Travel Guide and Experience Packages
Plan your trip to Kigali and make the most of your visit
Experience the land of a thousand hills
Weather in Kigali (May – June)
May and June mark the tail end of the long rainy season, with occasional showers and cooler temperatures, especially at night.
- Temperatures: Low: 18°C (64°F), High: 26°C (79°F)
- Rainfall: Expect light, sporadic showers, but many days will still be pleasant with sunny spells.
- Humidity: It can be moderately humid, but it’s not unbearable due to Kigali’s elevation.
What to Bring
Light Clothing: During the day, it will be warm, so pack breathable clothes. For the conference, business or smart casual attire is ideal. To represent your culture, also consider packing a cultural outfit—they are always appreciated and can make a lasting impression.
Layering for the Evening: Mornings and evenings tend to be cooler, especially after the rain. Bring a light jacket or sweater to stay comfortable. They might also be useful under conference room air conditioning.
Comfortable Footwear: If you plan on walking around the city for sightseeing or to explore Rwanda after the conference, comfortable shoes are highly recommended. Rwanda is land of a thousand hills.
Sun Protection: The sun can still be strong even in the rainy season. Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen will help protect you from UV rays.
Electronics and Power Adaptors: Rwanda uses the European plug type C or J, with a voltage of 230V. If your devices use a different plug type, bring a universal adapter to avoid inconvenience.
Currency & Payments
Currency: Rwandan Franc (RWF), but USD is widely accepted.
ATMs & Cards: Credit and debit cards are accepted in most places.
Mobile Money: A popular payment method in Rwanda.
- Bringing Cash: If you are bringing in any cash to use, ensure it is Dollars, Euros or Pounds sterling as these are the most readily available currencies in local forex bureaus.
Languages
- Main language: Kinyarwanda – spoken by entire population
- Business: Mainly English is used, but also Kinyarwanda and French
- Greetings and thank you in Kinyarwanda always put smiles on faces (see last section of this guide)
Travel & Entry Requirements
Visa Information
Delegates from African Union member states, Commonwealth countries, and La Francophonie enjoy visa upon arrival and are waived visa fees for a visit of 30 days.
Delegates who are citizens of East African Community Member States shall be issued a pass or entry visa free of charge upon arrival to stay for the period of six months.
Other visitors can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport at not more than 50 USD for single entry and 70 USD for multiple entry.
Visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months with at least one empty page.
US citizens need a valid passport, digital copies of passport pages, a recent passport-sized photo, and a valid email address
Health Requirements
Check the latest health guidelines before travel. Rwanda generally requires yellow fever vaccination for travelers from endemic regions.
Flight & Airport Information
Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the main entry point. It is located 15 minutes from Camp Kigali and has modern facilities, lounges, and seamless immigration processing. You will have a warm welcome by a professional conference team at the airport that will assist you to ensure a hassle-free clearance.
Airport Transfers & Local Transport
Airport Transfers
Pre-arranged conference shuttles will be available for registered delegates.
Ride-hailing services such as YegoMoto, and Move operate in Kigali.
Taxis are always available on standby outside the airport and charge around $10–$15 to the city center.
Getting Around Kigali
Motorbike taxis (Motos) – Fast and affordable for short trips.
Car taxis – Available at hotels and major locations.
Public buses – Safe, affordable, but less convenient.
Car rentals – Available at the airport and major hotels.
Accommodation Options
Kigali offers a range of hotels near the conference venue see options here
Conference Venue & Facilities
The conference venue, Camp Kigali, is centrally located and easily accessible. It features modern conference halls, exhibition spaces, and networking lounges.
Registration & Schedule
Registration desks will be open from May 28th, 2025.
Full conference schedule will be available on the official event website.
Etiquette
Greetings are important – a handshake with the right hand is customary.
Dressing modestly is appreciated, especially in business settings.
Respect for elders and authorities is deeply valued
Things to Do in Kigali
Shoot two birds with one stone. Plan to experience the Land of a Thousand Hills from a historical, cultural and nature and wildlife perspective. Whatever meets your fancy. Consider visiting these attractions:
Kigali Genocide Memorial – A must-visit for historical understanding.
Nyamirambo Women’s Center – Experience local culture and crafts.
Kimironko Market – A vibrant market for souvenirs and local crafts and goods.
Mount Kigali Hike – Enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park– An eco conserved natural park with paved walking tracks and natural water pools.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Medical Hotline: 912 or 1112
Fire Department: 111
Emergency (Police): 112
Traffic accidents: 113
Gender-based violence: 3512
General Assistance (Toll-free from a local line): 997
Basic Greetings in Kinyarwanda:
English | Kinyarwanda | When to Use |
---|---|---|
Hello | Muraho | Formal, respectful (to adults) |
Hi / Hey | Bite (bee-teh) | Informal (with peers, youth) |
Good morning | Mwaramutse | Morning greeting |
Good afternoon | Mwiriwe | Afternoon/evening greeting |
How are you? | Amakuru? | General “How are you?” |
I’m fine | Ni meza | Response to “Amakuru?” |
Welcome | Murakaza neza | Welcoming someone warmly |
Nice to meet you | Nishimiye kukumenya | When meeting someone for the first time |
Thank You and Politeness:
English | Kinyarwanda | Notes |
---|---|---|
Thank you | Murakoze | Formal / to one person |
Thank you very much | Murakoze cyane | Very polite and warm |
Thank you all | Murakoze mwese | To a group |
You’re welcome | Murakaza neza / Ntacyo | Literal: “It’s nothing” |
Please | Nyabuneka | Polite request word |
Excuse me / Sorry | Mbabarira | Apologizing or getting attention |
When interacting, doing business, or simply trying to connect with locals in Rwanda, these Kinyarwanda phrases—especially Muraho, Murakoze cyane, and Murakaza neza—will instantly make your interactions warmer and more respectful.
"A great traveler is wiser than gray hair"
African proverb