Mt. Kigali
Mt. Kigali
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Ebun A
3 contributions
Apr 2022
Got to try two levels of zip-lining and quad biking. Super safe and exciting!
They also have horses to ride but more like going round on the horse. There’s also a trampoline for people who want to do cardio but also want to feel like a child
They also have horses to ride but more like going round on the horse. There’s also a trampoline for people who want to do cardio but also want to feel like a child
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TMR1004
Valley Forge, PA392 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
1. Mt. Kigali is the highest mountain (hill) in Kigali. It is located in the southwestern corner of the city. There is a beautiful trail that traverses the mountain starting in Giti cy’inyoni and finishing in Nyamirambo. It is a wonderful way to spend a few hours enjoying some fresh air, great views, and getting some rather vigorous exercise all in the heart of Kigali. I had trouble getting reliable information on this hike before doing it, so I thought I would write this review in the hope that it might help others enjoy this unique experience.
2. Level of difficulty – The trail is appropriate for anyone in reasonable condition.
3. Length of trail – approximately 3 miles (one way)
4. Vertical elevation – The elevation at the trailhead is 4460. The highest point on the trail is 5945 ft. There are no ups or downs on the trail, it is straight up to the high point, so the vertical elevation you will climb is 1485 ft. After the high point, you will descend on the dirt road on the other side of the mountain 555 vt. ft. to where the dirt road changes to cobblestone and you can easily catch a motorcycle or taxi back to your car.
5. Trailhead - In Giti cy’inyoni – less than a 10 minute drive from center city. On Giti cy’inoni St. (tree of birds) right next to the Nyabugogo River. Park at Hoza Beauty Care. The trail head is across the street where the well and water pump are.
6. Guides – A guide is highly recommended the first time that you hike this trail. It is not marked and there are places where the trail or dirt road splits. It would be difficult to navigate your first time without a guide. I used Patrick Kwizera (patricko745@gmail.com). He is a licensed guide who picked me up at my hotel, guided me on the hike, and then dropped me off afterwards. He speaks English fluently and is very knowledgeable about the native plants, trees, birds, etc., as well as the people who live and farm on the mountain, their lifestyle, the crops, they grow, etc. He was a pleasure to hike with. His fee was $50 US.
7. Trail – The trail starts off relatively steep for the first 30-45 minutes. It is a single track trail and mostly not in the trees. This gives you great views of the rock quarry and Mounts Jali and Shyorongi. After about 30-45 minutes and an elevation gain of 750 vt. ft., the trail enters the trees. After another few minutes, the trail becomes a dirt road and you will start to see small homes and farms. Crops include beans, corn, casava, avocado, tomatoes, coffee, bananas, mango, yams, ground nuts, and peas. It is a wonderful taste of rural Rwandan life – in the heart of Kigali! It is hard to believe that less than an hour ago you were driving in traffic in downtown Kigali. Curious children are everywhere and love to practice their English, have their photos taken, and just walk with you. After about 1 hour from the trailhead, you will see a large church on your right. After this, the farms are fewer and fewer, and the dirt road enters a forest of Eucalyptus and Mimosa. The aroma is intoxicating. About 20 minutes after passing the church, you will reach the high point on the road. You are very close to the summit, but the actual summit is reserved for the military and is off limits. The dirt road now descends, first into the trees, but soon small homes appear. The Muslim section of Kigali is visible off to your left, as are beautiful views of the city. After descending less than 30 minutes, the dirt road will turn into a cobblestone road and you can easily catch a motorcycle/taxi back to your car.
8. Trail Marks Elevation Time (approx.)
Trailhead 4460 :00
Farms + dirt road start 5210 :45
Church 5560 1:10
High point on road 5945 1:30
Cobblestone road at bottom 5390 2:00
9. What to bring - Sneakers are fine if that is what you normally hike with. Enough water for 2 hours +/-, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and raincoat. A leki pole or walking stick is also helpful. Patrick can provide one if you would like.
10. Other options – There are two other mountains very close to Mt. Kigali. They are:
A. Mt. Jali
B. Mt. Shyorongi
Both are approximately the same elevation as Mt. Kigali and both have trails to the summit with the option of descending by another route. Patrick is familiar with both of them and can suggest the one that might be best for you.
