Hôtel des Mille Collines

Hôtel des Mille Collines opened in 1973. During the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, it sheltered many people, a story told in the film Hotel Rwanda. Today it is a comfortable, central hotel with a long pool and gardens.

Why we like it

• Central location.
• A pool and gardens.
• A place of history and remembrance.

Who it suits

Travellers interested in history and a central base.

Getting there

Kigali International Airport is about 20–30 minutes from the city centre. Your driver-guide meets you at arrivals. Volcanoes National Park is 2–2.5 hours away and Akagera 2.5–3 hours.

Things to do nearby

• The Kigali Genocide Memorial.
• Galleries, cafés and Kimironko market.
• Nyamirambo walking tours.
• Day trips to Volcanoes National Park or Akagera.

About Kigali

Kigali is Rwanda’s clean, green and safe capital, spread over many hills. It is home to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, art galleries, markets and a lively café scene, and it is the starting point for most Rwanda safaris. Read Kigali Genocide Memorial and Kigali’s art and coffee scene.

Most travellers spend a night in Kigali at the start or end of their trip, often with a city tour that includes the memorial.

Kigali has a mild climate all year, and its hilly streets are safe and easy to explore with a driver or taxi. On the last Saturday morning of each month, Umuganda community work closes many places until about midday, so we plan city tours around it. See the Rwanda guide and sort visas and vaccinations early before you travel.

Planning your stay

See our 1-day Kigali city tour and 5-day Rwanda gorillas, golden monkeys and Kigali.