Rwanda’s vibrant capital, Kigali, is the gateway for travellers heading on a gorilla trekking adventure. Centrally located and easily reached from major African hubs like Johannesburg, Nairobi, Entebbe, and Dar es Salaam, it’s just a short drive to Volcanoes National Park. Many travellers go straight to the mountains, but Kigali’s charm makes it worth a stop — clean, safe, and welcoming, with modern hotels, lively markets, and the moving Genocide Memorial to explore.
Rwanda’s capital city Kigali is the country’s entry and exit point for travellers on a gorilla trek. Set at the heart of the country, it is a relatively easy destination to reach – you can travel to Kigali from Johannesburg, Nairobi, Entebbe and Dar esSalaam– and since the Volcanoes National Park is only 100 kilometres(60 miles) from the city, many visitors transfer straight to the park after their arrival and go gorilla trekking the following day.
Some gorilla trekking itineraries do need an overnight stay in Kigali however and although the attractions in Kigali are modest, if first impressions generally count then they certainly do here. It is almost without question the cleanest city in Africa; plastic bags are banned and citizens take part in monthly clean-ups. Home to a warm and sunny climate with an average of ten days of rain a month, Kigali is also one of the safest and friendliest cities on the continent (one of its greatest attractions!) and it is well worth a stroll around the city centre or to a local market if you have time.
The city lies on a series of low hills and has been the capital since independence from Belgium in 1962 though it was founded in 1907 when the country was under German colonial rule. A city with little over a million in habitants, Kigali offers accommodation in the form of modern hotels – usually part of an up-market international chain. Standards and service are as you’d expect from these establishments; they are well equipped with gyms and saunas plus Wi-Fi and a choice of restaurants. Kigali’s hotels lie within easy reach of the international airport but also the vibrant city centre with its shopping and commercial area set around Kigali’s most famous accommodation, the Hotel des Mille Collines.
Some of our itineraries have time to include a city tour and the attractions in Kigali before you transfer to your gorilla trek. The tragedy reflected by the Genocide Memorial is balanced by visits to colourful markets and the Muslim Quarter; you can also walk with local guides around multi-cultural Nyamirambo, the heart of the city and sample eclectic urban culture before heading to the rainforests and the gorillas.
For most visitors, the question of when to go to Rwanda is usually better phrased as when to go for gorilla trekking. And that’s easy: the best time to go to Rwanda for gorilla trekking is during its two dry seasons: the first from mid-December to early February and the second from early June to late September. You’ll enjoy the easiest hiking conditions, the best gorilla sightings and the lowest malaria risk.
And if you are planning when to go to Rwanda for a gorilla trek that also includes other great experiences in Africa, then Rwanda’s two dry seasons combine well with some of the continent’s best holiday destination sat their peak.
The December to February trekking season coincides with the Serengeti wildebeest migration and its all-action birthing season as well as Africa’s favourite city, Cape Town, sitting under sunny summer skies.
Meanwhile, the June to September trekking season is when the wildebeest migration crosses crocodile-filled rivers between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara and also sees southern African destinations – the Kruger Park, Botswana, Victoria Falls and Namibia – at their best for safaris: it’s the driest time, the coolest weather, the easiest game viewing and the lowest malaria risk.
Rwanda has a warm and humid climate as you’d expect in an equatorial setting but thanks to high elevations, temperatures in the rainforest might be lower than you think. There’s not much difference in daily temperatures throughout the year – monthly averages are in the mid to late 20s Celsius (late 70s to early 80s Fahrenheit) – and it’s best to be forewarned that gorilla trekking destinations are often cold and wet.
Travellers to Rwanda can expect rain at any time of year but there are two distinct rainy seasons: the ‘long’, heavy rains of March, April and May and the ‘short’ rains of October and November. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is not particularly recommended at these times as the rains can be heavy and the gorillas harder to find. Travel to Rwanda during its wettest months – April and November – can present challenges; trekking through the jungle is extremely difficult and there may be weather-induced delays in flights or road transfers.
Note that although the most comfortable time to go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is during Rwanda’s dry seasons, food is often scarce at these times and the chimpanzees forage deeper in the forest. The chimp families are generally easier to find during the wetter months when food is more abundant. Bird watchers will find birding in Rwanda excellent all year round but especially in the October to April summer months when migrant species are present.
