Proximity to Bwindi
The drive from Kigali to the southern sectors of Bwindi, such as Rushaga and Nkuringo, takes about four to five hours, much shorter than the eight to ten hours or more from Entebbe.
Rwanda Gateway
Kigali, Rwanda
Rwanda's calm, hilly capital is a convenient entry point for Uganda gorilla safaris, putting southern Bwindi within a scenic half-day drive through the land of a thousand hills.
- Location
- Capital of Rwanda
- Airport
- Kigali International (KGL)
- To southern Bwindi
- About 4 – 5 hours
- Border
- Cyanika / Kyanika
Discover Kigali
A smart start to your gorilla safari.
Kigali is the capital of Rwanda, a clean, orderly and welcoming city spread over green ridges in the heart of the country. For travellers heading to Uganda, Kigali International Airport (KGL) is often a fantastic entry point for gorilla trekking in southern Uganda, thanks to its proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Starting in Kigali can significantly reduce driving time compared with flying into Entebbe International Airport and driving all the way from Kampala. The road crosses into Uganda near Kisoro, leading straight to the southern sectors of Bwindi and to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Kigali is also well worth a few hours of its own. The Kigali Genocide Memorial offers a deeply moving introduction to Rwanda's recent history, while markets, art galleries and cafés show the creativity and optimism of the modern city.
Why start in Kigali
Closer to the gorillas.
For many itineraries, Kigali is the most convenient gateway to Uganda's gorilla forests.
Uganda Gorilla Permits
Starting from Kigali lets you trek gorillas in Uganda, where permits cost less than in Rwanda, while enjoying the convenience of Kigali's airport.
Comfortable Drive
Roads from Kigali to the border are generally well maintained, with beautiful land of a thousand hills scenery.
Efficient Border Crossing
The Cyanika (Rwanda) and Kyanika (Uganda) border post near Kisoro is typically efficient for tourists.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
A powerful, respectful place to understand Rwanda's history before your safari begins.
A Pleasant City
Clean streets, good restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere make Kigali an easy place to arrive.
Location
Where is Kigali?
Kigali lies near the centre of Rwanda, at roughly 1,500 metres above sea level. Kigali International Airport is in Kanombe, on the eastern side of the city, and is served by direct flights from Europe, the Middle East and across Africa.
From Kigali, the road runs northwest through Musanze to the Cyanika–Kyanika border near Kisoro, then on to Mgahinga and the southern Bwindi sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo, about four to five hours in total. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is around two to three hours from Kigali, and Akagera National Park lies to the east.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Kigali story.
Kigali and the gorilla regions share a similar pattern of two dry and two rainy seasons.
Long Dry Season
The most popular time for gorilla trekking, with drier forest trails and pleasant city weather.
Short Dry Season
Another excellent window for trekking, with green landscapes.
Long Rains
The wettest months; trekking continues, trails are muddier and lodges are quieter.
Short Rains
Showers return, with lush hills and fewer visitors.
What is the best month to start in Kigali?
Gorilla trekking runs all year; the dry months make the drive and the trek most comfortable.
Short dry season, a good time to fly into Kigali for gorilla trekking.
Usually dry and warm, excellent for trekking and city visits.
Rains begin to build, with lush green hills.
Often the wettest month; Rwanda also observes national commemoration from 7 April.
Rain continues, then eases late in the month.
The long dry season begins, a peak month for gorilla safaris.
Dry and pleasant, a very popular time to travel.
Dry conditions and busy trekking season; book permits early.
Mostly dry, with showers returning late in the month.
Short rains begin, with quieter roads and lodges.
Showery but green; trekking continues year-round.
Drier days return for festive-season gorilla trips.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Kigali.
Even a short stay reveals a city of history, art and markets.
GisoziKigali Genocide MemorialThe final resting place of more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with exhibitions that honour those who were lost and educate future generations.
City centreKandt House MuseumThe former home of Richard Kandt, regarded as Kigali's founder, now a museum of the city's and country's history.
KimironkoKimironko MarketA busy local market for fresh produce, colourful fabrics and tailoring.
Kacyiru & KimihururaGalleries & CafésArt spaces such as the Inema Arts Center and a thriving café culture showcasing Rwandan coffee.
NyamiramboNyamirambo NeighbourhoodOne of the city's oldest and liveliest neighbourhoods, explored on community-led walking tours.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Remembering, and understanding, Rwanda.
Many visitors begin their journey at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance, learning and reflection. Its exhibitions explain the history that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the events of those hundred days, and the long path of recovery and reconciliation that followed.
The memorial is a sombre but essential visit, best approached with time and quiet respect. Afterwards, we continue towards the Ugandan border and the gorilla forests of Bwindi.
Safaris to 中文
Tours that start in Kigali
Uganda gorilla safaris beginning and ending at Kigali International Airport.
Uganda · 3 days
3-Day Uganda (Kigali Start): The Great Primate Run
Bwindi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 4 days
4-Day Uganda (Kigali Start): Primates Roam & Plains Awaken
Bwindi · Lake Mburo
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 5 days
5-Day Uganda (Kigali Start): Gorillas Roam, Plains Stretch & Lakes Shine
Bwindi · Lake Bunyonyi · Lake Mburo
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 6 days
6-Day Uganda (Kigali Start): Gorillas, Giants & Legends
Bwindi · Queen Elizabeth · Lake Bunyonyi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 7 days
7-Day Uganda (Kigali Start): Primates, Giants, Lakes & Timeless Culture
Lake Mutanda · Queen Elizabeth · Lake Bunyonyi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 8 days
8-Day Uganda (Kigali Start): Primates, Open Horizons & Hidden Waters
Bwindi · Queen Elizabeth · Lake Bunyonyi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Uganda · 9 days
9-Day Uganda (Kigali Start): Where Primates Swing and Savannahs Stretch to Bunyonyi
Lake Mburo · Kibale Forest · Queen Elizabeth · Bwindi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
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Usually replies within minutesHeritage
The story behind Kigali.
Kigali was a small settlement when Richard Kandt, a German colonial official and explorer, established an administrative post here in 1907. It remained modest during the colonial era, and became Rwanda's capital at independence in 1962.
In 1994, Rwanda suffered the Genocide against the Tutsi, in which more than a million people are estimated to have been killed in around one hundred days. Kigali Genocide Memorial, opened in 2004, honours the victims and works to prevent genocide through education. Each year, Rwanda observes a national period of commemoration, known as Kwibuka, beginning on 7 April.
Since then, Kigali has grown into one of Africa's most orderly and fast-developing capitals, known for its cleanliness, its ban on plastic bags and Umuganda, the monthly community work day on the last Saturday morning of each month.
Why fly into Kigali for a Uganda gorilla safari?
Kigali is much closer to southern Bwindi than Entebbe, cutting the road journey to about four to five hours.
What visas do I need?
You need visas for both Rwanda and Uganda. The East Africa Tourist Visa is often the best option, allowing multiple entries into Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.
Which currency should I use?
You will start with Rwandan francs, but will need Ugandan shillings for local purchases in Uganda. US dollars are widely accepted for tourism payments.
Is there a time difference?
Yes. Rwanda (GMT+2) is one hour behind Uganda (GMT+3), so factor this into your planning.
Which border do we cross?
Usually Cyanika on the Rwandan side and Kyanika on the Ugandan side, near Kisoro, which is typically efficient for tourists.
Should I visit the Genocide Memorial?
We recommend it. It is a moving and respectful introduction to Rwanda; allow around two hours.
Can I visit Kigali on arrival day?
Yes, a short city tour is easy to fit in on arrival or before your departure flight.
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