Hotel Okapi Kigali

Hotel Okapi in Rwanda Kigali Town was the only hotel I booked in advance for my trip to Rwanda. I was arriving in Kigali at 7:30am.

Through e-mail, I had asked if they could arrange a taxi to meet me at the airport (their website says they do this) and if my room could be ready that early.

On arrival, a very friendly taxi driver was waiting for me with sign in hand. It cost $20 USD but as the airport is quite a way from the city-centre, I found it worth it.

On arrival to the hotel, the staff was very friendly and helpful, and my room was ready for me. In most places, I think you would have to pay extra to have a room ready at 8:00am, but not at Okapi.

My single room cost $40 USD/night (without breakfast). A staff member carried my heavy bag up to the third floor (there is no lift), and was very gracious when I explained I didn't have money for a tip (I remembered him later that day once I had changed some money over).

Note: Okapi does not accept credit cards.

Other Hotels and Lodges 

My room was basic, average size, clean, with a large bed, TV and balcony, and there was plenty of hot water.

There is a restaurant on the main level (which I didn't try) and one computer with free internet access for guests.

The hotel is very near the city centre, within easy walking distance of the ORTPN/RDB office, Hotel des Milles Collines, the Nakumatt (grocery store) and bus station.

The taxi driver who picked me up at the airport works out of the Okapi Hotel and can take you to most places around town or further (negotiate a price before you go).

He took me to the genocide memorial sites in Ntarama and Nyamate as well as the one in Kigali.