Kigali, Rwanda’s Gateway City
Explore Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, known for being one of the cleanest and safest cities in Africa. Despite its past, Kigali has emerged as one of the most striking, secure, and well-maintained cities on the continent and it now serves as a fascinating example of a future-focused African city.
Featuring a picturesque landscape, rich history, vibrant culture, winding boulevards, bustling streets and other exciting attractions, Kigali is arguably one of the most celebrated cities in Africa, and a popular addition to any safari in Rwanda.
Location of Kigali City
Kigali is located in the center of the country, at latitude 1°56’38.6″S and longitude 30°03’42.9″E. It spans an area of 730 km², sprawling across numerous hills, ridges and valleys.
It is the capital and largest city of Rwanda. The city’s central location makes it an excellent starting point for any Rwanda safari, including gorilla trekking, one of Africa’s most thrilling wilderness experiences.
The city of Kigali is composed of three districts: Gasabo (429.3km²), Kicukiro (166.7km²), and Nyarugenge (134km²). The central business district sprawls across Nyarugenge Hill while the government and administrative quarter extends to the east on Kacyiru Hill.
Population of Kigali City
As Rwanda’s major tourist hub, the city of Kigali is a relatively young urban centre with a population of 1,745,555, according to the official City of Kigali website and the UCI Kigali 2025 event page. It is safe and clean, attracting visitors in recent years.
Languages Spoken in Kigali
The official languages in Kigali city are Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Kiswahili. While Kinyarwanda is the national language of Rwanda spoken by the entire population, English is widely spoken in Kigali and used in administration and business.
French, though still spoken, has largely been replaced by English as the language of administration and business. It was the language of administration from the country’s time under Belgian administration.
Kiswahili, an East African language is widely spoken especially in commerce, and is taught as a subject in schools.
Currency used in Kigali
The Rwandan Franc (RWF) is the official and main currency in the City of Kigali. It is widely accepted across the country, from bustling markets to remote villages. The US Dollar, UK pound and Euro are accepted in tourism-related sectors like hotels and restaurants.
Expect to pay for local services in cash, in Rwandan francs. Numerous foreign exchange bureaus, ATMs and Banks can be found in Kigali and nearly all major cities to exchange foreign currency for the local Rwandan Franc (RWF).
History of Kigali City
Kigali city was founded in 1907 as an administrative outpost under German colonial rule. It became the country’s capital in 1962 after independence due to its more central location, shifting focus away from Huye (formerly Butare), which was previously considered the most significant city with cultural and academic prominence.
Decades after the 1994 genocide, Kigali has transformed into a modern, clean, and increasingly green city, often dubbed the “Singapore of Africa”. This transformation is a testament to strong government policies, strategic urban planning, and successful collaboration between the government and its citizens aligned around a shared objective, notably the monthly umuganda, a compulsory community service program.
It also owes to the banning of plastic bags, innovative waste management, creation and preservation of green spaces, improvement of infrastructure, and enforcement of laws against pollution, all supported by community engagement in civic duties and therefore turning the capital into a shining example of urban excellence.
This has attracted exiles back into the city flush with education, investment dollars, and entrepreneurial ideas. Foreigners have also come in, opening sushi joints, yoga studios, bakeries, artisan coffee shops, and even a co-working space for start-ups.
Today, the city of Kigali is bustling with a slew of new skyscrapers, popular tourism sites, international hotels and convention centres, a burgeoning art, tech, culinary and nightlife scenes as well as an increasing number of excellent dining options.
Is Kigali safe for tourists?
Yes, Kigali is best known for being clean, safe, dynamic, and a good destination for tourists. Unlike some African cities, Kigali’s broad tree-lined boulevards and immaculate squares provide a more accessible and pleasant urban experience, even at night, making it a perfect introduction to visiting Africa.
Highlights of Kigali City tours include visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, Kigali Cultural Village and the ultramodern Kigali Convention Centre, shopping at the fruit market, having lunch at the Hôtel Des Milles Collines (of Hotel Rwanda fame), and enjoying a motorbike taxi ride through town.
Is Kigali safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, Kigali is generally safe for solo female travelers because of its low crime rate, cleanliness, and a friendly local population. It is quite rare for foreigners to experience violent crime, yet the government has made safety and security a cornerstone of its national identity and tourism strategy.
Sample Rwanda safaris
