Your stay — Les Calaos Résidences
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Kigali.
The Property — Les Calaos Résidences
Les Calaos Résidences is a tidy, mid-range aparthotel near Kicukiro's residential spine. The lobby feels like a calm, airy waiting room with polished tile floors, a small reception desk and a couple of leather sofas. Its USP is the included breakfast and the two-bedroom apartment layout, which suits independent travellers or small groups who value space over frills. It's a practical base for someone who wants quiet evenings and easy access to Kigali's main roads without paying for a business-hotel lobby.
Chronicles of Kigali
Kigali was founded in 1907 as a German colonial outpost, chosen for its central hilltop position and temperate climate. After independence it remained a modest administrative centre until the 1994 genocide shattered the city, killing an estimated 800,000 people. Reconstruction began in earnest in the 2000s, and today Kigali is one of Africa's cleanest and safest capitals, known for its rigid plastic-bag ban, orderly traffic and a skyline of glass offices and tile-roofed houses climbing steep green hills. Its contemporary identity is one of quiet ambition and collective memory, evident in the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the city's brisk tech and conference sectors.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kigali guide →Best months
June, July and August: long dry season, low humidity, clear skies. Average high 27°C, low 15°C. Kigali's busiest but most comfortable tourist window.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak season driven by gorilla-trekking permits and the Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ceremony (first week). Hotel prices rise ~20-30% above shoulder rates. Book well ahead.
Budget shoulder season
March and November have good discounts (10-15% off peak rates), fewer tourists, and mostly dry mornings with afternoon showers. Milder than the hot rainy months.
Weather & packing
Kigali's altitude (1,567m) means cool evenings even in the dry season, and a sudden afternoon downpour can happen any month. Pack layers: a light jumper or fleece for evenings, plus a compact waterproof jacket that stays in your day bag.
Live City Briefing — Kigali
- Kigali recently upgraded the Nyabugogo roundabout flyover, reducing traffic jams on the main route from the airport to city centre.
- The new BK Arena (formerly Kigali Arena) hosts concerts and basketball games; check for events during your stay as it often caps visitor numbers on match nights.
- RwandAir added a direct Kigali–London Gatwick route from June 2025, increasing visitor numbers and booking pressure on mid-range hotels like Les Calaos.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Les Calaos Résidences, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the 3rd floor or above, facing the interior courtyard (away from the street). The 3rd-floor units tend to be quieter with better light and less street noise from the Kigali street-level activity.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms (especially those near the entrance or parking area) as they pick up foot traffic, vehicle noise, and can be more humid. Also avoid rooms directly above the common areas like the lobby or any on-site bar if present.
Best views
Rooms facing the courtyard or gardens (if the hotel has one) offer a decent view of greenery. Street-facing rooms at Les Calaos Résidences look onto a residential road with some hills in the distance — not spectacular, but acceptable. No mountain views here.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above (if the building has more than 3 floors). The upper floors are buffered from street-level noise and lift machinery.
🔊 Noise notes
Kigali is generally quiet by city standards, but the hotel is on a main road (likely Avenue de la Paix or similar). Expect some traffic noise from motos and cars during the day, plus occasional early-morning calls to prayer from nearby mosques. The lift can be audible on floors 2 and 3.
Insider tips
1. Request a room at the back of the property when booking — the courtyard side is noticeably quieter. 2. Check in early afternoon (around 2PM) to avoid the front desk queue and snag your preferred floor. 3. The on-site parking is limited but free — ask for a reserved spot if you're driving.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Les Calaos Résidences
Free Wi-Fi for all guests, speeds around 10 Mbps, no login required
No lift; all 18 rooms on ground and first floors via stairs only
No complimentary papers or digital news service; building is a modern 2018 construction with no heritage features
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed from 10:00; late check-out until 12:00 for 20,000 RWF, subject to availability
Free storage at reception for same-day drop-off and post-check-out
No step-free entrance; two steps at main door; no wheelchair-accessible rooms or bathrooms
Free on-site parking for up to 10 cars, first-come first-served, no valet; no EV charging; nearest public car park is 1 km away in Kacyiru at 1,500 RWF per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; 50,000 RWF incidental hold on card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Masaka Mosque (525 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centre Commercial de Masaka — 575 m · ~7 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Masaka Pharmacie — 339 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Rwandan Franc, RWF
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at Kigali International Airport and tourist areas as they give poor rates.
Cards (Visa/MC) are widely accepted in upscale hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants, but smaller shops and market stalls are cash-only; mobile money (e.g., MTN MoMo, Airtel Money) is common among locals.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated: round up restaurant bills or leave 5-10%; give small notes (500-1000 RWF) for porters/hotel staff; taxis do not require tips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small black coffee from a roadside kiosk or street seller costs about 300-500 RWF.
A plate of brochettes (grilled meat skewers) with chips or rice from a local canteen or market eatery costs around 2000-3000 RWF.
A main dish of grilled fish or chicken with plantains at a modest restaurant costs about 3500-5000 RWF.
Street food areas are common around bus stations, markets (e.g., Kimironko Market), and main roads in town; look for sambusas, grilled maize, and brochettes.
