Kigali city is the capital of Rwanda; the land of a thousand hills. Though Rwanda is not a very big country; do not be fooled to think that it is very easy to get yourself around this city.
If you have a local tour guide, you will not have to worry about getting around Kigali. But if you intend to self drive in Kigali, then this guide will come in handy. However if at any point you feel like it is quite hard for you to get your self around Kigali; you can consider a Rwanda car rental with a driver.
Major Districts In Kigali
Like any other major city; there are always several other locations or towns that make up the city. In the case of Rwanda; there are three major districts that make up Kigali City: Nyarugenge, Gasabo, and Kicukiro.
Nyarugenge District: Kigali
This is the central business district of Kigali city. In Nyarugenge, you will find several local markets and historical sites. It is the heart of Kigali city tourism.
Gasabo: Kigali Northern District
Every city is often divided into uptown and downtown. Uptown is where most of the corporates reside as well as do business. Downtown is usually chaotic, disorganized, and often the worst part of the city.
Gasabo is Kigali’s uptown. It is mainly known for upmarket residential areas, scenery, and government offices. If you wish to visit a place in Kigali known for rich people, then Gasabo is that district that will expose you to the cream of the land.
If you wish to sleep in a luxury hotel and you find yourself in Kicukiro or Nyarugenge; just know you have been scammed :). The best upmarket hotels in Kigali are found in the Gasabo district.
Kicukiro: Kigali Southeastern District
This is a mixed pot of all Kigali activities. It is also the main international getaway into Rwanda since this is the district in which Kigali International Airport is found. Besides the airport, the district is known for its industries as well as a mix of both high-class and low-class people.
If you intend to explore Kigali, walking around Kicukiro will give you a fair experience of where things happen in Kigali.
Kigali Road Network
Similar to its fame in line with security and cleanliness, Kigali city is also known for its well paved roads. If the reason you were giving up on self driving in Africa is poor roads then Kigali city should be one of the reasons to re-consider a self drive in Rwanda.
First of all, it is easy to rent a car in Kigali. A simple google search will bring several Kigali car rental agencies from which you can choose according to your personal criteria.
In order to get around Kigali, you need to know that the city is made up of three main roads named according to the three major districts. Kigali-Gasabo (KG), Kigali Kicukiro (KK) and Kigali Nyarugenge (KN).
There are over 100 other roads that connect to these main roads. Like a company hierachy, you will see all roads connecting to the main Gasabo road having the prefix KG. The same applies to the other two main roads.
Once you have mastered the prefixes, it is very easy to get yourself back to the main road even when you do not have any maps at your disposal.
In conclusion, it is also important to share some tips for people intending to spend a night in Kigali before gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park. The good news is Gasabo District is the most recommended location. The bad news is, though it is a highly recommended location, it is not as fairly priced as other parts of Kigali.
I recommend those who are planing to spend a night in Kigali before gorilla trekking to get accommodation in the Kimihurura and Kacyiru neighborhoods. These areas have convenient access roads to help you exit Kigali towards Musanze.