Choosing where to stay in Kigali is easier than in most capitals. The city is compact, safe and hilly, so the main decision is whether you want to be in the middle of things or somewhere calmer with a view. I stayed at two places on my Rwanda trip: a quiet lodge above the city and a lakeside retreat outside it. Below you’ll find how each one felt, who it suits, and a few other options for different budgets.
I visited in January 2025 and stayed for about 2 weeks.
Where to Stay in Kigali: My Hotel Experiences & Recommendations
Eagle View Lodge, Rebero: best quiet hotel in Kigali
Eagle View Lodge in Rebero was where I stayed in Kigali, and it felt like a calm retreat above the city rather than a hotel in the middle of it. The views over Kigali’s rolling hills are the star, and the decor is colourful and full of personality. Breakfast is a varied buffet, which was a nice way to start days of city tours and markets. It’s a peaceful, relaxing place to come back to. [Add: your room, what you saw from it, a favourite detail.]
Book Eagle View Lodge if you want a quiet stay with views and don’t mind a short ride into town. Skip it if you’d rather step out of your door into cafés and shops on foot.
UMVA Muhazi: A Lakeside Retreat With Communal Dinners
UMVA Muhazi sits on the shore of Lake Muhazi, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Kigali, and it felt like a proper escape from the city. The rooms are stylish, the food is farm-to-table, and the sunsets over the water are beautiful. Dinner is the highlight. It’s communal, with question cards on the table, so you end up chatting with your neighbours and leave with new friends.
Book UMVA if you want a slow night or two by the water, or you’re travelling solo and want an easy way to meet people. Skip it if you only have a day or two in Rwanda and want to stay close to Kigali’s sights.
Other places on my radar (I haven’t stayed here)
Radisson Blu Kigali is the polished, full-service option near the city centre, with a wellness centre and pool. It suits travellers who want a classic luxury hotel with everything on site.
Beyond Kigali: Akagera lodges – If you add a safari to your trip, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge has a large pool and a strong sustainability focus, with solar-powered water systems and an organic kitchen garden. Rutete Eco-Lodge offers upscale rooms with hiking, cultural tours and organic produce from its gardens. These aren’t in Kigali itself, so I’d move them to your Akagera or itinerary post and link to them from here.
Which Stay Is Right for You?
Quiet and views: Eagle View Lodge
A night in nature: UMVA Muhazi
Classic city luxury: Radisson Blu
Safari: a lodge at Akagera
Rwanda Itinerary Map & Highlights
See here the best places to stay in Kigali, unique restaurants, local fashion shops and things to see and do!
Getting around Kigali
Roads are generally smooth and well-marked, and drivers are known for being safe and courteous. Moto-taxis are convenient for short trips in Kigali. This matters at Eagle View, because a moto-taxi or car is how you get down from the hill.
For day trips, renting a car or a private driver is usually best, and you’ll want one for UMVA. Many tours, including the city tour and Akagera day trips, include hotel pickup and drop-off. Domestic flights exist for remote areas, but most travellers will prefer road trips for the flexibility and scenery.
Things to do near where you stay in Kigali
Kigali is a city that surprises most visitors. Modern yet grounded in culture, it’s filled with lush hills, clean streets, and warm, welcoming locals. From bustling markets to quiet cafes and art galleries, the city balances urban energy with a sense of peace you won’t find in many capitals.
Kigali is also the perfect starting point for exploring Rwanda’s unique landscapes, from wildlife safaris to lakeside retreats’
Full Day Kigali City Tour
If it’s your first day in Rwanda, there’s no better way to get oriented than with booking this guided city tour of Kigali. Explore vibrant neighborhoods, colorful markets, and cultural landmarks while learning local stories and history from a knowledgeable guide. This is your chance to get a feel for the city, figure out logistics, and uncover hidden gems you might miss on your own.
Remember History at the Kigali Genocide Memorial
No city tour in Kigali would be complete without visiting the Genocide Memorial. It’s one of the most important places to visit on your Rwanda itinerary, offering a deep and emotional insight into the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. .
Kigali Car Free Zone
Step into the heart of Kigali’s vibrant pedestrian-friendly district, where local life buzzes around cafés, boutiques, and colorful murals. This area is perfect for wandering on foot, snapping photos of striking street art, and soaking up the city’s creative energy.
Browse Kimironko Local Market
Kimironko Market is one of the busiest and most vibrant markets you can visit in Kigali. It’s the perfect place to experience local culture, shop for fresh produce, and interact with friendly vendors. The buzzing Kimironko Market is a truly authentic experience to see Kigali’s daily life while picking up unique souvenirs – perfect to include in any Rwanda itinerary!
