Rwanda

Cost of living

What a month costs

Local food, transport and rent are affordable, but imported goods, international schools and Western brands push a comfortable family budget up fast.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Kigali

1. Kigali Genocide MemorialThe moving memorial and museum in Gisozi where more than 250,000 victims are buried.
2. Kimironko MarketThe city's biggest and liveliest market for fabric, produce and everyday goods.
3. Inema Arts CenterA creative hub in Kacyiru showing work by local painters and hosting weekend events.
4. NyamiramboThe city's most vibrant older quarter, best explored on the Nyamirambo Women's Center walking tour.
5. Kandt House MuseumThe natural history museum in the former home of Kigali's colonial founder Richard Kandt.
6. Caplaki Craft VillageA cluster of craft stalls selling carvings, baskets and art from across the country.
7. Presidential Palace MuseumThe former state house near the airport, with the wreckage of the 1994 plane crash in its grounds.
8. Niyo Arts GalleryA Nyamirambo gallery and cafe that funds arts programs for local children.
9. Camp Kigali MemorialThe monument to the ten Belgian peacekeepers killed at the start of the 1994 genocide.
10. Mount KigaliThe forested rise above the city with horseback rides and wide views over the hills.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Volcanoes National ParkTwo to three hours north near Musanze, home to the mountain gorillas and misty volcano peaks.
2. Lake Kivu at RubavuA three-hour drive west to lakeside beaches, boat trips and easy resort weekends.
3. Nyungwe Forest National ParkAncient rainforest in the southwest with a canopy walkway and chimpanzee tracking.
4. Akagera National ParkThe eastern savanna park where you can see lions, elephants, rhino and hippos on a Big Five game drive.
5. Twin Lakes Burera and RuhondoQuiet, terraced hill country near Musanze with striking views and calm water.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Question CoffeeA women-run specialty coffee cafe in Kacyiru serving some of the best beans in the country.
2. Inzora Rooftop CafeA relaxed rooftop above the Ikirezi bookshop with coffee, cake and hill views.
3. Shokola CafeA leafy cafe inside the Kigali Public Library, popular for coffee and quiet work.
4. Neo CafeA busy modern cafe in Kigali Heights, good for coffee and meetings.
5. Bourbon CoffeeRwanda's homegrown coffee chain, with reliable branches at Kigali Heights and Union Trade Center.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Heaven RestaurantA Kiyovu institution with a garden terrace, pan-African plates and a social enterprise mission.
2. Repub LoungeA long-running favorite for Rwandan and East African dishes with a hillside view.
3. Poivre NoirA polished Belgian-run fine dining spot in Nyarutarama.
4. Meze FreshA homegrown Rwandan take on fast Mexican, a local casual favorite.
5. Khana KhazanaA well-established Indian restaurant in Kiyovu with a wide menu.
6. Sole LunaA popular Italian spot in Kimihurura known for wood-fired pizza and a terrace.
7. Soy Asian TableA stylish Asian restaurant at Kigali Heights serving sushi and pan-Asian dishes.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Question CoffeeStrong coffee and a light breakfast in a calm Kacyiru setting.
2. Inzora Rooftop CafeEggs, pastries and coffee with a rooftop view to start the day.
3. Shokola CafeA quiet garden breakfast beside the public library.
4. Neo CafeA dependable morning stop in Kigali Heights with full breakfast plates.
5. Bourbon CoffeeFamiliar breakfast standards and good coffee across several branches.
6. BriocheA local bakery chain with fresh bread, pastries and simple morning plates.
7. Heaven RestaurantA leisurely weekend breakfast on the garden terrace in Kiyovu.