11. I had a late flight my last day in Kigali, and this was the perfect way to spend the morning. There are a lot of interesting and fun things to do in Kigali, but if you want to do something unique, go hike the mountain! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
2. Level of difficulty – The trail is appropriate for anyone in reasonable condition.
3. Length of trail – approximately 3 miles (one way)
4. Vertical elevation – The elevation at the trailhead is 4460. The highest point on the trail is 5945 ft. There are no ups or downs on the trail, it is straight up to the high point, so the vertical elevation you will climb is 1485 ft. After the high point, you will descend on the dirt road on the other side of the mountain 555 vt. ft. to where the dirt road changes to cobblestone and you can easily catch a motorcycle or taxi back to your car.
5. Trailhead - In Giti cy’inyoni – less than a 10 minute drive from center city. On Giti cy’inoni St. (tree of birds) right next to the Nyabugogo River. Park at Hoza Beauty Care. The trail head is across the street where the well and water pump are.
6. Guides – A guide is highly recommended the first time that you hike this trail. It is not marked and there are places where the trail or dirt road splits. It would be difficult to navigate your first time without a guide. I used Patrick Kwizera (patricko745@gmail.com). He is a licensed guide who picked me up at my hotel, guided me on the hike, and then dropped me off afterwards. He speaks English fluently and is very knowledgeable about the native plants, trees, birds, etc., as well as the people who live and farm on the mountain, their lifestyle, the crops, they grow, etc. He was a pleasure to hike with. His fee was $50 US.
7. Trail – The trail starts off relatively steep for the first 30-45 minutes. It is a single track trail and mostly not in the trees. This gives you great views of the rock quarry and Mounts Jali and Shyorongi. After about 30-45 minutes and an elevation gain of 750 vt. ft., the trail enters the trees. After another few minutes, the trail becomes a dirt road and you will start to see small homes and farms. Crops include beans, corn, casava, avocado, tomatoes, coffee, bananas, mango, yams, ground nuts, and peas. It is a wonderful taste of rural Rwandan life – in the heart of Kigali! It is hard to believe that less than an hour ago you were driving in traffic in downtown Kigali. Curious children are everywhere and love to practice their English, have their photos taken, and just walk with you. After about 1 hour from the trailhead, you will see a large church on your right. After this, the farms are fewer and fewer, and the dirt road enters a forest of Eucalyptus and Mimosa. The aroma is intoxicating. About 20 minutes after passing the church, you will reach the high point on the road. You are very close to the summit, but the actual summit is reserved for the military and is off limits. The dirt road now descends, first into the trees, but soon small homes appear. The Muslim section of Kigali is visible off to your left, as are beautiful views of the city. After descending less than 30 minutes, the dirt road will turn into a cobblestone road and you can easily catch a motorcycle/taxi back to your car.
8. Trail Marks Elevation Time (approx.)
Trailhead 4460 :00
Farms + dirt road start 5210 :45
Church 5560 1:10
High point on road 5945 1:30
Cobblestone road at bottom 5390 2:00
9. What to bring - Sneakers are fine if that is what you normally hike with. Enough water for 2 hours +/-, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and raincoat. A leki pole or walking stick is also helpful. Patrick can provide one if you would like.
10. Other options – There are two other mountains very close to Mt. Kigali. They are:
A. Mt. Jali
B. Mt. Shyorongi
Both are approximately the same elevation as Mt. Kigali and both have trails to the summit with the option of descending by another route. Patrick is familiar with both of them and can suggest the one that might be best for you.
11. I had a late flight my last day in Kigali, and this was the perfect way to spend the morning. There are a lot of interesting and fun things to do in Kigali, but if you want to do something unique, go hike the mountain! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Written October 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
odyek fred
Kigali, Rwanda192 contributions
Dec 2019 • Business
First time i visited with friends, and later with my clients, as its always part of my Kigali city tour after learning more about it.
It gives you great overview of the city, and great stories.
Number of vevet monkeys, however they tend to attack incase thry sense food staff with you.
They saw our bananas and they came over, wanting to grab, my client was a fried but i step in and made her feel calm.
Worth a visit if your around to souce your city tour.
Those in need of guide, am available always to take your around
It gives you great overview of the city, and great stories.
