Exploring Kigali's Culture, History, and Modern Charm
- Jacqlyne
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, is a vibrant and dynamic destination that offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, historical sites, and modern attractions. Nestled on a series of lush hills and valleys, Kigali is characterized by its stunning landscapes that provide a picturesque backdrop to the bustling urban life. The city is known for its beautiful vistas, friendly locals who are renowned for their hospitality, and a rich history that is both poignant and inspiring. Here are some of the top things to do while visiting this fascinating city.
Disclaimer
Part of the job of a travel agent is to save clients time and money. I looked through hundreds of tours and picked out the best tours to book in various categories that are both the best in quality and price.
Prices listed below are subject to change. Rates are typically discounted for larger groups and children, so use the links provided to see the exact cost for your specific scenario and book what is of interest to you.
Tour of Kigali
Want to discover the main attractions of Rwanda's capital? Discover them on this free tour of Kigali, one of Africa's most cosmopolitan cities.
Duration
2.5 hours
Availability
Everyday at 11 am
Price
Free!
Alternative
Kigali E-Bike City Tour - $39 per person
Kigali Motorbike Guided Tour - $50 per person
A Day in the Life of a Local Artisan - $90 per person
The Complete Kigali City Tour - $150 per person
Sunset Drinks, Dinner, and Nightlife Tour
Enjoy a night out in Kigali with a sunset cocktail, a dinner of local delicacies, and a live music performance. Dance the night away in one of Kigali’s best nightclubs with Afrobeat, Amapiano, etc.
Duration
3 hours
Availability
Everyday at 5 pm & 11 pm
Price
$25 per person
Alternative
Salsa, Kizomba, Bachata, and Semba Experience - $30 per person
Bar Hopping Tour in Kigali Nightclubs - $87 per person
Walking Food Tour
Get a taste of authentic Kigali on this food tour through the trendy Nyamirambo neighborhood, choosing from a lunch or dinner experience to suit your schedule. Be immersed in the city ambiance as you stroll vendor to vendor, sampling everything from traditional East African fare to modern fusion dishes, and benefit from the culinary insights and recommendations of your guide.
Duration
3 - 4 hours
Availability
Everyday at 12 pm, 1:30 pm & 6:30 pm
Price
$89 per person
Alternative
Guided Art, History, and Food Tour with Moto Ride - $25 per person
Rwandan and Syrian Food Tour - $35 per person
Vegan Fine Dining Experience - $35 per person
Umutetsi Home Traditional Cooking Experience - $35 per person
Learn How to Make Hot Sauce - $35 per person
Coffee Brewing Class - $35 per person
Banana Juice Making at a Local Community - $90 per person
Amaraba Cultural Dance Experience
Experience Rwandan culture with the Amaraba Dance in Kigali. Enjoy rhythmic beats and dances that tell stories. This interactive performance lets you stand up, learn some moves, and feel the culture.
Duration
1 hour
Availability
Everyday at 11 am, 2 pm & 5 pm
Price
$30
Alternative
Traditional Beading Experience
Discover artistic bliss in Kigali with our Handmade Beaded Jewlery activity. Craft beautiful accessories, explore cultural patterns, and contribute joyfully through tipping.
Duration
1 hour
Availability
Everyday at 10 am & 4 pm
Price
$30
Alternative
Quad Bike Ride in Mount Kigali
Get ready for an exciting Quad Bike Expedition in Mount Kigali! Experience off-road thrills with expert guides on scenic mountain trails—an ideal adventure for mountain-loving thrill-seekers!
Duration
3 hours
Availability
Wednesday - Saturday at 8:30 pm
Price
$30
Alternative
Mount Kigali and Cultural Village Tour
Embark on a scenic half-day hiking and cultural experience at Mount Kigali. Take in panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes from the top of Mount Kigali, and interact with the villagers.
Duration
2 hours
Availability
Everyday at 11 am & 3 pm
Price
$35 per person
Alternative
Gatsata Village Storytelling Walk to Mount Jali - $39 per person
Mount Jali Hiking and Village Walk - $70 per person
Mount Kigali Hike and Zipline Adventure Tour - $150 per person
Millennium Village Bugesera The Reconciliation Tour - $150 per person
The Congo Nil Trail Hiking - $180 per person
Bisoke Hike Safari at Volcanoes National Park - $200 per person
Gorilla Bike Tours - $200 per person
Kivu Lake Adventure
Lake Kivu—one of Africa’s Great Lakes, sitting in the Albertine Rift—offers deep immersion in nature, away from the crowds. On this tour, you’ll head out early in the morning for a boat trip to the lake’s best islands, stopping for a hike, a waterside lunch, and to take in the views. There will be plenty of chances for wildlife-viewing, too.
Duration
14 hours
Availability
Everyday at 6 am
Price
$175 per person
Alternative
Nyungwe Canopy Walk & Waterfall Adventure - $250 per person
2-Day Canopy Walkaway & Waterfall at Nyungwe Rainforest - $450 per person
2-Day Private Lake Kivu Kayaking and Holy Rocks - $550 per person
Akagera Wildlife Safari
This one day Akagera wildlife Safari offers the greatest Safari experience one can have. A safari, also known as a “game drive,” is an amazing opportunity to see wildlife up close, not in a zoo, But in their natural habitat! Big 5 in Akagera National Park are one of the biggest attractions in Akagera whereby travelers get to see the Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, and Rhinos. The Akagera National Park is one of central Africa's last-remaining refuges for endemic savannah wildlife in Rwanda and the largest protected wetland in the region.
Duration
12 - 13 hours
Availability
Everyday, times from 5 am - 8 am
Price
$200 per person
Alternative
2-Day Akagera National Park Game Drive & Ihema Boat Trip - $400 per person
2-Day Akagera Wilderness Safari Big 5 and Highest Peak Camping - $480 per person
Gorilla Tracking
Prepare for an unforgettable safari experience where you'll encounter Rwanda's unique wildlife, including the majestic mountain gorillas, up close in their natural habitat.
Duration
8 hours
Availability
Everyday at 4:30 am
Price
$255 per person
Alternative
One Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda and Iby'iwacu Cultural Village - $300 per person
2-Day Gorilla Trek in Bwindi - $498 per person
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