Kigali - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is a good city for people that just had a baby or are planning to have one. Nannies are available, houses are big with big yards, neighborhoods are quite, the city is clean and life is very quite. In Kagugu for example nannies had formed an informal playgroup with all babies and kids coming together everyday in each other houses, providing a space for socialization and play. It is not a good city for single people or couples. Really not much to do. - Oct 2023
This is a very family-friendly post, although there isn't a ton to do here with kids, it's easy to make your own fun. It's geared more toward younger kids; high school-aged kids are fewer and far between and some families with older kids have sent them to boarding school. There also seems to be a good scene for singles. - Aug 2023
It’s more of a family post. - Jan 2022
Single people might have a harder time in Kigali than couples or those with children b/c Kigali is a "family" post (i.e., most people have children). Couples who like getting out of the city and hiking in Musanze, game driving in Akagera, kayaking on Lake Kivu, etc., should do fine here as well. - Jul 2020
Kigali is, in my opinion, best for families with younger kids. Couples who want to spend time in Africa but aren't sure they can handle Africa will also find Kigali is a great home base. The life is relaxing, things are safe, the weather is great. Singles might find it a bit boring. Older kids might find high school doesn't give them the activities they want. - Sep 2019
It is great for families! There are so many school options, and activities for kids to do. - Jun 2018
Singles don't seem to love it here. There just isn't enough to entertain them. Couples do ok, but not great. Kigali is really a family post. There are tons of kids and a lot of the social activities center around getting kids together. - Dec 2017
I think it is good for anybody. There's a good young crowd, and also a good school community. - Jan 2017
Good for families; I think it might be quiet for singles, though the singles at the Embassies do seem to hang out together and have built a community. - Apr 2016
All of the above although nightlife can be a bit sleepy. - Oct 2014
I think it's a great place for everyone. But it might be a bit sleepy for singles looking a nightlife scene. - Jul 2014
I think overall it is great for all. - Sep 2013
Kigali is best for families with small children. There is always a family BBQ on the weekends, and room for kids to play. Families with older kids will have a more difficult time, as extracurriculars are limited and Kigali is a quiet place. Couples will do well with dinner parties and the restaurant scene, but it can definitely get boring if you want a variety of other things to do. Male and female singles seem to fare very well here, dating both locals and expats, despite there only being half a dozen or so bar/clubs in town. - May 2012
This is a very, very boring city. There are no parks for families, no movie theaters. - Apr 2012
Yes. Not alot of night life for singles, but there are many things to do depending how outgoing you are. - Jul 2011
This is a good city for adventurous people, whether with or without children. You should definitely get out of the city every weekend to see something exotic. - Oct 2010
Our family has enjoyed our posting here, lately the dynamics of the expat community have changed, leaving less youth and more young families, couples and singles. There is very little night life, but it can be found. - Jan 2010
Yes, yes and yes. I enjoyed myself there and many people I knew enjoyed themselves as well, though there are limited activities available though it is improving. - Sep 2008
Kigali does not have malls, movie houses, theme parks, and/or franchise restaurants that are comprobable to that of the United States. Thus families and couples must find other venues of entertainment such as the limited sports clubs, nature hikes, and eating at the limited restaurants in town. Singles have three choices: 1) Don't date, 2) Associate with the expat community,and/or 3) Date from the local community. - Aug 2008
