Short answer: Holy Apartments is about 3 minutes from Kigali International Airport, roughly 3 to 15 minutes from Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park, Remera’s stadiums, the Rwanda Art Museum and Kimironko Market, and about 15 to 40 minutes from the Kigali Convention Centre, the Genocide Memorial, Nyamirambo and the city centre, depending on traffic. Gorillas, Lake Kivu and Akagera are day trips or overnight trips of about 2 to 5 hours.
Key takeaways
- The airport is about 3 minutes away. Nearby sights are 3 to 15 minutes by road and city landmarks 15 to 40 minutes.
- Avoid travelling at rush hour (roughly 7 to 9 AM and 5 to 7 PM) when you can.
- For national parks and lakes, plan a day trip or overnight, and book permits in advance.
- Times in this guide are approximate and measured by road from the airport side of Kigali.
How to read the travel times
Kigali is built over hills, and drive times vary a lot by time of day. The times below are typical journeys by road starting from the airport side of the city, where Holy Apartments sits in Kicukiro District. Treat them as planning estimates and add a margin if you are catching a flight, a meeting or a tour.
Close by: the airport side of Kigali
Kigali International Airport (KGL), about 3 minutes
The airport is in Kanombe, in the same district as Holy Apartments. It is the main reason people choose this part of town: early flights, late arrivals and layovers become easy. See our guide to where to stay near Kigali airport.
Rwanda Art Museum, Kanombe, about 10 minutes
The museum occupies the former Presidential Palace and shows contemporary Rwandan and international art. It is about 4 km from the airport, which makes it an easy first or last stop on a trip.
Amahoro Stadium and BK Arena, Remera, about 5 to 10 minutes
These are the main venues for sport and large events in Kigali. If you are in town for a match, concert or conference, staying on the airport side puts you roughly 6 km away.
Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park, about 3 to 5 minutes
A restored urban wetland with trails and birdlife, a welcome green space in the east of the city. Go in the morning or late afternoon, bring water, and wear comfortable shoes.
In the city: landmarks, markets and culture
| Place | Approx. time | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Kigali Convention Centre, Kimihurura | 15 min | The domed landmark of the skyline, with hotels and restaurants nearby |
| Kigali Heights and Kimihurura dining | 15 to 20 min | Cafés, shops and restaurants |
| Kimironko Market | 10 to 15 min | Fabrics, produce and everyday local life |
| Kigali city centre | 20 to 30 min | Banks, offices, shops |
| Inema Arts Center, Kacyiru | 25 to 35 min | Contemporary Rwandan art |
| Kigali Genocide Memorial, Gisozi | 25 to 35 min | Remembrance and learning |
| Nyamirambo | 30 to 40 min | Culture, walking tours, a lively neighbourhood |
Kigali Convention Centre and Kimihurura
The Kigali Convention Centre is one of the most recognisable buildings in Rwanda. Even if you are not attending an event, the surrounding area has hotels, restaurants and offices, and the dome is striking at night.
Kimironko Market
A good place to see everyday Kigali: stalls of fabrics, fruit, vegetables and household goods. Go in the morning, carry small notes, and ask before photographing people.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
The memorial in Gisozi documents the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and honours those who died. Allow at least a couple of hours, dress and behave respectfully, and avoid scheduling anything heavy straight afterwards.
Inema Arts Center and Nyamirambo
For art and local culture, combine Inema Arts Center with an afternoon in Nyamirambo, a walkable neighbourhood known for its character. Guided walks are a good way to see it.
Day trips and beyond
| Destination | Typical time from Kigali | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Muhazi | 1 to 1.5 hours | A quiet lakeside break |
| Nyamata Genocide Memorial, Bugesera | 1 to 1.5 hours | A memorial site south of Kigali |
| Akagera National Park | 2 to 2.5 hours | Safari drives and boat trips |
| Volcanoes National Park, Musanze | 2 to 2.5 hours | Gorilla and golden monkey trekking |
| Huye and the National Museum of Rwanda | 2.5 to 3 hours | History and culture in the south |
| Lake Kivu (Gisenyi, Kibuye) | 3 to 4 hours | Beaches, lakeside towns, scenic drives |
| Nyungwe Forest National Park | 5 to 6 hours | Rainforest, chimpanzees, canopy walkway |
Journey times depend on road conditions. Permits for gorilla trekking and some park activities must be booked in advance through official channels, so plan early. The official Visit Rwanda website is a good starting point.
Getting around from Holy Apartments
- Taxi or ride-hailing: convenient for most city journeys. Agree fares or use an app.
- Moto-taxi: quick for short trips. Helmets are required. Not ideal with luggage.
- Buses: an affordable network once you know the routes.
- Private driver or car hire: best for day trips and national parks.
Our first-time visitor guide has more detail on transport, money and etiquette.
Sample plans from the airport side
A free afternoon before an evening flight
Check out at 11:00 am, leave your bags if arranged, and spend the afternoon at the Rwanda Art Museum and a late lunch. The airport is about 3 minutes away, so you can leave comfortably late.
A one-day city loop
Kimironko Market in the morning, lunch in Kimihurura, the Kigali Convention Centre area in the afternoon, and Inema Arts Center before heading back, allowing for rush-hour traffic.
A weekend away
Leave early for Volcanoes National Park or Lake Kivu, stay overnight, and return to Kigali for a final night near the airport before your flight.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Holy Apartments from the airport?
About a 3-minute drive.
How far is Holy Apartments from the Kigali Convention Centre?
Typically about 15 minutes by road, depending on traffic.
Is Holy Apartments close to the city centre?
The city centre is roughly 10 km from the airport, typically 20 to 30 minutes by road.
How long does it take to reach Volcanoes National Park from Kigali?
Typically about 2 to 2.5 hours by road.
Can you arrange airport pickup?
Yes. Airport pickup is a paid service we confirm with your booking.
Travel times are approximate and change with traffic and road conditions. Last reviewed October 2026.