Kigali isn't just a race destination—it's an experience. From the cleanest streets in Africa to the warmest people on earth, here's everything you need to plan your trip.
Kigali International Airport (KGL) is served by major airlines from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Most international runners connect through Dubai, Amsterdam, or Addis Ababa.
KLM (Amsterdam), RwandAir (Brussels), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis) offer daily connections. Flight time: 7-8 hours from Amsterdam.
Emirates (Dubai), Qatar Airways (Doha) provide excellent connections. Kigali is just 4 hours from Nairobi, 5 from Dubai.
RwandAir connects 25+ African cities. Nairobi (1hr), Johannesburg (4hrs), Lagos (5hrs) have multiple daily flights.
Most nationalities receive a 30-day visa upon arrival. Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and proof of accommodation.
Cost
$30 - $50 USD
Processing
~30 minutes
Book flights 2-3 months ahead for the best rates. March and October races fill up fast!
Everything you need to know for a smooth and memorable visit to the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Rwanda has an excellent phone and internet network covering almost the entire country, and international calls can be made easily. The country is among the top three African countries in terms of internet connectivity, with an ever-growing fibre optic network.
Rwanda has been plastic free since 2008. Please leave any plastic bags in your luggage or containing items purchased at Duty-Free at the airports. Single-use plastics have also been banned and you are advised to use non-plastic packaging.
Fractionally south of the Equator and with much of the country lying at altitude, Rwanda enjoys an agreeable tropical highland climate. Peak temperatures rarely exceed 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or drop below 15°C (59°F) at night. The average daily temperature in Kigali is 21°C (70°F).
Rwanda's currency is the Rwandan Franc (RwF). You will find ATMs and Point of Sale devices that accept all cards such as VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and JCB and China Union Pay. Credit cards are also accepted in shopping malls and restaurants.
All visitors entering Rwanda can receive a visa upon arrival. African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie member states can get free visas upon arrival in Rwanda for a visit of a month.
We've partnered with hotels across Kigali to offer special marathon rates. From luxury to boutique, there's a perfect stay for every runner.
City center, walking distance to start line. Rooftop pool, spa, and marathon-friendly buffets.
Airport proximity, marathon expo on-site. Largest convention center in E. Africa at your doorstep.
Trendy eco-luxury in the heart of Kacyiru. Yoga studio, organic restaurant, runner's recovery spa.
Modern comfort, excellent breakfast, 10-min walk to finish line. Perfect race-cation balance.
Elegant lakeside luxury with panoramic views, world-class spa, gourmet dining, and premium amenities for discerning travelers.
Want to cook your own pre-race meals? Stay in a serviced apartment with kitchen and living space.
All partner rates are exclusive to registered marathon participants. Use your race confirmation number when booking.
Free race-day shuttles from partner hotels to start line. Pre-registration required.
Included with RegistrationUber, Little Cab, and Yego Moto available throughout Kigali. Clean, safe, and affordable.
~$3-8 per rideMajor agencies at airport. Self-drive is easy with good GPS and well-marked roads.
From $40/dayKigali is surprisingly walkable! Most areas have sidewalks and crosswalks. Enjoy the clean air!
FreeIt is a pleasure to welcome you to Rwanda, one of Africa's premier events and tourist destinations. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda's stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It boasts extraordinary biodiversity, incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains. Rwanda's capital, Kigali, one of Africa's cleanest and green cities is centrally positioned and serves as the main gateway to a range of exciting attractions and experiences. While in Rwanda, we invite you to explore the beautiful outdoors, immerse yourself in the rich, vibrant culture and memorable adventures.
We welcome you to experience our warm hospitality and encourage you to
discover what Kigali and the rest of the country has to offer.
Murakaza Neza
Escape and recharge with curated Mid-Year Retreat packages across Rwanda, designed for travellers seeking relaxation, adventure, and meaningful experiences. From serene lakes and rolling hills to vibrant culture and iconic wildlife encounters, these offers invite you to experience Rwanda's beauty, hospitality, and diverse landscapes from May to July.
