Flight to Kigali (KGL)

Flying to Kigali: tips and information for your trip

Called “The land of a Thousand Hills”, Rwanda is an undulating, green landscape of hills, gardens, coffee and tea plantations. The renowned Volcanoes National park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas along with several other species of primates and loads of birds.

Rwanda: it’s easy to visit since all major attractions are located within 1-5 hour’s drive from the capital, Kigali. Kigali is a small and friendly city situated to the east of Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake. As well as museums and historical sites, the city boasts a huge variety of trees and flowers.

What other country allows you to experience in a short vacation volcanoes, rainforests, savannah, islands, and lakes? Furthermore, Rwanda is the ideal base for visiting other East and Central African countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Congo and Kenya.

What are you waiting for? Book your flight tickets to Kigali today with Brussels Airlines and start exploring Rwanda!

What to do in Kigali and Rwanda

1. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre is a must for travellers who want to gain insight into the history of genocide in Rwanda. The memorial acts as a humbling reminder to those present and honours those lost.
   
   
2. Gorilla and primate tracking. Often described as a “life changing” experience, watching these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment. Besides gorillas you can also spot three more species of primate: chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and the endangered golden monkey.
   
   
3. Birdwatching tours. With over 1,450 bird species, the Albertine Rift is in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest Reserve is an ideal and stunning landscape for bird enthusiasts.
   
   
4. On your way to the Nyungwe Forest Reserve you can stop in the town of Nyanza and visit the King's Palace Museum to learn all about Rwandan royal residences and admire the inyambo, the sacred cows with their super-sized horns. Also worth visiting is the National Art Gallery displaying contemporary Rwandan artwork.
   
   
5. Safari in the National Park Akagera. Approximately 110 km from Kigali, it’s the largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda. With more than 12,000 large mammals and 482 bird species, this breath-taking landscape is every nature lover’s wildest dream.
   
   
6. Canopy walk, kayaking and canoeing. Loads of fun outdoor adventures and activities are offered in the national parks and on the splendid Lake Kivu.
   
   
7. Discover how tea and coffee are harvested and processed by taking part in tea and coffee plantation tours in a variety of locations across Rwanda.
   
   
8. Want to discover Rwanda in a different way? Indulge in a helicopter ride and discover this beautiful country from the air.
   
   
9. The Kandt House Museum of Natural History is also worth a visit while in Kigali.
   
   
10. The Caplaki Craft Village market offers a good selection of potential gifts, including some unique geometrically patterned Agaseke peace baskets. Don’t forget to haggle!

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flights arrive and depart from Kigali International Airport, located on the east side of Kigali, about 12 km from the city. A very well-organized taxi rank awaits arriving passengers. You will be whisked into central Kigali.
  
  
• Currency: local currency is the Rwandan Franc. Some hotels, restaurants and tour operators accept dollars. Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs, credit cards are accepted, but it’s always best to have some cash available.
  
  
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: The dialling code for Rwanda is +250. Wi-Fi is only available in some hotels and restaurants.
  
  
• Electric sockets: Electricity in Rwanda is 230 Volts and plugs have two round pins. If you have a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.
  
  
• Travel information: You will need a visa to enter Rwanda and a passport which is valid 6 months after your arrival. Want to visit some other East African countries (such as Kenya and Uganda )? Then you can apply for a joint tourist visa obtainable from any of the three countries’ embassies. Apart from saving money compared to the price of the separate visas, the East Africa Tourist visa also saves on red tape.
  
  
• Vaccination: You should be vaccinated against Yellow Fever; no other vaccinations are mandatory.

Dos and don'ts in Kigali and Rwanda

• Never bring plastic bags into the country and don’t walk on the grass in public gardens.
  
  
• Do not take photos of people without asking for permission first.
  
  
• Anyone with a spirit of adventure should try the Taxi-Moto(cycle).
  
  
• Dress respectfully.
  
  
• Although there is no smoking ban, smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants is generally not encouraged. It is also forbidden to bring e-cigarettes or similar devices with you on your flight to Rwanda.
  
  
• Traditional music and dance have been an integral part of Rwandan ceremonies, festivals, social gatherings and storytelling since the pre-colonial era. Live dance performances can be seen at cultural villages, museums and as entertainment at many lodges and hotels across the country.
  
  
• Gorilla naming (Kwita Izina). The birth of a baby is considered a momentous occasion in Rwanda, when each newborn is presented among a tumult of happiness and praise. This tradition even extends to gorillas. For an experience unlike any other, attend the Kwita Izina, the Gorilla Naming Ceremony, a country-wide event where baby gorillas are introduced to the local communities, formally named and celebrated. The event is extremely popular, with gala balls held in honour of the ceremony throughout the country.
  
  
• The main spoken language in Rwanda is Kinyarwanda. English, French, and Swahili are also widely spoken.

Basic vocabulary in Kinyarwanda:

• Good morning: Mwaramutse
• Good afternoon/evening: Mwiriwe
• Good night: Muramuke
• Thank you: Murakoze
• No: Oya
• Yes: Yego
• How are you? Amakuru?
• Fine: Ni Meza

Cultural events

• Rwanda film festival: Better known as “Hillywood”, the Rwanda Film Festival has been bringing films from around Rwanda, Africa, and the world to Kigali every year for more than 10 years now.
  
  
• Ubumuntu arts festival: this annual festival brings different artists from around the world to Kigali. The word Ubumuntu can be defined as "Being Human".
  
  
• International Peace Marathon (May): known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda has become the perfect, challenging place for the International Peace Marathon.
  
  
• Tour of Rwanda: during this cycling race held every year, riders from all over the world challenge the Rwandan riders on their own territory.
  
  
• Inema Art Center: Rwanda’s best contemporary art events.

When to go to Kigali and Rwanda?

Rwanda can be visited and enjoyed any time of the year. Rwanda’s weather is moderate; it’s never too hot or too cold. The dry season, which lasts from mid-May to mid-October, is the best time for hiking and mountain climbing, however the landscape is not as “green” as it is during the wet season, which runs from mid-October to mid-May. The Northeast has a lot more rain due to the volcanoes being covered in rainforest. Karisimbi (the highest peak in Rwanda at 2,507 meters) is usually covered with snow.

What to eat in Kigali and Rwanda?

Ubugali (or ugali) is a paste made from maize or cassava and water, to form a porridge-like consistency that is eaten throughout East Africa. Isombe is made from mashed cassava leaves and served with dried fish. Ibitoki (Matoke) or Imizuzu (sweet plantains) is a dish made from baked or steamed plantains.