Women-Led Walking Tour
One of the top things you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Kigali is the walking tour through Nyamirambo. This immersive experience gives you a true taste of Rwandan culture. The women-led tour starts at the Nyamirambo Women’s Center where you’ll enjoy a quick Kinyarwanda lesson. From there, you’ll explore one of Kigali’s oldest neighborhoods, with stops at a women’s hairdressing salon, fruit shops, popular streets and two beautiful mosques.
The tour finishes with a traditional home-cooked meal from Aminatha, the Women’s Center’s best cook – a perfect way to end this unforgettable cultural adventure!
Make sure to plan in time to browse through their art shop which truly has the most beautiful items! To attend, you can send Mary an email to see when the next tour is happening!
Visit a Traditional Milk Bar
Did you know that Rwanda is the only country in the world with milk bars? When you join the Nyamibrambo walking tour, you have the chance to visit one of these unique spots. A milk bar is part of the Rwandan culture and people stop at them at any time of the day to socialize and connect. The prices are very affordable and the taste is incredible – highly recommend trying one as one of your Rwanda itinerary
Tip: If you want to do an independent Kigali city tour, I recommend you visit Kuruhimbi Milk Bar. It’s one of the longest-standing and popular ones in Kigali!
Rwanda Coffee & Local Kigali Experiences
Try The Exceptional Rwandan Coffee
Before coming to Rwanda, I wasn’t sure about the coffee culture, but that changed quickly. Since missionaries introduced it in 1904, Rwanda has grown coffee all over the country. With over 450.000 small growers producing high-quality Arabica, you also find a big part of them being female workers supplying coffee shops such as Question Coffee.
If you want to dive deeper into the coffee culture, I recommend booking this immersive Bean To Brew Coffee Experience. It’s here where you can join a fun cupping session after getting to know the bean’s journey from the farm to the sip.
A few of my other favorites spots for coffee is Rubia Coffee Roasters and Kivu Noir.
Essentials for Your Rwanda Itinerary
Rwanda Visa & Entry Requirements
Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival for $50, valid for 30 days. Alternatively, you can get the East African Tourist Visa ($100) on arrival in Rwanda, which covers Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. Check Rwanda’s official immigration website for the latest requirements.
How to Get to Rwanda
The main entry point to Rwanda is the Kigali International Airport (KGL). You can reach Rwanda by traveling from neighboring countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and the DRC.
Rwanda Connectivity & SIM Cards
Rwanda has excellent mobile coverage, with providers like MTN and Airtel being the popular ones. However, if you want to save time and be connected right away, buy an eSIM for Rwanda
Kigali Day trips and further afield
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
If you’re an adventure seeker or wildlife enthusiast, booking a 1-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll trek through lush, misty forests with a knowledgeable guide to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Small groups make the experience intimate and allow you to truly connect with these incredible animals.
A Gorilla trek is perfect if you want a hands-on wildlife adventure, and permits are limited, so booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out!
Akagera National Park
Just a few hours from Kigali, Akagera National Park offers a completely different side of Rwanda. Known for its rolling savannahs, lakes, and forests, Akagera is home to elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species.
Booking a guided day Akagera Game Drive tour from Kigali makes it easy to see the highlights, including a game drive with a local guide who knows where to spot the wildlife. This is an ideal choice if you’re short on time but want a taste of a Rwandan safari without committing to an overnight stay.
If you are staying longer, combining Akagera with a night at one of the park’s lodges adds a magical sunrise game drive to your Rwanda itinerary.
Exploring Rwanda for three weeks has been nothing short of amazing. The relaxed yet lively atmosphere of Kigali, the green and clean roads, and nearby nature really stood out. If you’re after adventure, sustainable brands and hotels and a unique destination in Africa, make sure to put a Rwanda tour on your bucket list!
Is Rwanda Safe?
Rwanda has been voted the safest country in Africa in 2024, and I can only agree. Even after dark, you can freely roam around town. Especially as a female solo traveler, I felt so comfortable walking to dinner at night. The streets are nicely lit, there is a lot of security around and nobody gave me reason to doubt the safe feeling I had.
If you’re exploring more of Africa, you might enjoy some of my other guides: plan a wildlife-packed adventure with my 10-Day Kenya itinerary, relax on pristine beaches in Mozambique, or experience the iconic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. These guides include detailed itineraries, top sights, and insider tips to make your trip unforgettable
Discover Africa’s Smallest Country: Eswatini Guide & The Best Things to See
Women Travel Essentials I Can’t Live Without
Travel Insurance
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Travel Money Card
Are you still looking for the best option for your travels? Having a Wise travel money card that allows you to hold various currencies, has the lowest transaction fees and lets you withdraw money no matter where you are is worth GOLD. Wise has been my go-to choice for 4 years now and I wouldn’t go back to having only one credit card.
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Great article, very insightful. I would like to organize a yoga retreat there, would you recommend a venue?
Hi Souheir, thanks for the feedback, so happy to hear! UMVA Muhazi was the ideal location, depending on numbers perhaps they could make it possible – I’d give it a try!