Solo Female Travel in Kigali

Nestled within the heart of Rwanda, the enchanting city of Kigali showcases the vibrancy of Africa with its lush hills and valleys. Kigali is renowned for its clean streets, warm and friendly people, and an enigmatic culture that captivates travellers around the globe. It's brimming with historical sites, such as the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial, which pays tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide, and the Presidential Palace Museum, displaying the intricate history of the country. Keen shoppers can indulge their senses at the sprawling Kimironko Market, where local artisans sell their crafts. Kigali's vibrant nightlife, sophisticated dining scene, and burgeoning arts and music culture further add to the appeal of this enchanting African metropolis.

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Travel index

Safety:Very safe

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.

Transport:Easy

Kigali in Rwanda is relatively straightforward when it comes to navigation due to its well-structured roads and organized transport system. Most locals are helpful and willing to guide you, and many speak fluent English. However, the city is quite hilly, which might be challenging during physical movement. While using local buses can be confusing initially, with some practice and friendly local help, it becomes manageable.

Things to do:Interesting

Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, offers a remarkable blend of peaceful ambiance, picturesque views, and rich local culture. There is an abundance of activities to keep solo female travelers engaged. As a beacon of African economic resurgence, the city showcases fascinating locations like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which enlightens visitors regarding the country's history and resilience. You can take advantage of the vibrant and colorful local markets such as Kimironko for an immersive shopping experience and enjoy the city's booming coffee culture at local cafes. Moreover, Kigali's reputation for being one of the cleanest and safest cities in Africa makes it a comfortable place for solo female travelers.

Food:Above average

Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, provides a wide array of food options. The local Rwandan cuisine is a must-try, with a mix of savory dishes made from organic ingredients. The city also offers international cuisine ranging from Italian, Chinese, Indian, to continental dishes, reflecting its diversity. Street food is common too, providing an authentic glimpse into the local culture. However, some exotic dishes might not appeal to everyone's palate and vegetarian options can sometimes be limited.

Budget:Affordable

Kigali is relatively budget-friendly for travelers. Whether you're eating local food, staying in budget accommodations or using local transport, expenses are reasonable. However, touristic activities such as gorilla trekking can be quite expensive.

Is Kigali worth visiting?

Solo travel experience

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Group travel experience

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
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Meet locals in Kigali

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Aline

Aline

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Hi!, I'm Aline and I'm interested in animals, camping, cinema, business, art, dancing, food & cuisine, health, photography, solo travel, sightseeing, history and hiking

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Uwilove

Uwilove

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Hi there 😊 Snap / Insta @uwilove

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Upcoming visitors to Kigali

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Allison

Allison

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Hello, My name is Allison and I am a French teacher in Quebec City, Canada. I am taking this year off to volonteer in Africa. I hope to learn about different cultures and see some breathtaking landscapes.

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