Welcome to Kigali
I remember once walking through an airport terminal and seeing “Kigali” displayed on one of the departure gates. My first thought was, “Oh, this flight is going to Kigali!” …iIt was immediately followed by another question: “Wait… where is Kigali even?”
Little did I know that less than a year later, I’d be flying there myself. And what a pleasant surprise it turned out to be.
A Little About Kigali
Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, also called the City of a Thousand Hills. Surrounded by rolling ridges and lush valleys, it offers a beautiful balance between nature, wildlife, and modern city life.
Despite visiting in mid-July, we were welcomed by cool, pleasant weather of around 19°C, making it a refreshing escape from the summer heat elsewhere (iykwim!).
One of the first things I noticed and quickly came to admire, was how safe the city feels. Rwanda is recognized as one of the safest countries in Africa, and that sense of security is evident as you explore Kigali. The locals are incredibly warm and welcoming, often greeting you with a smile or a simple hello as you pass by, whether on the streets or even while sharing an elevator.
What I Chose to Experience
Kigali has plenty to offer, especially if you enjoy nature and wildlife. Many visitors come to Rwanda for its famous mountain gorilla trekking, and it was one of the first recommendations I received.
But with only a short layover, I had to prioritize. And if you know me, you’ll know exactly where my priorities were. Coffee!
As one of the world’s renowned coffee-producing countries, Rwanda was the perfect place to indulge my love for coffee. I spent my layover doing exactly what makes me happiest—resting, carrying my books from one café to another, and searching for inspiration over a good cup of coffee.
Before beginning my café-hopping adventure, I made one important stop at the headquarters of Gorilla Coffee, where I picked up a few bags of their premium Rwandan coffee beans. They became the only souvenir I brought home—and honestly, I couldn’t think of a better one. As a coffee lover, there was simply no way I was leaving Rwanda without bringing some of its coffee back with me.
My Top Three Cafés in Kigali
If you’re planning a visit to Kigali and enjoy discovering great coffee, here are the three cafés I’d highly recommend visiting:
Rubia Coffee Roasters was my first pick, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to start my café-hopping adventure in Kigali.
The café has quite an inviting menu, with a great selection of both food and drinks. It’s the perfect place if you plan to spend a few hours there, especially if you’re bringing your laptop. In my case, I carried a book and a notebook to jot down ideas, and before I knew it, hours had passed. It definitely feels like one of those cafés that inspires creativity and works perfectly as a co-working space.
There are both indoor and outdoor seating areas, so you can choose whichever suits your mood. The staff were incredibly friendly, and I honestly didn’t want to leave, even after spending hours there.
Another reason Rubia deserves a visit is that it was ranked No. 54 in the World’s Top 100 Coffee Shops in 2026. They also have their own coffee roastery, so if you fall in love with the coffee, you can pick up a bag of freshly roasted beans from the shelves before you leave. I certainly couldn’t resist.
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Cafe Numero Deux
Kivu Noir: Kivu Noir was my second café stop. I actually debated whether to go or not, but one look at the view and I knew I had made the right decision.
Perched on the hillside, the café opens up to a beautiful view overlooking endless greenery. After spending hours tucked away in the cozy corners of Rubia, Kivu Noir was a refreshing change of scenery, and I’m so glad I made the trip.
The café was quite busy, so finding a seat wasn’t easy. I ended up ordering their signature chocolate cake and a matcha to go, and enjoyed taking in the view while I was there.
Like Rubia, Kivu Noir also has its own in-house coffee roastery. They’re known for their premium Rwandan coffee and exclusive beans grown along the volcanic shores of Lake Kivu, giving every cup a true taste of Rwanda.
Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
The Final Cafe
Question Café: Question Café was my last, quick stop near my hotel, and the café did not disappoint.
It was warm, cozy, and had such a homely atmosphere that I immediately felt comfortable there. After hopping from one café to another, this felt like a lovely little place to slow down and enjoy one last cup before heading back.
They also have their own roastery, so if you’re looking to take some premium Rwandan beans home with you, you can pick some up here too.
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sometimes, it’s the little cafés you stumble upon during a trip that end up being some of your favorites.
For a short layover, Kigali gave me more than I expected—beautiful views, warm people, and some really good coffee. I may not have seen everything this time, but I left with plenty of inspiration and a reason to come back.
Until next time, Kigali. ☕️
