🇷🇼 Flights to Kigali
Cheap Flights to Kigali from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Kigali International Airport (KGL). Dream Fare specialises in Rwanda routes with the best prices for Kigali — one of Africa’s cleanest, safest and most remarkable capital cities, and the gateway to world-class mountain gorilla trekking.
Airlines to Kigali
All Airlines Flying London to Kigali
Kigali has good connections via major European and East African hubs, including direct flights from RwandAir. We compare every option to find your best price.
Baggage Allowances — London to Kigali
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Hold Baggage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RwandAir | 1 bag up to 10kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
| Brussels Airlines | 1 bag up to 12kg | 1 x 23kg | Included on standard fares |
| Qatar Airways | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Excellent for families with extra luggage |
| Turkish Airlines | 1 bag up to 8kg | 2 x 23kg | Generous two-piece standard economy |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Best two-piece allowance on the route |
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit Kigali & Rwanda
Rwanda’s high altitude gives it a pleasantly temperate climate year-round, with two distinct dry seasons offering the best conditions for gorilla trekking. Rwanda is 2 hours ahead of GMT.
Best Season
June — September
The longest dry season and the most popular time to visit Rwanda. Warm and dry (18°C to 27°C). Ideal for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking and game viewing across the savannah parks.
Short Dry Season
Dec — February
A second excellent window for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing (17°C to 26°C). Slightly fewer crowds than June to September, with comfortable trekking conditions throughout the highland forests.
Long Rains
March — May
The heaviest rainy season brings frequent downpours (17°C to 25°C). Trekking trails become more challenging and muddy. Some lodges offer discounted rates. The landscape is exceptionally lush and green throughout this period.
Short Rains
Oct — November
Brief afternoon showers (17°C to 26°C) that generally clear quickly. A reasonable shoulder season for gorilla trekking with good value pricing before the busy December peak season begins.
About Kigali
Kigali — The Land of a Thousand Hills
Kigali is Rwanda’s remarkable capital, widely regarded as one of Africa’s cleanest, safest and best-organised cities, built across a series of dramatic hills that give Rwanda its nickname as the Land of a Thousand Hills. The city serves as the essential gateway to world-class mountain gorilla trekking, offering visitors a powerful combination of natural wonder, moving history and remarkable modern development.
🦍
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes National Park, a short drive from Kigali, is one of the world’s premier destinations for trekking endangered mountain gorillas, home to roughly a third of the world’s remaining population. Spending an hour observing a gorilla family in their natural volcanic forest habitat is widely considered one of the most profound wildlife experiences on earth.
🏛️
Kigali Genocide Memorial
A deeply moving and essential site documenting the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, offering profound historical context and honouring the memory of the victims. The memorial represents an important part of understanding Rwanda’s extraordinary journey of reconciliation and remarkable national rebuilding.
🌋
Volcanoes National Park
Beyond gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park offers golden monkey tracking, the Dian Fossey grave site (the renowned primatologist who dedicated her life to gorilla conservation) and stunning volcanic scenery, including the dramatic Virunga Mountains shared with neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
🏙️
Kigali City & Cleanliness
Kigali is internationally renowned for its remarkable cleanliness and organisation, including a nationwide ban on plastic bags and a monthly community clean-up day (Umuganda) that involves the entire population. This extraordinary civic culture makes Kigali one of the most pleasant and walkable capital cities in Africa.
🐒
Nyungwe Forest National Park
A few hours from Kigali, Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, offering exceptional chimpanzee tracking, a remarkable canopy walkway suspended high above the forest floor, and over 300 bird species, providing a complementary primate and nature experience alongside gorilla trekking.
🍜
Rwandan Cuisine
Ugali (a maize-based staple), Isombe (cassava leaves cooked with spinach), fresh tilapia from Lake Kivu, brochettes (grilled meat skewers) and the internationally celebrated Rwandan coffee, grown in the country’s fertile volcanic highlands, showcase the rich agricultural traditions found throughout Kigali.
Top Places to Visit Around Kigali
Volcanoes National Park
A short drive from Kigali, this is one of the world’s premier mountain gorilla trekking destinations, home to roughly a third of the world’s remaining population. The dramatic volcanic landscape, golden monkey tracking and the historic Dian Fossey grave site make this an unmissable and genuinely life-changing experience for visitors.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
A profoundly important and moving site documenting the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, offering essential historical context and honouring the memory of over 250,000 victims buried here. This memorial represents a vital part of understanding Rwanda’s extraordinary journey of reconciliation and rebuilding.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
A few hours from Kigali, this ancient rainforest offers exceptional chimpanzee tracking alongside a remarkable canopy walkway suspended 70 metres above the forest floor. With over 300 bird species and 13 primate species, Nyungwe provides a complementary wildlife experience to gorilla trekking.
