Kigali International Airport: Gateway to Rwanda for Gorilla and Wildlife Safaris

Kigali International Airport: Gateway to Rwanda for Gorilla and Wildlife Safaris

Kigali International Airport: Gateway to Rwanda for Gorilla and Wildlife Safaris

Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the principal airport of Rwanda, strategically located in the capital city of Kigali. Known for its efficiency and customer service, the airport serves as the main entry point for visitors exploring the beauty of Rwanda, including tourists going on safaris, business travelers, and transit passengers en route to other parts of Africa. If you’re planning a trip to this East African gem, here’s everything you need to know about Kigali International Airport.

Kigali International Airport, formerly known as Gregoire Kayibanda International Airport, was built in the 1970s and has undergone multiple renovations and upgrades over the years to meet international standards. The airport boasts modern infrastructure and facilities that ensure a seamless experience for travelers. It serves as the hub for RwandAir, Rwanda’s national carrier, which offers flights to destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

One of the airport’s key strengths is its strategic location. Just a 10-minute drive from the city center, Kigali International Airport is incredibly accessible, making it a preferred option for both international and domestic travelers.

Kigali International Airport: Gateway to Rwanda for Gorilla and Wildlife Safaris
Kigali International Airport: Gateway to Rwanda for Gorilla and Wildlife Safaris

 Facilities and Services

Kigali International Airport offers a range of services designed to enhance the passenger experience. From comfortable lounges for business travelers to duty-free shopping and restaurants that serve both international and local cuisine, the airport provides plenty of amenities. A highlight is the VIP lounge, which is often praised for its quality service and relaxed ambiance.

Travelers will also find free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport, convenient currency exchange services, and various car rental options. Additionally, there are taxi services and hotel shuttle connections readily available for those heading into the city.

Security and Efficiency

Kigali International Airport is known for its stringent security protocols and efficient management, ensuring that passengers feel safe at all times. The airport authorities have implemented modern security measures, including advanced screening technologies, to maintain high safety standards. This reputation for safety and efficiency contributes significantly to the airport’s growing popularity among international travelers.

In addition to its security measures, the airport’s efficient check-in and boarding processes are often praised by passengers. Lines tend to move quickly, and staff are known for their professionalism and friendliness.

Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda
Kigali Internation airport

Airlines and Destinations

The airport serves a wide range of airlines including RwandAir, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways. RwandAir, in particular, offers frequent flights to major African cities like Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos, and Accra, as well as international destinations such as London, Dubai, and Brussels.

As Kigali International Airport continues to expand its global network, it plays a crucial role in connecting Rwanda to the world. Whether you’re flying in for a safari in the Volcanoes National Park or heading to a business meeting, the airport offers numerous flight options to suit every traveler’s needs.

Future Developments

Plans are already in motion for a new airport, Bugesera International Airport, which will eventually complement and replace Kigali International Airport. Located about 25 kilometers southeast of Kigali, Bugesera is set to become the largest airport in Rwanda, designed to accommodate the increasing volume of air traffic.

For now, however, remains the primary air gateway to Rwanda. The government continues to invest in improving its services and infrastructure, ensuring it remains competitive with other airports in the region.

Kigali International Airport is more than just a travel hub; it’s the starting point for incredible journeys into Rwanda’s scenic landscapes, wildlife safaris, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re flying in for leisure or business, the airport’s modern amenities, efficient services, and strategic location make it an ideal gateway to the heart of Africa.

Aerolink reviews their routing

Aerolink reviews their routing - Flying safaris and tours - Chattered flights.

Aerolink reviews their routing – Flying safaris and tours – Chattered flights.

First inside air firm to support planned interior flights to Uganda National Parks is Aerolink Uganda. They started a business in 2013 and have made a great name for themselves in Uganda. First running regular flights to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park landing at Kihihi Airstrip and Kisoro for the northern and southern sectors of the forest respectively, this Kenyan firm subsequently launched flights to Queen Elizabeth National Park landing at Mweya and Kasese Airstrip.

They reach Pakuba and Bugungu Airstrip in Murchison Falls National Park. All these were daily flights from and to Entebbe.

They later expanded their path to Kidepo National Park and Semiliki National Park as business developed. Their efforts did, in fact, lessen the monopoly Fly Uganda had created by means of competition brought about by their entrance into the market, therefore lowering prices.

Aerolink decided to make sure that for all those who wish to fly to Murchison Falls National Park must do so on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with set conditions which include: There must be a minimum number of four people booked and confirmed and all flights must happen in the afternoon as business kept on shaping.

Anyone wishing to travel on any other day has to apply minimum seven times. The same is true of individuals who would like to travel to Kidepo National Park. This has hampered Uganda Tour companies who cannot raise a minimum of four individuals and connecting customers to fly on the designated dates is not easy.

The good news is that they have at least maintained two regular flights to Kihihi as well as Kasese Airstrip and have never raised their flight rates since their launch. Starting Entebbe Airport at 7:30 a.m., the morning flight arrives to Kihihi or Kasese one hour later.

Aerolink reviews their routing - Flying safaris and tours - Chattered flights.

The afternoon flight leaves Entebbe at 15:30 p.m. and lands Kihihi or Kasese at 13:45 hours. For those leaving Kihihi to Entebbe, the craft departs Kihihi at 9:45 am and arrives in Entebbe at 11:20hrs. Afternoon flights leave Kihihi at 14:30 and arrive in Entebbe at 15:30 hours.

Contact Katland safaris who will be in position to book you a fly in safari at reasonable rates, check and let you know the available seats and then advise you whether you can connect to your destination on the first or last day.

Those interested in flying to the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives should contact Katland safaris. Should you book a fly-in safari with us, we, as tour operators, are kindly happy to split some commission with you.

For any updates on Aerolink planned flights, do not hesitate to contact us directly; should you be happy with our service, kindly forward us to your family and friends.