Kigali is the capit
Getting to Know Kigali
Kigali is the capital city of the African country of Rwanda, located in the geographic center of the country. It is the largest city in Rwanda and is home to an estimated 1.2 million people.
Kigali is situated in the Central Africa Time Zone and observes Central African Time (CAT) all year long. This is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).
Kinyarwanda is the official language of Rwanda and is the most widely spoken language in Kigali alongside French, Swahili and English.
The official currency of Kigali and the rest of Rwanda is the Rwandan franc (RWF). The franc is divided into 100 centimes and is available in coins and banknotes.
Climate and Weather
Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, experiences a tropical savanna climate with two wet and dry seasons. Located near the equator, Kigali has mild temperatures year-round. Average temperatures during the rainy seasons (April-May and October-November) range from 23°C (73°F) at night to 30°C (86°F) in the day. During the dry season (December-March and June-September), temperatures average 22°C (72°F) at night and 27°C (81°F) in the day. Monthly rainfall is highest during the wet seasons, with an annual average of just under 800 millimeters (31 inches).
Humidity is generally high due to its location in a valley surrounded by hills, regardless of the time of year.
Overall, Kigali is a pleasant climate for most of the year, with mild temperatures year-round and ample rainfall during the wet seasons.
Touring Kigali: Airport and Transportation
There is only one airport in Kigali: Kigali International Airport (KGL).
You can get from Kigali Airport to downtown Kigali by Taxi or ‘Safari’ Mini-bus. A taxi ride from the airport to downtown Kigali will cost you 10,000 RWF (around $11) and a Safari Mini-bus ride will cost you around 2,000 RWF ($2.20).
Yes, you can change money at Kigali Airport. There is a currency exchange at the airport in the main hall as well as in the baggage claim area.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Kigali
- Kigali was founded in 1907 and went through tremendous growth in recent years, making it one of Africa’s most vibrant cities with an exciting cultural and recreational scene
- Kigali’s culture is rich, vibrant and diverse, with a unique mix of Rwandan and western influences. Popular cultural activities include folk music, dance and theatre performances
- Kigali is home to many historical sites, monuments and memorials memorializing Rwanda’s difficult history, such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial. These offer visitors an opportunity to learn more about the culture, history and resilience of the Rwandan people
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