Twin rooms:
$100
2-bedroom apartments:
$120
Travel & Housing
Flight and hotel guide for your travel to Kigali
Getting to Kigali
Arrival Timing
Recommended Arrival: July 8th or earlier
Give yourself at least one full day to rest, acclimate to the city, and maybe do an activity before our first event on July 9th. This will help you adjust to the time zone and enjoy the celebrations to the fullest!
Getting to your Hotel
Prior to your flight, reach out to your hotel to arrange transportation from the airport. Most cab drivers in Kigali do not speak English, so leaving the airport could be difficult. That is why we recommend getting an eSIM or SIM card that is active upon arrival in case anything goes wrong.
Booking Your Flight
Best Time to Book
The earlier the better
Airport
Kigali International Airport (KGL)
Flights from the United States
Flights from the United States typically route through one of these European hubs: Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA).
Preparing for Travel
Travel Documentation
Passport Requirement
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Rwanda.
Visitor Visa
US citizens need a visitor visa, which costs $50 USD and can be obtained upon arrival at the airport. Payment must be in cash.
Official Rwanda Visa InformationCash & Currency
Bring new $100 USD bills for the best exchange rates. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of hotels and upscale restaurants, so plan to use cash for most purchases. Between shopping and transportation expenses, an average couple should plan to bring around $1000 USD. You should not exchange it all at once, but getting new cash while you are in the country is near impossible, so it is better to err on the side of caution.
Health & Medical
CDC Recommended Vaccines
Routine vaccines: Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, Flu (influenza), Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), Polio, Shingles
Additional recommended: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Typhoid
Malaria Medicine Tip
Consider getting malaria prophylaxis medicine in Rwanda rather than the US - it's significantly cheaper and readily available at pharmacies.
Weather in July
Temperature
Expect pleasant temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (16-27°C). July is during Rwanda's dry season, so it's one of the best times to visit!
Weather Conditions
July is characterized by clear, sunny skies with very little rainfall. It's the dry season, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
What to Pack
Light layers for daytime, a warm jacket for evenings (especially at higher elevations), sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes.
Lodging Options
We encourage you to find a lodging option that works for you and your needs. Here are some options to get you started.
Ndaru Luxury Suites
Stay here if you want easy access to a running track, tennis court, and yoga studio
Room Rates
(July 8-12, 2026)
How to Book
WhatsApp: +250784448013
Remember to mention booking code: "Ndaru 2026 July" to receive discounted rates for July 8-12.
Other Suggested Hotels
Kigali has numerous hotels, these are a few favorites of ours. If they do not fit your needs, reach out and we are happy to share more options.
Onomo Hotel Kigali
Affordable with classic hotel amenities and close to the city center.
Rates starting from $120 per night
Using Your Phone in Rwanda
If your cell phone plan is not meant for global travel and you do not want to pay the daily international fee to your carrier, consider either getting an eSIM or a Rwandan SIM card.
eSIM
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that will allow you to have mobile phone and internet coverage while you are in Rwanda. It is easy because it allows users to not have to swap out the physical SIM card in their phone. However, before proceeding, please ensure your phone is compatible with the provider you choose.
Benefits: No physical SIM card and allows you to keep your US number active for calls and texts.
Drawbacks: Requires installation process and is more expensive.
Example Providers: Airalo, Holafly, Nomad
Cost: For one week of travel it will cost anywhere from $6 (1GB) to $53.50 (unlimited).
How to Install
1. Buy the data plan.
2. Follow steps from the provider on how to install. Here is an example for iPhones for Airalo: Airalo iPhone install instructions.
3. Turn data roaming on for the eSIM line when you want to start using it, and ensure the US line is off for data roaming. For iPhone users this is Settings -> Cellular.
Recommendation
Buy the eSIM either right before you leave for the trip or while you are in layover during the trip. Kigali airport WiFi is spotty and if you need internet access while going through customs, it would be nice to turn it on as soon as you land. Do not activate it before you land. The clock for the subscription starts the second it is turned on.
SIM Card
This is the physical card that can be swapped in and out based on the provider to which you subscribe.
Benefits: Cheap and easy to install.
Drawbacks: Risk losing your original SIM card and you do not get to use your US mobile number in the background. Can only buy in airport using cash.
Provider: MTN
Cost: $0.80 for 7GB for one week.
How to Install
1. After clearing customs at the airport find the MTN shop near the ATM and rental cars.
2. Buy your plan using Rwandan cash.
3. Swap SIMs and restart phone. Your US number will not work while the new SIM card is inserted.
Questions About Travel?
If you have any questions about travel arrangements, accommodations, or need help planning your trip to Rwanda, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help make your journey as smooth as possible!
Email: glo.umutoni@gmail.com, syverjohansen@gmail.com
Phone: +1 (571) 208-7778, +1 (952) 457-9825
WhatsApp Group: Join our wedding WhatsApp group