Is Kigali Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, is generally considered to be one of the safest destinations in Africa. It has a low crime rate and the city is well-policed, with 24-hour patrol units. Locals are friendly and helpful towards travelers. Though one should always remain cautious especially at night, safety is generally maintained across the city. However, like any destination, it's always advisable to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Kigali is currently ranked #2 safest place in Rwanda for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 3.9 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Kigali?

Safety at night:Safe

Kigali is generally considered to be one of the safest cities in Africa. Security is high and incidents of violence are low. Street lights are on in many areas at night. However, as it can get quite dark in some areas, it's advisable to use a taxi or ride-hailing service when traveling at night. Avoiding walking alone after dark increases your chances of staying safe.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Kigali is generally safe. The bus system is reliable and affordable, with most buses even having conductors to ensure everyone pays and behaves appropriately. Boda bodas (motorbike taxis) are also available, but it is advised to use them only during daylight hours. However, like in any other city, it's important to always stay alert and mindful of your belongings, as pickpocket incidents have been reported.

Street harassment:Very low

Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, is remarkably safe and secure for solo female travelers. The incidence of street harassment is significantly low which reflects well on the established social norms and public security measures carried out by the city. Respectful interactions are common and women can generally move around freely, both during the day and at night, without experiencing any notable level of harassment.

Petty crimes:Low

In Kigali, petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing are generally low compared to other major global cities. That said, caution should always be practiced. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or displaying expensive jewelry. Also remember, it is essential to be vigilant in crowded places such as markets and bus stations.

Is Kigali worth visiting?

Solo travel

I felt safe in Kigali, more so than in any other large city. I noticed that people look out of understandable curiosity, as tourism there is still relatively new. I just looked back at them, said hello and moved on. Men can be annoying, but I never felt unsafe. I travelled around the city by motorcycle taxis and had no problems.

Posted: December 25, 2023

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Group travel

It’s a great city with a few nice places to enjoy art. There are some great cafes like the chess cafe. I really enjoyed the Niyo Arts Gallery, where you can enjoy art as well as food and drinks. Another recommendation would be the Kimironko market. You can get anything here! From food, to decorations, to jewelry. Really busy but pretty amazing :)

Posted: November 9, 2023

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Is Kigali safe for women?

Raisa

Honestly the safest place I’ve ever been! I go for late night walks in my neighborhood and don’t need to worry about my purse or phone getting stolen. There’s also little to no catcalling on the streets and people here are very polite. There’s not a lot of night life but people can get home late no issues with safety.

Posted: January 19, 2025

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Kigali is quite safe that I've gotten too used to walking alone at night, but I've been sexually harassed on public transport in the day once. Aside from that, the crime rate is very low, and it's a very safe country to live in compared to many other African countries.

Posted: December 31, 2024

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