Lake Kivu
One of Africa’s Great Lakes, a few hours from Kigali, offering beautiful lakeside relaxation, boat trips and the charming town of Gisenyi. The lake’s scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere provide an excellent contrast and rest period after the more intensive gorilla trekking and forest activities.
Akagera National Park
Rwanda’s only savannah park, a few hours from Kigali, offering classic safari game viewing including the Big Five following successful conservation reintroduction programmes. Akagera demonstrates Rwanda’s remarkable conservation success story and offers an excellent addition to a gorilla trekking itinerary.
Kigali City Tour
Beyond the Genocide Memorial, Kigali itself offers fascinating insight into the city’s remarkable transformation, including the bustling Kimironko Market, contemporary art galleries and the city’s famously clean, well-organised streets, showcasing Rwanda’s extraordinary modern development story.
Travel Tips
Kigali Travel Guide
🛂
Visa for Rwanda
UK citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport, or apply online at irembo.gov.rw before travel for a smoother process. The East Africa Tourist Visa, covering Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, is also available for combined itineraries. Dream Fare will advise on current requirements.
🦍
Booking Gorilla Trekking Permits
Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost approximately $1,500 USD per person and are strictly limited, requiring booking well in advance, particularly for peak season. Permits include a guided trek and one hour with a gorilla family. Book through a reputable operator alongside your flights for the best experience.
💰
Currency & Money
Rwanda uses the Rwandan Franc (RWF). USD is widely accepted for safari payments, park fees and gorilla permits (post-2008 notes only, no marks or tears). Cards are accepted at major Kigali hotels. ATMs are widely available in Kigali. Bring sufficient USD cash for remote trekking areas.
🚕
Getting Around Kigali
Kigali International Airport is approximately 10km from the city centre, with reliable taxi transfers. The city itself is easily navigated by taxi or ride-hailing apps. For Volcanoes National Park, the drive takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, with most trekking operators arranging transport.
🌡️
Weather in Kigali
Kigali’s elevation gives it a pleasantly temperate climate year-round (17°C to 27°C). June to September and December to February offer the driest conditions, ideal for gorilla trekking. March to May and October to November bring the rainy seasons. Rwanda is 2 hours ahead of GMT.
🤝
Culture & Etiquette
Kigali is renowned for its remarkable cleanliness, organisation and safety, including a nationwide plastic bag ban. Kinyarwanda is widely spoken alongside English and French. Rwandans take great pride in their country’s extraordinary journey of reconciliation, and visiting the Genocide Memorial with appropriate respect is an important part of any Rwanda trip.
Flights to Kigali FAQ
How do I fly from London to Kigali?
RwandAir operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Kigali, the most convenient option with no connections. Brussels Airlines via Brussels, Qatar Airways via Doha and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul also offer good connections. Dream Fare will find the best routing for your gorilla trekking or safari dates.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
UK citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport, or apply online at irembo.gov.rw before travel. The East Africa Tourist Visa, covering Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, is also available for combined itineraries. Dream Fare will advise on current entry requirements.
How much does gorilla trekking cost in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost approximately $1,500 USD per person, reflecting the country’s premium conservation approach. Permits are strictly limited and should be booked well in advance, particularly for the peak dry seasons. Most visitors combine 2 to 3 days for trekking with additional time at other attractions.
Why is Kigali considered one of Africa’s safest capitals?
Kigali has earned an international reputation for remarkable safety, cleanliness and organisation, including a nationwide plastic bag ban and the monthly Umuganda community clean-up day. This extraordinary civic culture, alongside low crime rates, makes Kigali one of the most pleasant and walkable capital cities to visit in Africa.
Is Rwanda or Uganda better for gorilla trekking?
Rwanda offers more premium, accessible trekking with shorter drive times from Kigali, though permits cost significantly more (approximately $1,500 USD versus $700 USD in Uganda). Rwanda also offers easier logistics overall. Dream Fare can advise on the best option based on your budget and travel preferences.
How much do return flights from London to Kigali cost?
Return flights from London to Kigali start from approximately £499 with Dream Fare. RwandAir direct flights are typically the most convenient option. Contact us on 020 8264 0018 for the latest fares and complete Rwanda gorilla trekking travel advice.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.