History
While Kigali has largely moved forward from its tragic history, it honours the past in the form of its famous Genocide Memorial. Step back in time and learn about Kigali’s moving history- and hope for the future.
Kigali is the modern and stylish capital city of Rwanda. Eager to move on from its past, Kigali has modernised, and is more than ready to welcome visitors as a sophisticated travel destination. Voted the cleanest city in Africa since 2011, Kigali’s impressive urban development has overseen the city’s expansion into a modern African metropolis.
Cheap flights to Kigali are now available for a limited period of time, so prepare to be awe-inspired by this city’s infectious spirit! Kigali is home to Kigali International Airport (KGL), located 15 minutes from the city centre by car. Kigoma International Airport serves Precision Air. Popular connecting flights to Kigoma, Tanzania depart from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Flight duration from Johannesburg to Kigoma is approximately 18 hours and 10 minutes.
Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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While Kigali has largely moved forward from its tragic history, it honours the past in the form of its famous Genocide Memorial. Step back in time and learn about Kigali’s moving history- and hope for the future.
Eager to show the world the colourful vibrancy of the culture of its local people, Kigali hosts many food and craft markets, showcasing traditional foods, art works and woven creations made by locals.
Kigali is within driving distance from some of Rwanda best national parks, and many tourist organisations operate in the city, which transport visitors to and from the parks.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
Country | Rwanda |
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Currency | Rwandan Franc |
Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 61.06 RWF |
Language | French/English/Kinyarwanda |
Hub Airport | Kigali International Airport (KGL) |
Airline | RwandAir Express |
Time Zone | GMT + 2 |
Travel Adaptor | Type C and J |
Rwanda enjoys a steady tropical climate resulting in warm weather throughout the year. The best months to visit, however, are between the months of June and September and December to February. These are Rwanda’s dry seasons which have the least rainfall. During the periods of October to November, as well as March to May, Rwanda experiences heavy rainfall which can negatively impact holiday enjoyment. Kigali hosts a number of exciting music and cultural festivals throughout the year. The Kigali Up Festival takes place in July and sees local and international music artists take the stage. The Rwanda Film Festival also takes place in July showcasing a collection of the best locally-produced and foreign films.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low °C | 12°C | 13°C | 12°C | 13°C | 13°C | 12°C | 12°C | 13°C | 13°C | 13°C | 11°C | 12°C |
High °C | 19°C | 16°C | 17°C | 18°C | 16°C | 17°C | 19°C | 19°C | 20°C | 18°C | 16°C | 18°C |
Rainfall (mm) | 54 | 111 | 78 | 180 | 87 | 9 | 3 | 21 | 72 | 111 | 90 | 75 |
Plagued by a painful past that threatened the city’s very survival, Kigali has long since healed from the tragic genocide that took place there more than twenty years ago. The city has moved forward into the future and is more than ready to show the world that it is one of Africa’s premier tourist destinations. Urban development and excellent planning have changed the city’s landscape from the now unrecognisable ruin that it was post-1994. Today it is a thriving metropolis boasting lush green public parks and revamped tar roads. Most importantly, Kigali is home to an outgoing and energetic population excited and proud to welcome visitors to their beautiful city!
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