Things to Do in Kigali in April

April Weather in Kigali

26°C (79°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

135mm (5.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with cool mornings (16°C/61°F) and comfortable daytime temperatures before the intense heat of dry season arrives in May
Post-genocide remembrance month creates deeply moving cultural experiences - April 7th Kwibuka begins the annual commemoration period with community gatherings and ceremonies
Green season showcases Rwanda's stunning landscape at its most lush - the 'Land of a Thousand Hills' is vibrantly emerald after March rains
Shoulder season pricing with 20-30% lower accommodation rates compared to peak dry months (June-September), plus excellent availability

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 40% of days between 2-5pm, disrupting outdoor photography and hiking plans - storms are intense but brief (20-30 minutes)
Roads to remote areas like Akagera can be muddy and challenging, requiring 4WD vehicles and adding 30-45 minutes to travel times
High humidity (70%) makes outdoor activities feel more strenuous than the temperature suggests - you'll sweat more during gorilla trekking

Best Activities in April

Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking

April's cool mornings (16°C/61°F) make the 2-6 hour mountain hikes more comfortable before humidity peaks. Lush vegetation from recent rains provides stunning photography backdrops and easier gorilla spotting as families stay in predictable locations. The pre-dry season timing means fewer international visitors competing for permits.

Booking Tip: Mountain gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person and must be booked 6-12 months ahead through Rwanda Development Board. Book through licensed operators offering transport from Kigali (2.5 hour drive to Musanze). April has better permit availability than peak months.

Kigali City Cultural Walking Tours

April's significance as Kwibuka (remembrance) month adds profound depth to visits to Kigali Genocide Memorial and Kimisagara Youth Center. Cool morning temperatures (16-20°C/61-68°F) make 3-4 hour walking tours through neighborhoods like Kimisagara and Nyamirambo comfortable. Afternoon indoor museum visits avoid thunderstorms.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours typically cost $45-75 per person including transport. Book with certified guides who speak Kinyarwanda for authentic interactions. Many tours include traditional lunch in local homes ($15-25 additional).

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walking and Primate Tracking

April's humidity creates active primate behavior - colobus monkeys and chimpanzees are more vocal and mobile in the lush post-rain forest. The 50m (164ft) high canopy walk offers spectacular misty forest views unique to the wet season. Cool mornings perfect for 4-6 hour chimpanzee tracking hikes.

Booking Tip: Chimpanzee permits cost $90 per person, canopy walk $60. Book 2-3 weeks ahead through Rwanda Development Board. Full-day tours from Kigali cost $180-250 including permits and lunch. Stay overnight in Nyungwe for early morning tracking.

Lake Kivu Coffee Plantation Experiences

April coincides with coffee harvesting season around Kibuye and Gisenyi. Cool highland temperatures (18-24°C/64-75°F) make plantation walks pleasant while you participate in actual cherry picking and processing. Boat trips on Lake Kivu benefit from dramatic storm clouds creating stunning photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Coffee tour experiences cost $35-65 per person including tastings and traditional lunch. Lake Kivu boat trips range $25-45 for 2-3 hours. Book through established lodges like those in Kibuye region for reliable quality.

Akagera National Park Game Drives

April's green landscape provides excellent wildlife photography with lush backgrounds. Animals concentrate around permanent water sources, making Big Five spotting more predictable. Cool early mornings (16°C/61°F) mean active wildlife before 9am. Afternoon game drives work between storm windows.

Booking Tip: Park entry costs $100 per person per day. Game drive vehicles with guides cost $40-60 per hour. Book accommodation inside the park (Ruzizi Tented Lodge or Karenge Bush Camp) to maximize morning game viewing. 4WD essential in April.

Traditional Rwandan Cooking Classes with Market Tours

April's harvest season brings fresh ingredients like sweet potatoes, beans, and seasonal vegetables to Kigali's markets. Morning market tours (7-9am) avoid afternoon storms while showcasing peak produce variety. Indoor cooking classes provide perfect rainy afternoon activities learning dishes like ubugali and inyama n'amaru.

Booking Tip: Half-day market and cooking experiences cost $55-85 per person including meals. Book through cultural centers or established cooking schools. Classes typically run 3-4 hours including market tour and full meal preparation.

April Events & Festivals

April 7-13

Kwibuka (Week of Remembrance)

Rwanda's most significant annual commemoration begins April 7th with national ceremonies and continues for a week. Experience deeply moving community gatherings, memorial services, and cultural performances. This is Rwanda's most solemn and important cultural period.

Mid to Late April

Coffee Harvest Festivals

Local communities around Lake Kivu celebrate the coffee harvest with traditional music, dancing, and coffee ceremonies. Participate in cherry picking, processing demonstrations, and taste fresh seasonal coffee varieties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof rain jacket - afternoon thunderstorms are intense but brief, umbrellas useless in mountain winds

Breathable merino wool or synthetic hiking clothes - cotton stays wet in 70% humidity and takes hours to dry

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots - essential for muddy gorilla trekking trails and slippery forest paths

High-SPF sunscreen (50+) - UV index reaches 8 at 1,500m (4,921ft) altitude despite cloud cover

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - mosquitoes are active during humid evenings around Lake Kivu

Warm layers for evenings - temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F) in mountain locations like Musanze

Waterproof day pack and dry bags - protect camera equipment during gorilla trekking in misty conditions

Quick-dry towel and extra socks - humidity means everything takes longer to dry in accommodations

Portable phone charger - power outages more common during storm season

Comfortable walking sandals - for wearing around lodges when hiking boots are drying

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities for 7am-1pm window - afternoon storms typically hit between 2-5pm but locals know they're predictable and brief

Book gorilla trekking for early in your trip - if weather forces cancellation, you'll have backup dates (permits can be transferred within 48 hours)

Kigali's covered markets (Kimironko, Nyabugogo) become social hubs during afternoon storms - perfect time to interact with locals over tea

April accommodation prices drop significantly mid-month after Easter holidays - book stays for April 15-30 for best deals while weather remains excellent

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only light summer clothes - evenings in mountain areas drop to 16°C (61°F) and you'll be cold in just t-shirts

Scheduling tight itineraries without storm buffer time - afternoon thunderstorms can delay mountain travel by 30-60 minutes

Booking accommodations in Kigali for entire trip - staying overnight near Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe saves 5+ hours of daily driving