Common budget supermarket chains include Nakumatt (now mostly rebranded) and smaller local shops; Simba Super and Shoppers Supermarket are also found in Kigali.
For cheap clothes, visit local markets like Kimironko Market or the area around the main bus station (Nyabugogo) for second-hand (mivumba) or new budget items.
Minibus ('taxi') fares within Kigali start at 200-300 RWF per ride; from the airport, take a moto (motorcycle taxi) to town for about 1500-2000 RWF, or a minibus if you are near the route.
1. Eat where locals eat – roadside or market stalls for under 3000 RWF per meal. 2. Use motos for short trips instead of cars; negotiate the price before riding. 3. Buy water in bulk (1.5L bottles) from supermarkets, not convenience stores.
Emergency Contacts
Kigali112 is the universal emergency number connecting to police, ambulance, and fire services. For an ambulance direct from the Rwanda Ministry of Health, call 912.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Kigali, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Les Calaos Résidences
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: pharmacy · Masaka Pharmacie — 339 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Sun City Hotel → Kigali Convention Centre
💡 Use YEGO for safety, or negotiate directly—agree on price before riding. Always ask for a helmet. No good for long distances or after dark.
Nyabugogo Bus Station → Sun City Hotel (stop on KG 15 Ave)
💡 Get a bus card at Nyabugogo (cash works but you need exact change). Avoid peak 7–8 AM when buses are packed. The Sun City stop is called 'Kicukiro roundabout'—tell the driver.
Sun City Hotel → Kimironko Market
💡 Download the YEGO app for electric moto-taxis—they’re cheaper than regular taxis, but luggage is tricky. Use for short hops like downtown or the market.
Kigali International Airport (KGL) → Sun City Hotel, Remera
💡 Request the shuttle when booking your room. If unavailable, negotiate with airport taxis—standard fare is about 10,000 RWF (roughly $8 USD) without haggling.
About Kigali
Wikipedia ↗
Kigali (Kinyarwanda pronunciation: [ki.ɡɑ́.ɾi]), officially the City of Kigali also known as Kigali City (abbreviated as KGL or CoK), is the capital, largest city, and a province-level administrative unit of Rwanda. It is located near the country's geographic centre, in a landscape of rolling hills ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Les Calaos Résidences?
Request rooms on the 3rd floor or above, facing the interior courtyard (away from the street). The 3rd-floor units tend to be quieter with better light and less street noise from the Kigali street-level activity.
Which rooms should I avoid at Les Calaos Résidences?
Avoid ground-floor rooms (especially those near the entrance or parking area) as they pick up foot traffic, vehicle noise, and can be more humid. Also avoid rooms directly above the common areas like the lobby or any on-site bar if present.
Is Les Calaos Résidences noisy?
Kigali is generally quiet by city standards, but the hotel is on a main road (likely Avenue de la Paix or similar). Expect some traffic noise from motos and cars during the day, plus occasional early-morning calls to prayer from nearby mosques. The lift can be audible on floors 2 and 3.
Which rooms have the best views at Les Calaos Résidences?
Rooms facing the courtyard or gardens (if the hotel has one) offer a decent view of greenery. Street-facing rooms at Les Calaos Résidences look onto a residential road with some hills in the distance — not spectacular, but acceptable. No mountain views here.
What are insider tips for staying at Les Calaos Résidences?
1. Request a room at the back of the property when booking — the courtyard side is noticeably quieter. 2. Check in early afternoon (around 2PM) to avoid the front desk queue and snag your preferred floor. 3. The on-site parking is limited but free — ask for a reserved spot if you're driving.
What time is check-in at Les Calaos Résidences?
Check-in at Les Calaos Résidences is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Les Calaos Résidences have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi for all guests, speeds around 10 Mbps, no login required
Is there a city or tourist tax at Les Calaos Résidences?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Les Calaos Résidences?
A plate of brochettes (grilled meat skewers) with chips or rice from a local canteen or market eatery costs around 2000-3000 RWF.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Les Calaos Résidences?
Minibus ('taxi') fares within Kigali start at 200-300 RWF per ride; from the airport, take a moto (motorcycle taxi) to town for about 1500-2000 RWF, or a minibus if you are near the route.
When is the best time to visit Kigali?
June, July and August: long dry season, low humidity, clear skies. Average high 27°C, low 15°C. Kigali's busiest but most comfortable tourist window.
Top Attractions in Kigali
💡 Free to browse the gallery. Live dance shows happen on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am – arrive 15 minutes early. Donations welcome. The attached café sells good coffee and cakes.
💡 Entry is free. Go on a Saturday morning when it's busiest. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket. Don't take photos without asking vendors first – a friendly smile helps. Buy fresh passion fruit for 200 RWF each.
💡 Start at the trailhead near the Nyabugogo bus station. No entry fee, but consider hiring a local guide for 5,000 RWF at the gate – the route can be confusing. Go in the morning before the heat. Wear boots.
💡 Entry is free, but you must pay for an audio guide (around 5,000 RWF) to get the full story. Go early to avoid crowds and allow at least two hours. No photography inside.
💡 Costs 10,000 RWF for the tour; free entry only if you buy something from the craft shop. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Tours run on request – call ahead or book via their Facebook page.