Number of vevet monkeys, however they tend to attack incase thry sense food staff with you.
They saw our bananas and they came over, wanting to grab, my client was a fried but i step in and made her feel calm.
Worth a visit if your around to souce your city tour.
Those in need of guide, am available always to take your around
Written December 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,716 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
With 1853m at the highest point Mount Kigali offers nice views of its surroundings. The location is just west of central Kigali.
I walked from the Onatracom mosque in Nyamirambo to Fazenda Sengha (recreational area 4.000 RF entry fee). From there I walked partly back to pick up a dirt road on the west flank of the hill. Eventually it will lead you to Nyabugogo Taxi Park (central bus terminal) towards the north. It took me about 3 and a half hours.
Used Googlemaps on my phone to find the way. The GPS signal was sometimes very weak and people along the way mostly speak Kinyarwanda only. Moreover, for most locals the route I chose does not make sense, as hiking is not their thing. Anyway to find the sometimes muddy road/trail is not too problematic.
Though most of the hillsides are inhabited and there are traces of human activity almost anywhere, my hike was pleasant about half of the time mostly because of the views. The walk uphill along a busy highway from Nyamirambo to Fazenda was rather unpleasant (the last part to Fazenda is a dusty dirt road).
I walked from the Onatracom mosque in Nyamirambo to Fazenda Sengha (recreational area 4.000 RF entry fee). From there I walked partly back to pick up a dirt road on the west flank of the hill. Eventually it will lead you to Nyabugogo Taxi Park (central bus terminal) towards the north. It took me about 3 and a half hours.
Used Googlemaps on my phone to find the way. The GPS signal was sometimes very weak and people along the way mostly speak Kinyarwanda only. Moreover, for most locals the route I chose does not make sense, as hiking is not their thing. Anyway to find the sometimes muddy road/trail is not too problematic.
Though most of the hillsides are inhabited and there are traces of human activity almost anywhere, my hike was pleasant about half of the time mostly because of the views. The walk uphill along a busy highway from Nyamirambo to Fazenda was rather unpleasant (the last part to Fazenda is a dusty dirt road).
Written February 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan H
Paris, France48 contributions
Jan 2018 • Solo
I am on a short assignment in Kigali, and wanted to stretch my legs. A walk on Mt. Kigali was a great way to do this.
Mt. Kigali is Southwest of the city center, and is a ridge that runs approximately N-S. Viewed from the city, the top of the mountain looks largely forested, with houses and unpaved roads running up its flank.
I took a motorcycle taxi to the Sun City Hotel, which is near the top of Nyamirambo; most taxis know where to go. Then I followed the signs to Fazenda Senga - where there are horses, apparently. You will follow dirt roads through fairly dense housing, and then emerge above the houses, with lovely views down on Kigali center. On a clear day you can even see the airport.
At some point it will be clear that the road is going to go over the mountain (and down the other side). If you continue to follow the Fazenda Senga sign, you will turn left (south), and climb gently through eucalyptus forest. In places there is some cultivation: I came across a field of coffee, at one point. In due course I came to Mera Neza, which is a restaurant that apparently specializes in rabbit - not my thing! - but the restaurant is hard to miss. At that point I turned around and headed north, on a different but fairly wide path that follows the spine of the mountain - a pleasant stroll through cultivated fields. The path returns one to the road that crosses the mountain, where you will find a substantial village.
I crossed this road and took a dirt road that clearly seemed to head to the top of the mountain. You quickly leave the cultivation behind, and climb through the forest. As I was walking, two trucks full of soldiers passed me, coming down off the mountain. This road continues until an open field-like area, with two large masts. These masts can be seen from Kigali center, and seem to be essentially on the highest point of the mountain. Mission accomplished!
However, on the far side of the field I noticed a fence and a sentry: that is where the military camp begins. I walked back down the path about 100 meters (headed south), and then turned left, cutting through the forest, which is quite impressive at this point - a nice leaf litter, banks of moss in some places. The forest is well managed, and quite easy to hike through. After 200-300 meters I came upon a good-quality road. This runs along the side of the mountain, on the city side of the mountain, just below the top of the ridge. Take this road, heading north - so the city center is on your right, and the top of the mountain on your left. The road continues to rise for a while - you may espy the antennae again, and you will half-see some of the huts of the army huts in the trees. Just keep going: the road flattens out, and then begins to go down - there are open patches of grass, pine trees, macrocarpa, eucalyptus, and various shrubs, all very pleasant.
