Travel Guide To Kigali, Rwanda

Located at Rwanda's geographical heart, the rapidly growing City of Kigali is not only the national capital, but also the country's most important business centre and main port of entry. Kigali City, which started as a small colonial outpost with little link to the outside world, is now hundred years old. Today, Kigali City has come of age-as the capital of Rwanda and made phenomenal strides. It is a city that has not just survived, but has prevailed and has grown into a modern metropolis- a heart of the emerging Rwandan economy and a pride of every Rwandan.

Among the safest and friendliest of African capitals, Kigali City is blessed with a moderate high altitude climate that belies its tropical location, and is conveniently located within three hours' drive of the main tourist sites. The Rwandan capital provides both a comfortable and welcoming introduction to this land of a thousand hills and an ideal springboard from which to explore this magical country. Kigali city is made up of three districts namely Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge. It is presently inhabited by approximately 1 million inhabitants. Kigali is 70% rural with a population which is relatively young- the youth make up about 60% and women make slightly more the 50%.

Getting there and getting around

Kigali can be reached in from around 28 locations in UK and Ireland with airlines such as Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and KLM.

Rwanda's Kigali International Airport receives airlines from many world destinations as well and it is the country's premier airport. Some of world airlines including British Airways, Emirates Airlines, Lufthansa Airlines and other domestic Rwandan airlines fly in and out of Kigali Airport.

Other modes of transport include bus services with various economical choices and packages.

Places to see

Some of the must-see places in / around Kigali are The Kigali Genocide Memorial, Akagera National Park and Ntarama Church.

Food & Drink

The renowned eateries in / around Kigali include, but are not limited to, Babas Cafe, Le Glacon, LaSierra, Cafe de la Crumpet, Republika, The New Cactus, Sol Le Luna, Papyrus, Bourbon Cafe, Shokola, Aromes, Khana Khazana, L'Altelier, Thai Resturant at New Cadillac, Kigali Sarena's Diplomat Resturant, Chez Robert, Shanghai and Heaven.

When it comes to drinking Kigali has got even more to offer. E.g. New Cadillac Night Club and Planet Club.

Entry Requirements - Visas

British nationals do not need a visa to enter Rwanda for up to three months. If you intend to travel to Rwanda more frequently or you are working there you should contact the Rwandan Immigration Department for a longer duration visa. Further information is available from the Rwandan High Commission.

Please note that if you are planning to apply for resident/business or missionary multiple entry visas upon entry to Rwanda you will need to obtain UK police clearance. We advise you to obtain police clearance before travelling as this takes a minimum of 40 working days to process.

Entry Requirements - Yellow fever vaccination certificate

You may be asked for your yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival at Kigali International Airport, especially if you are entering Rwanda from a country where yellow fever is present.

Rwanda, Kigali, British High Commission

Address:
British High Commission
Parcelle No 1131
Boulevard de l'Umuganda
Kacyiru-Sud
BP 576 Kigali

Telephone:
(+250) 252 556000

Fax:
(+250) 252 582 044

Email: embassy.kigali@fco.gov.uk

Office hours:
GMT:
Mon-Thurs: 0600-1000/1100-1500
Fri: 0600-1000
Local Time:
Mon-Thurs: 0800-1200/1300-1700
Fri: 0800-1200
Emergency number out of office hours (+250) (0) 252 556999

Website: http://www.ukinrwanda.fco.gov.uk

Country	Rwanda
Province	Kigali City
Time Zone	CAT (UTC+2)

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