You know how people living in Europe often visit nearly every country other than theirs? Like if you meet a French guy, they'll tell you they've been to like ten European countries, plus a couple more outside their continent?
Here in Kenya, I often wonder why we don't do the same. I've met people who share the same thoughts but still haven't crossed over to our neighboring countries. Meanwhile, there are a few wanderlust souls who've made trips to Uganda and Tanzania. But very few have gone farther to Rwanda.
The truth is, traveling from Kenya to Rwanda is very easy, especially with the new laws that don't require you to apply for visas as a tourist. Within thirty minutes or a day, depending on your means of travel, you can be in Rwanda, walking on clean streets and taking in the beauty of reborn Kigali.
How to Travel from Kenya to Rwanda
There are three ways to travel from Kenya to Rwanda.
By Plane
The first is boarding a Kenya Airways or Rwandair Express plane from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Kigali International Airport (KIA). A return air ticket should cost around $200 to $600.
While you may have to wait at the airport for roughly one hour before boarding the plane, it should take another hour to arrive at Kigali.
By Bus
The second is traveling by public means in a bus. You can use either the Modern Coast or MASH bus companies, which have a direct bus that departs for Kigali twice a day, every day. A bus ticket will cost around $15 to $40.
Journeying from Nairobi to Kigali usually takes around 24 hours, essentially an entire day on the road. Don't worry, though, as you'll most likely sleep for most of the way on pretty comfortable seats with plenty of legroom.
The buses also stop at major towns to allow you to buy food from nearby shops or to go the bathroom.
By a Personal Vehicle
The third is traveling by private means in a personal vehicle. Fuel costs will depend on the engine type, usually between $200 to $400. Depending on how fast you drive, it can take a shorter while to arrive in Kigali, perhaps 18 hours from Nairobi.
I'm not sure whether there are additional requirements at the border, for example, a fee you need to pay or some kind of registration you need to make. To be sure, please contact the Uganda and Rwanda Immigration services to confirm all the details before traveling.
What You Need
As a Kenyan citizen with the intent to travel to Rwanda as a tourist, all you need is the following:
1. A Kenyan National ID or Passport
2. A Yellow Fever Certificate
If you're using a national ID, you'll need an Inter-State Pass (ISP) to get your "entering Uganda" official stamp as you cross the Kenya-Uganda border and your "entering Rwanda" official stamp as you cross the Uganda-Rwanda border or your "entering Rwanda" official stamp upon arriving at the Kigali International airport.
Sometimes, ISPs are available at the border or airport. However, there was a time when the ISPs had run out, and I had to use my passport to get the stamps. So, to avoid any issues, you may want to pass by the Immigration center to get some extra ISPs just to be safe.
Also, make sure to keep the ISP safe throughout your stay in Rwanda because you'll need it to get your "leaving Rwanda" official stamp.
What to Do Once You Get to Rwanda
Here are a few things to keep in mind so it's not too obvious that you're fresh meat just arriving in a foreign place:
1. Rwandans mainly speak a language called Kinyarwanda. It's not an easy language to learn; however, you may want to practice saying a few common words to help you get by.
2. The Rwandan people are calm and welcoming to all. Contrary to what you may have heard about Rwanda, where many like to think of the place as unsafe or hostile, I found it especially secure and peaceful.
3. Rwanda is the cleanest place I have ever been to. People walk on pavements. Cars and motorbikes commit to their lane. Grass, trees, and flowers flourish all around you, and they constantly are taken care of.
4. You may notice that there are one too many police officers than you're used to. Usually, they will guard most streets a few feet apart from each other. Provided you don't do any wrongdoing, they will pose no danger to you.
5. I rarely used taxis because motorbikes (or motos) and buses were much easier to board. For the buses, you'll need to board them at bus stops and use a bus card to pay the fare. I never applied for a bus card, so I resorted to motos, which seamlessly provided a way around Kigali with ease.
6. Money in Rwanda is called "Amafaranga" or francs. I feel this important, for short distances, you'll pay 300 RWF on a moto. Often, 500 RWF was enough to get me nearly everywhere within Kigali. However, farther places may need you to pay 600 RWF or more.
7. You can negotiate prices in the market and for moto rides. As a foreigner, it's easy to pay way more if you're not careful.
8. Speaking of the market, there's one in a place called Kimironko. A sufficient one. Kimironko is in Kigali, too, and has nearly everything you may need.
9. However, supermarkets are a great choice, too. The most popular ones are Simba and Nakumatt.
10. Lastly, Rwanda takes pride in selling products made within the country. And so, you may find new products and items to explore. I doubt I missed anything from home, too greatly. Or if I did, I have forgotten. It's been a while since I was in Rwanda, but I sure am planning to return sometime soon.
Top 7 Must-See Places in Rwanda
I saved the best for last, in case you're unsure of where to start exploring. Well, here's my exclusive list of hidden treasures you likely won't find elsewhere.
7. Vision City
I visited this place before people moved in, and my oh my, was it astonishing in its own right. A set of apartments, built to modern standard, within an area with basic amenities within sight. Talk about real estate and urban planning. I love it.
6. Khana Khazana
Indian food is gold. In fact, Khana Khazana was the first place I ever tried Indian food, and I fell utterly in love. A must-see for sure.
5. Lake Kivu
Would you believe it if I told you I spent three years in Kigali, and never once did I make it to Lake Kivu? I mean, I did plan to go there once, and then something came up. Generally, though, it's the place to go to if you're an island person missing the ocean waves and sand rubbing on your feet.
4. Kigali Genocide Memorial
Rwanda has been through the worst thing imaginable. Every year, the country remembers the events of the Rwandan genocide and swears never to let history repeat itself. Visiting the Memorial made history surreal. It's the only place where you truly get to understand the past, learn from it, and carve a better, prosperous future.
3. Starry Night Walks
Okay, I know night walks aren't exactly a place you can visit, but it's the best thing I miss most about living in Rwanda. As a woman, I never feel safe walking in the night. But Rwanda gave me the special gift of enjoying the starry nights and feeling the cold breeze sweep by me without ever looking over my shoulder.
I do have to say which areas I would take night walks in, just in case there are places I didn't go to that may pose a danger to you that I don't know about. I lived in Nyarutarama, Kimihurura, Rugando, Kimironko, and Remera and had no issue taking night walks as late as 3 AM. Also, areas within the CBD are safe too, with police officers present to watch out for your safety.
2. Kigali Convention Center
From the outside, the convention center looks like a dome that lights up at night. But the inside, though, is a whole spectrum of delight. I love the interior design of the convention center, and I feel it's something every person needs to experience at least once.
1. Panoramic Views
There we go, yet another place that isn't exactly a place you can go to. But see, Rwanda is also known as the land of a thousand hills. And you know what hills do in the night, they glow. Yes!
There was a spectacular thing in Kigali where despite the sun setting a little later than in Kenya, households would switch on their street lights as early as 5 pm. And it wasn't just one or two houses, but all of them. The result was a glowing landscape with hills and valleys that looked deliciously beautiful in the night.
But the views look amazing, too, even during the day, especially if you're a lover of nature and love to hike up.
So, when are you planning your trip to Kigali? Perhaps we'll travel there around the same time and explore this wondrous country together. Meanwhile, feel free to check out our "A Delightful, Enchanting, Tucked-Away Bistro in Nakuru, Kenya" article and let us know of any questions or concerns.