Eventually the road returns to civilization - first a house or two, then more and more. The algorithm is simple: follow the road down hill, and as it becomes bigger and more important. There are lots of people, including cheerful kids, and the views of central Kigali are absolutely wonderful. [I'd post a photo, but the day was a bit hazy.] Eventually you will go down far enough that you can catch a motorbike taxi, or even a real taxi, or you can walk back into the center of Kigali.
The Google map is not helpful. But you can't really get lost. And once you have done this once, you will want to do it again. I'll be back in Kigali in a few months, and expect to have no trouble persuading my wife to join me on this adventure!
Mt. Kigali is Southwest of the city center, and is a ridge that runs approximately N-S. Viewed from the city, the top of the mountain looks largely forested, with houses and unpaved roads running up its flank.
I took a motorcycle taxi to the Sun City Hotel, which is near the top of Nyamirambo; most taxis know where to go. Then I followed the signs to Fazenda Senga - where there are horses, apparently. You will follow dirt roads through fairly dense housing, and then emerge above the houses, with lovely views down on Kigali center. On a clear day you can even see the airport.
At some point it will be clear that the road is going to go over the mountain (and down the other side). If you continue to follow the Fazenda Senga sign, you will turn left (south), and climb gently through eucalyptus forest. In places there is some cultivation: I came across a field of coffee, at one point. In due course I came to Mera Neza, which is a restaurant that apparently specializes in rabbit - not my thing! - but the restaurant is hard to miss. At that point I turned around and headed north, on a different but fairly wide path that follows the spine of the mountain - a pleasant stroll through cultivated fields. The path returns one to the road that crosses the mountain, where you will find a substantial village.
I crossed this road and took a dirt road that clearly seemed to head to the top of the mountain. You quickly leave the cultivation behind, and climb through the forest. As I was walking, two trucks full of soldiers passed me, coming down off the mountain. This road continues until an open field-like area, with two large masts. These masts can be seen from Kigali center, and seem to be essentially on the highest point of the mountain. Mission accomplished!
However, on the far side of the field I noticed a fence and a sentry: that is where the military camp begins. I walked back down the path about 100 meters (headed south), and then turned left, cutting through the forest, which is quite impressive at this point - a nice leaf litter, banks of moss in some places. The forest is well managed, and quite easy to hike through. After 200-300 meters I came upon a good-quality road. This runs along the side of the mountain, on the city side of the mountain, just below the top of the ridge. Take this road, heading north - so the city center is on your right, and the top of the mountain on your left. The road continues to rise for a while - you may espy the antennae again, and you will half-see some of the huts of the army huts in the trees. Just keep going: the road flattens out, and then begins to go down - there are open patches of grass, pine trees, macrocarpa, eucalyptus, and various shrubs, all very pleasant.
Eventually the road returns to civilization - first a house or two, then more and more. The algorithm is simple: follow the road down hill, and as it becomes bigger and more important. There are lots of people, including cheerful kids, and the views of central Kigali are absolutely wonderful. [I'd post a photo, but the day was a bit hazy.] Eventually you will go down far enough that you can catch a motorbike taxi, or even a real taxi, or you can walk back into the center of Kigali.
The Google map is not helpful. But you can't really get lost. And once you have done this once, you will want to do it again. I'll be back in Kigali in a few months, and expect to have no trouble persuading my wife to join me on this adventure!
Written January 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K K
Hamburg, Germany302 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
This is a nice walk to do on a Sunday morning. The views of Kigali are hit or miss depending on the weather. I was not blown away by the views, but I really liked walking through a more residential area. There are women selling baskets made out of plastic packing strips on your way up, they were a unique souvenir that you won't find in the markets or shops.
Written November 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva
Boston, MA9 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
This is a walk through a village in Kigali to the top of a hill, not really a hike. Pay attention to navigation. Good views, and cool to see the landscape change as we walked higher. I followed reviews online, had my friends meet me at Sun City Hotel and used google maps to navigate up to the cafe at the top of the hill early on a Monday morning.
