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Hotels in Kigali: city lights spreading across the hills at dusk

Hotels In Kigali

Where to Stay in Kigali Before and After Your Rwanda Safari

Most Rwanda safaris start and finish in Kigali, the green, hilly capital and home to Kigali International Airport. A night here after a long-haul flight sets you up for the road north to the gorillas. A night at the end gives you a hot shower, a good dinner and time to repack the muddy boots before flying home.

Our Kigali hotels cover every kind of stopover:

  • Boutique – Heaven Boutique Hotel and The Retreat by Heaven, with saltwater pools and their own restaurants.
  • History – Hôtel des Mille Collines, where more than 1,000 people took refuge during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
  • Conferences – Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, right beside the Kigali Convention Centre.
  • International brands – Kigali Marriott Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel and Park Inn by Radisson Kigali, each with a pool, fitness centre and on-site dining.

If you can spare half a day, spend it in the city. We recommend a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, essential context for everything you will see in Rwanda, and then something lighter: coffee, craft markets and the art galleries in our guide to things to do in Kigali.

Kigali hotels are priced as part of a tailor-made itinerary. Pair your city nights with lodges across Rwanda, or browse our Rwanda safaris and we'll build the rest around you, as we have since 1999.

Choose Your Kigali Hotel

Heaven Boutique Hotel

Rates form part of a safari itinerary

A small boutique hotel on a quiet residential street close to central Kigali, with Rwandan décor, a solar-heated saltwater pool, an outdoor yoga deck and a fitness centre. Breakfast and dinner are at Heaven Restaurant, serving international dishes with Rwandan and African flavours.

Hôtel des Mille Collines

Rates form part of a safari itinerary

The hotel where more than 1,000 people took refuge during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, set in large gardens in central Kigali. Today there's a pool with a thatched bar, a small spa, Le Panorama with city views and weekend live jazz.

Kigali Marriott Hotel

Rates form part of a safari itinerary

A Marriott hotel in Nyarugenge District, close to Kigali's financial district. Facilities include the Saray Spa, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and four restaurants and bars, among them Cucina for Italian and the Sarabi Pool Bar.

Kigali Serena Hotel

Rates form part of a safari itinerary

A city hotel on one of Kigali's main boulevards, set around tropical gardens and an outdoor pool. Unwind in the Serena Maisha Spa, then choose between Milima, overlooking the pool, and the relaxed Sokoni with live music.

Park Inn by Radisson Kigali

Rates form part of a safari itinerary

A Radisson-brand hotel on Avenue de Kiyovu in central Kigali, within easy reach of the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Expect modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and a spa – a sound choice for a night either side of a safari.

Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali

Rates form part of a safari itinerary

A large hotel at Kimihurura Roundabout, right beside the Kigali Convention Centre – the natural pick for conferences and events. Dine at The Larder or Italian Filini, swim in the pool, use the gym, then catch city views from the Piazza Bar.

The Retreat By Heaven

Rates form part of a safari itinerary

From the owners of Heaven, a solar-powered boutique hotel in central Kigali with Luxury Pool Villas, each with a solar-heated saltwater plunge pool, plus suites and a main saltwater pool. Fusion serves international dishes with Rwandan flavours, and there's an on-site spa.

Kigali Hotels: Your Questions Answered

Which part of Kigali should I stay in?

Most of our Kigali hotels are in or near the city centre, so choose by style rather than district. The main exception is Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre at Kimihurura Roundabout, beside the Kigali Convention Centre. Park Inn by Radisson is on Avenue de Kiyovu, and the Kigali Marriott is in Nyarugenge District.

Which Kigali hotel suits a conference or business trip?

Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre suits conferences best, as it stands right beside the Kigali Convention Centre. For meetings closer to the centre, Park Inn by Radisson Kigali has its own meeting space, and the Kigali Marriott Hotel is near the city's financial district, with the Saray Spa and an outdoor pool to unwind in afterwards.

Which Kigali hotels have a boutique feel?

Heaven Boutique Hotel and The Retreat by Heaven are our boutique choices, both from the same owners. Heaven sits on a quiet residential street with a solar-heated saltwater pool, an outdoor yoga deck and Heaven Restaurant. The Retreat adds Luxury Pool Villas with private plunge pools, the Fusion restaurant and a spa.

Why is Hôtel des Mille Collines famous?

Hôtel des Mille Collines is where more than 1,000 people took refuge during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It is still a working hotel in central Kigali, set in large gardens with a pool and thatched pool bar, Le Panorama restaurant with city views, and live jazz in the Legacy Lounge at weekends.

Which Kigali hotels belong to international brands?

Kigali Marriott Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre and Park Inn by Radisson Kigali are the international names on this page. Each has a pool, a fitness centre and on-site dining, which suits travellers who want familiar standards straight off a long-haul flight or after days in the mountains.

Which Kigali hotels have a spa?

Kigali Marriott Hotel (Saray Spa), Kigali Serena Hotel (Serena Maisha Spa), The Retreat by Heaven, Park Inn by Radisson Kigali and Hôtel des Mille Collines all have on-site spas. A massage on your last night, after days of trekking in the mountains, is a fine way to end a Rwanda safari.

Map of Lodges in and around Kigali

 

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Ready your senses for an artistic adventure at the Inema and Niyo Art Galleries, where the vibrant pulse of Rwandan creativity beats the strongest. These spaces are not just galleries but sanctuaries where art and community intersect, offering a deep dive into the local artistry and craftsmanship. From contemporary pieces that challenge the status quo to traditional crafts that tell tales of Rwanda's heritage, these galleries offer a kaleidoscope of perspectives bound to inspire. Whether you're an art aficionado or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of human expression, these spots are must-visits for a touch of Kigali's creative spirit.