Primate trekking, cave tourism, hiking through eco parks and mountains, canoeing, incentive travel, romantic getaways, community tourism, cycling, historical & liberation tours.
Genocide Memorial, Kigali City tour, picnicking, recreation parks, fine dining at restaurants, horse riding, zip line, family bonfires, archery, museums.
Safari drives, camping, boat rides, picnicking, liberation tourism trails, birding, community tourism activities, cycling, historical & cultural experiences, fishing, hot air balloon.
Beach tourism, cycling, hiking, boat rides, kayaking, romantic getaways, active sports boot camps, camping, coffee tours, paddle boarding, jet skiing, beach & relaxation, culinary experiences.
Hiking, nature walks to waterfalls & canopy walkways, King's Palace Museum, Nyungwe National Park, chimp tracking, picnicking, tea & honey experiences, romantic getaways, historical & cultural experiences, religious tourism, wellness.
Escape and recharge with curated Mid-Year Retreat packages across Rwanda, designed for travellers seeking relaxation, adventure, and meaningful experiences. From serene lakes and rolling hills to vibrant culture and iconic wildlife encounters, these offers invite you to experience Rwanda's beauty, hospitality, and diverse landscapes from May to July.
Book Your TripFounded in 1907 as a small administrative outpost with limited linkage to the outside world, it has today grown into a modern metropolis – the heart of the emerging Rwandan economy and one of the safest and cleanest capital cities in Africa.
Inaugurated in 2004, the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Visit and learn more about the Rwandan society before colonisation, details of the Genocide against the Tutsi and the post-genocide nation rebuilding through unity and reconciliation.
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Enjoy a great round at the new 18-hole state of the art golf course. Designed by renowned golf legend Gary Player, the beauty of the course lies in the diverse flora and fauna. The omnipresence of the birdlife transforms the Kigali Golf Resort & Villas into the best nature getaway experience so close to the vibrant city centre.
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Looking for souvenirs? Kigali has a variety of locally made textiles, accessories, traditional baskets and more for you and your loved ones. Visit the various markets in surrounding communities across the city for affordable Made in Rwanda items. They can be found at the Kimironko Market, Kaplaki and the Nyamirambo Women's Centre.
Also explore Rwanda's creative boutiques and galleries including:
Enjoy an immersive, one-of-a-kind master class of the coffee supply chain that doesn't require taking a step beyond the cafe at Question Coffee, Kivu Noir or Rubia Cafe all located in the heart of the city. This will include a coffee history lesson, cherry harvesting from trees, a tasting experience of coffees from all over Rwanda, and a chance to create your own custom coffee blend.
This 21-hectare beautifully restored wetland, Umusambi Village provides a sanctuary where you can spot over 130 bird species including 50 endangered Grey Crowned Cranes saved from captivity. These majestic birds were disabled as a result and unable to be returned to the wild. Their new permanent home provides an enriching environment for them to enjoy nature again.
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Kigali's newly restored urban wetland, Nyandungu Eco-park offers a space for visitors to explore and learn from nature, and is part of Rwanda's efforts to harness eco-tourism to restore biodiversity and conserve urban wetland ecosystems. The wetland features a 10km network of walking and cycling paths, viewing areas, picnic areas, and a restaurant among other facilities.
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Kigali features an array of contemporary art studios, including fashion; local handicrafts and art galleries where you can view and buy Rwandan art. Turn to page xx for a list of Rwanda's art galleries, fashion houses and more.
Kigali's culinary scene is as diverse as it is vibrant. From Afro-fusion to French cuisine, discover the city's most celebrated dining destinations.
When the sun sets, Kigali comes alive. Discover the city's vibrant nightlife with these top bars and night clubs.
Explore Rwanda's creative spirit through its vibrant art galleries, designer boutiques, and traditional craft markets.
The race of your life awaits. World-class organization, unforgettable experiences, and a cause that matters.
Our travel concierge team can help with flight bookings, hotel reservations, and tour arrangements.