Notes
- I don't recommend using Sun City Hotel as a rendezvous point as I did- many rowdy people around from the night before even at 8am.
- Definitely have google maps downloaded and the start/finish location saved
- If you get lost, ask for help on the street. Rwandans were so helpful when we were confused.
- I read online somewhere to do this hike early in the morning, and then have a soda at the top. But Cafe was closed when I got there. Don't rely on them (as we did) to be able to call you a taxi ride down.
- If you want to get a ride down, the taxi will be $20 US because they have to come up the hill. Better to take a boda boda or walk down.
Notes
- I don't recommend using Sun City Hotel as a rendezvous point as I did- many rowdy people around from the night before even at 8am.
- Definitely have google maps downloaded and the start/finish location saved
- If you get lost, ask for help on the street. Rwandans were so helpful when we were confused.
- I read online somewhere to do this hike early in the morning, and then have a soda at the top. But Cafe was closed when I got there. Don't rely on them (as we did) to be able to call you a taxi ride down.
- If you want to get a ride down, the taxi will be $20 US because they have to come up the hill. Better to take a boda boda or walk down.
Written February 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
helen t
Phuket, Thailand92 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
I took a guide to do birdwatching (Birding and Educational Tours Rwanda) and it was wonderful. The roads are rough (it was dry but in the rain it would be a challenge!). Lots of local kids out sheperding thier goats who don't expect to see a white face so run away giggling. Local miners digging for minerals by hand, great views, not difficult walking if you drive to the top ;). Loads of birds and great views. Walking boots or sturdy shoes.
Written October 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Henri M
25 contributions
Jul 2018
It was a really nice hike, however I would not recommend to do it alone as quite hard to find the correct route. Would recommend to hire a guide (you can google and find some) as then the hike much easier. People on the mountain very kind and the hike is not too demanding. Views from the top are great.
Written October 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brittany_11_10
Los Angeles, CA1,769 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Mount Kigali is hardly a mountain, but it's a nice place for a little walk up a hill. If you have your own wheels, you can park in the lot at Amahoro Stadium (which should be empty if there are no games), and then just start walking up the road. This should be obvious since there's only one way to walk "up" the road. Then, you should start seeing signs for Fazenda Sengha. Just follow those up until you reach "the top" (again, this should be pretty obvious, since you won't be able to walk up anymore).
From there, you can enjoy the views of Kigali, which are lovely, and walk down the "back side", or walk on the trail to the left of the tiny village at the top of the hill. If you go right, you'll be able to walk on a nice little dirt road in the bush, but then you'll come to a military base and you'll have to turn around.
You can make it as long or as short as you want, really, and just enjoy the views and saying hello ("maramutse" in the morning or "miriwe" in the afternoon) to the villagers. It's really pretty easy, like I said, I wouldn't remotely call it a mountain, so don't feel like you need provisions as if you're actually doing a strenuous hike.
Would recommend for a little stroll in a pretty area that offers great views from the top, and would do it again.
From there, you can enjoy the views of Kigali, which are lovely, and walk down the "back side", or walk on the trail to the left of the tiny village at the top of the hill. If you go right, you'll be able to walk on a nice little dirt road in the bush, but then you'll come to a military base and you'll have to turn around.
You can make it as long or as short as you want, really, and just enjoy the views and saying hello ("maramutse" in the morning or "miriwe" in the afternoon) to the villagers. It's really pretty easy, like I said, I wouldn't remotely call it a mountain, so don't feel like you need provisions as if you're actually doing a strenuous hike.
Would recommend for a little stroll in a pretty area that offers great views from the top, and would do it again.
Written July 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mugaju m
Musanze District, Rwanda
hi am uwera consolatrice ineed to get your contact
Written November 25, 2019
rhodeahlonsou
Kigali, Rwanda
Can one hike on Mount Kigali on a Sunday?
What are thé main attractions besides hiking - e.g. I heard we could do horses?
Thanks for your responses
Written December 8, 2017
Yes you may hike on Mt Kigali on Sunday. I also heard that there are horses in the area that you can ride but I do not know if this is true. My guide, Patrick, would probably know. His contact information is in the review of Mt Kigali that I wrote on Trip Advisor. Good luck and have fun!
Thomas
Written December 8, 2017
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