The best months to visit Kigali are Jun – Sep. Dry season with cooler temperatures.
Quick facts
Currency RWF (Franc) 1 USD ≈ 1,300 RWF
Language Kinyarwanda / English / French English widely spoken in the capital
Timezone CAT (UTC+2) No daylight saving
Best Months Jun – Sep Dry season with cooler temperatures
Daily Budget ~$30–50 USD RWF39,000–65,000 per day
Visa Visa on arrival 30-day visa at airport for $50 USD or free e-visa for some nationalities
When to go
Africa's cleanest city, a place of extraordinary resilience where green hills, vibrant markets, and a thriving arts scene rise from profound history.
Getting Around in Kigali
- Moto-taxis are the main transport at RWF500–2,000 per ride. Use the Yego Moto app for metered rides with helmets. Always agree on price first for street hails
- Kigali has no traditional public bus system in the centre. Minibuses (matatus) run fixed routes for RWF200–500 but are hard to navigate without local knowledge
- Kigali is hilly, so walking between neighbourhoods involves serious elevation changes. Budget moto-taxi rides for cross-hill trips and walk within flat areas
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Kigali travel guide.
Timezone: CAT (UTC+2) (No daylight saving)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Kigali?
The best months to visit Kigali are Jun – Sep (Dry season with cooler temperatures), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Kigali budget breakdown.
