!
Hope For Life Ministry
For a different perspective on life, you're welcome to join the host for a visit to Hope for Life Rescue Home in Kabuga. Hope for Life is an organization that rescues boys as young as five years old who are living on the streets. Their former dire circumstances will be hard to imagine when you're greeted with these smiling, joyful faces!