Top Things to Do in Kigali

Kigali, Rwanda

About the City

Delve into Kigali, the pulsating heart of Rwanda, where the sun-kissed hills dance with vibrant life. In this city, old traditions and modern progress perform an intricate ballet, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical stage. Witness the striking contrasts: streets that brim with immaculate cleanliness thanks to communal efforts known as 'umuganda', where citizens contribute to their city's beauty, alongside infrastructure that, while steadily improving, still shows the growing pains of development. Bask in the warmth of locals, whose smiles shine brighter than the equatorial sun. Yet, prepare for the stern language of bureaucracy, where paperwork often waltzes in quadruple copies, testing the patience of saints. Dive into a culinary mosaic, where local fare like 'brochettes' will dare your taste buds to dance to new rhythms, juxtaposed with occasional shortages in variety that remind you of the still-evolving local markets. By day, marvel at a city safe enough for peaceful strolls, and by night, watch a mantle of stars compete with burgeoning city lights. In Kigali, every breath is a story, every corner a surprise. It's a place that reflects the resilience and potential of its people, a city steadily climbing, reaching for a bright, starlit future.

Things to Do in Kigali

Nibble on Amateke

Food & Drink

Tuck into the tantalizing world of Amateke, Rwanda's answer to mushrooms! These earthy delights pop up after rainy days and are a forager's dream. They're sautéed with love, served up with your favori...

Rwanda's Big Five Walking Safari

Outdoors

Wanna come face to face with the wild side of Rwanda? Step into a pair of comfy shoes and get ready to trek the savannah. Spot the Big Five on foot while you get your nature vibes on. Just remember, i...

Master the Streets with Gacaca Skateboarding

The Unexpected

Ever thought of cruisin' the streets of Kigali on a skateboard? Well, why not become a pavement-surfing pro at the Gacaca Skate Park? Show the locals how you kick-flip and grind, or maybe take a lesso...

Upcycle Art with Local Artisans

The Unexpected

Join Kigali's eco-conscious movement and create art from recyclable materials. You'll be surprised at how a simple tin can or plastic bottle can turn into a snazzy piece of art! It's good for the plan...

Become a Rwandan Drum Maestro

The Unexpected

Get your groove on and master the art of playing Rwanda's traditional drums. Feel the rhythm as you thump, tap, and bang on the Ingoma, and let the beats tell your heart-pounding story of adventure!

Concoct a Fragrance at a Kigali Perfumery

The Unexpected

Unleash your inner perfumer and blend a personal scent that captures the essence of Rwanda! You'll be like a wizard with a pipette, mixing floral, musky, or citrus notes until you've bottled Kigali's ...

Ascent to the Adventure at Mount Kigali for Mountain Biking

Outdoors

Ready to pedal your way to awesome? Mount Kigali's got trails that'll make your mountain bike weep with joy. It's a two-wheeled trek where every curve, dip, and bump is a high-five from the earth!

Birdwatching Bonanza in Nyarutarama

Outdoors

Got an eye for winged wonders? Nyarutarama Lake is your go-to spot. Plop down with some binoculars and tee up for a birdwatching bonanza. Witness the ballet of migratory birds without a pricey ticket ...

Kayak Kigali's Waterways

Outdoors

Ditch the walking shoes and grab a paddle for some kayaking fun! Skim across the water's surface of Kigali's scenic rivers and lakes. Whether you're a newbie or a bona fide kayaking ninja, there's a s...

Glide over Kigali in a Hot Air Balloon

Outdoors

Ready to see Kigali from a bird's-eye view? Float up, up and away in a hot air balloon and turn the city into a mini toy town beneath your feet. It's so peaceful up there, you could hear a pin drop – ...

Relish the Earthy Umushogoro

Food & Drink

Delve into the wild side with Umushogoro, a sweet potato dish that's rustic and robust, just like the Rwandan countryside. These spuds get their magic from being slow-cooked in embers and brought to y...

Chill Out in Creative Art Spaces

Sights

Get lost in a world of color at the art spaces all over Kigali! From vibrant paintings to quirky sculptures, these spots are where the city's soul truly pops. It's like walking into a kaleidoscope of ...

Marvel at Modern Meets Traditional Architecture

Sights

Stride through the streets and gawk at Kigali's rad juxtaposition of modern and traditional architecture! This cool urban mash-up is like a live Pinterest board of design inspo. You'll see glass skysc...

Get Sporty in the City

Sights

Unleash your inner athlete and catch some sports action! Whether you're a football fanatic or a basketball buff, Kigali's got fields and courts where the city's pulse is as lively as the games!

Scale the Heights at the Heart of the City

Sights

Conquer the famous Mount Kigali! It's part workout, part epic view chasing; a combo that'll reward you with Insta-worthy panoramas and glutes of steel!

Embark on a Serene Adventure in the Green Oases

Sights

Lose yourself in the lush, leafy embrace of Kigali's finest gardens. It's like Mother Nature's own living room, where you can kick off your shoes, plop on the grass, and just breathe in the tranquilit...

Discover the Aromas of Ugali na Isombe

Food & Drink

Get your fork ready for a swirl of Ugali na Isombe. It's a starchy comfort dish paired with cassava leaves that'll wrap your senses in a warm, leafy embrace. This is the kind of meal that'll stick to ...

Munch on the Crunchy Insects

Food & Drink

Are you brave enough to crunch on some edible insects? It's a protein-packed experience that'll have you munchin' like a local. These crispy critters are a sustainable snack choice, and trust me, they...

Chow Down on Isombe

Food & Drink

Prepare to get your hands dirty with Isombe, Rwanda's lush, green staple made from mashed cassava leaves. It's a true veggie adventure – the creamed greens are seasoned with peanut butter and sometime...

Unearth Hidden Gems in Kigali's Vintage Shops

The Unexpected

Ready to go treasure hunting? Zigzag through Kigali's vintage and thrift shops and snag yourself some retro threads. It's a fashion throwback with every item having a story to tell — each garment mor...