Why visit
Kigali is the capital of Rwanda. A practical starting point for museums, food, and onward routes into the country.
Kigali at a glance
City population
1.7 million
Elevation
1,567 m
5,141 ft
Time zone
UTC+2
Africa/Kigali
Airport
KGL
Kigali International
Founded
1907
Getting around
Kigali Bus Services + moto-taxis (regulated helmets) + Yego Cab; car-free Sundays
Signature dish
Brochettes with plantain, isombe, ugali with sauce, mizuzu, Akabanga pepper oil
Neighborhoods for travelers
Nyarugenge (downtown)GasaboKicukiroKimihururaRemera
Rwanda at a glance
Country center
-2.0°, 30.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
26,338 km²
10,169 mi²
Country population
14.0 million
532/km²
Subregion
Eastern Africa
Currency
Rwandan franc (Fr)
RWF
Dial
+250
Languages
English, French, Kinyarwanda
Demonym
Rwandan
Internet
.rw
UN
Member state
ISO code
RW / RWA
Where in the world
-2.0° · 30.0°
Rwanda
Open in Google Maps ↗
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Kigali is consistently ranked the cleanest city in Africa. Plastic bags have been illegal since 2008.
- The last Saturday of every month is Umuganda: mandatory community cleanup when all citizens work together.
- Women hold 61% of parliamentary seats: the highest proportion of any national legislature in the world.
- Rwanda banned plastic bags in 2008: one of the first countries in the world to do so.
- Kigali is regularly ranked as one of the cleanest capital cities in Africa.
Bordering Rwanda
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Kigali
What currency is used in Kigali?
Kigali uses the Rwandan franc (Fr), ISO code RWF.
What languages are spoken in Rwanda?
The primary languages are English, French and Kinyarwanda.
What is the international calling code for Rwanda?
The calling code is +250.
What airport serves Kigali?
Kigali International (IATA: KGL).
Is Kigali at high altitude?
Yes, Kigali sits at 1,567 m (5,141 ft). Give yourself a day or two to acclimatize.
Other Africa destinations
Algeria
Algeria is a destination in Africa layered with historical sites and heritage routes. Plan an itinerary around ruins, old quarters, monuments, and museums.
Angola
Angola is a destination in Africa known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.
Benin
Benin is a destination in Africa known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.
Botswana
Botswana is a destination in Africa where the landscape is the point. National parks, coastlines, forests, or mountain travel anchor most itineraries.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a destination in Africa known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.
Burundi
Burundi is a destination in Africa known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.