Kigali offers an impressive range of accommodation options, from world-class hotels to intimate boutique stays. As Rwanda’s cosmopolitan capital, the city blends modern comfort with warm local hospitality, making it the perfect base before or after a gorilla trekking adventure.
You’ll find luxury international brands alongside stylish locally owned hotels, many featuring rooftop restaurants, tranquil gardens, and sweeping views of the city’s green hills. Boutique guesthouses and eco-chic lodges provide more personal experiences, often infused with Rwandan art, design, and cuisine.
Most accommodations are located within easy reach of Kigali International Airport, the city centre, and major attractions such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Nyamirambo cultural quarter. Whether you’re seeking five-star sophistication or a quiet urban retreat, Kigali’s hotels deliver exceptional service, modern amenities, and a sense of calm amid the city’s energy.
With its reputation for cleanliness, safety, and genuine warmth, Kigali ensures every stay is comfortable, convenient, and authentically Rwandan.
Heaven Boutique Hotel is our popular 4 Star hotel with 28 rooms located on 2 separate properties on a peaceful, residential road. Heaven Boutique Hotel features local Rwandan décor, warm hospitality, delicious breakfasts at Heaven Restaurant, and access to a solar-heated salt water swimming pool, outdoor yoga deck and fitness center.
Hôtel des Mille Collines was inaugurated in 1973 as the premier grand hotel in Rwanda and is surely the most famous hotel in Rwanda! Located in the central business district, the hotel allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views over the hills of Kigali while indulging in culinary delights from casual to fine dining, international cuisine to local signature dishes!
Ideally located on one of Kigali's most charming boulevards, the Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art. Relaxed yet elegant, the hotel centres on the Executive Lounge and Bar, which opens onto a wide sundeck overlooking the newly refurbished swimming pool.
Kigali’s first eco-friendly resort and features solar electricity, organic toiletries, locally-crafted furniture from a Tanzanian sustainable teak farm, outdoor showers, private terraces, a yoga and meditation room, spa, large heated saltwater swimming pool with jacuzzi and diving rocks, and an open-air fitness center.
The Pinnacle Kigali is located in Kigali, Rwanda, close to attractions like the Heaven Garden Rebero. Guests can enjoy various cuisines at the on-site restaurant during their stay, including Mediterranean, Afro and Asian fusion cuisine.
Discover Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, with itineraries designed for every traveler. From half-day city tours to multi-day cultural and wildlife adventures, Kigali offers the perfect introduction to Rwanda’s history, culture, and modern life.
Explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and the Nyamirambo cultural quarter, experiencing the city’s rich heritage and resilient spirit. Enjoy guided tours of art galleries, craft cooperatives, and authentic Rwandan cuisine, including coffee and tea tasting experiences. Extend your stay with trips to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking, or Akagera National Park for savannah safaris. Multi-day itineraries combine Kigali’s urban charm with Rwanda’s top wildlife and nature destinations, creating a seamless travel experience.
Private and customizable tours allow travelers to set their own pace and focus on their interests, whether it’s history, culture, photography, or culinary experiences. Known for its safety, cleanliness, and welcoming atmosphere, Kigali is the ideal starting point for exploring Rwanda. It provides easy access to gorilla trekking, safari adventures, and rainforest exploration, while offering a rich urban experience that balances history, culture, and modern amenities.
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After exploring Kigali, Rwanda’s bustling and welcoming capital, travelers can easily continue their journey into the country’s most iconic destinations. Just a short drive north takes you to Volcanoes National Park, home to the world’s rare mountain gorillas: a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. For rainforest adventures, head southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, and birdwatching.
If you prefer safari and savannah landscapes, venture east to Akagera National Park, where the Big Five and diverse birdlife await across lakes and open plains. For a relaxing conclusion to your trip, unwind along the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, with its palm-fringed beaches, water activities, and charming lakeside towns.
From Kigali, Rwanda’s compact size and excellent road network make it easy to design multi-day itineraries combining city exploration, wildlife encounters, and natural beauty, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable Rwandan adventure.
