Taxis from Kigali International to the city center take about 20–30 minutes. Kigali is very safe by African capital standards.
Things to do at Kigali International Airport (KGL)
Kigali International AirportKGL
At the airport
Things to do in Kigali International Airport
Kigali is Africa's cleanest, safest, and most orderly capital — a city that has rebuilt itself into a model of reconciliation and development from the 1994 genocide. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is one of the most important and moving historical sites on the continent — mandatory for understanding Rwanda's history and recovery. Beyond the memorial, Kigali's Kimironko market, contemporary art scene, and excellent restaurants make it a genuinely pleasant capital.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Kigali International Airport
- Gorilla trekking permits (for Volcanoes National Park, 2 hours north) cost $1,500 and must be booked months in advance through Rwanda Development Board.
- Rwanda's first Sunday of each month (Umuganda) sees most businesses close for a national community service morning — plan accordingly.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at KGL
1 Sanctifly partner lounge at Kigali International Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestPearl Lounge (Departures)
At Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Kigali, Rwanda, the Pearl Lounge (Departures) is a convenient airport lounge option for travelers flying from the Main Terminal. This lounge is located airside, so you’ll find it only after you’ve cleared Passport Control in the departures area. Continue onward but note that it is positioned before the final Security Checkpoint, making it an ideal place to pause, recharge, and get organized before proceeding to the last screening step. To reach the Pearl Lounge easily, follow the flow of departing passengers through Passport Control, then walk past the Duty Free Shops. The lounge is situated next to Gate 1, clearly placed along the main airside route. If you’re heading to Gate 1 or browsing the duty-free area, you’re already very close. This straightforward location makes it simple to fit a lounge visit into your travel plan at Kigali International Airport without backtracking or confusion.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.