Thing to do
Kimironko Market
Kigali's busiest market, a large covered complex in Kimironko selling fresh produce, kitenge fabric, crafts and household goods, with tailors working on site.
Kigali Car Free Day
Twice-monthly Sunday mornings when Kigali closes streets to cars for walking, running, cycling and group exercise, with free health checks.
At a glance
- Type
- Community sports event
- Area
- Kigali, Rwanda
Good to know
- Free
- Group exercise
- Free health screening
Why we recommend it
Car Free Day is one of the most distinctive things to experience in Kigali. On two Sunday mornings a month, selected streets are closed to motor traffic and handed over to people on foot, bikes and skates. It began in 2016 as a monthly event and was later doubled; South Africa's Sunday Times reported in 2025 that the city estimated around 10,000 people take part each time, and that the event had spread to streets in four districts.
The atmosphere is that of a giant, friendly outdoor gym. Coaches lead warm-up sessions and mass aerobics, and residents walk, jog, cycle, skate and play football and table tennis in the street. In 2026 KT Press described events in Kicukiro running between Sonatube and IPRC-Kigali, with walking, running, cycling, aerobics and gymnastics, and a government minister joining in.
There is a public health purpose behind it. Health workers set up stations offering free voluntary screening for non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and high blood sugar, with advice on healthier habits. The city also promotes the day as a way to cut vehicle emissions and improve air quality, and it reflects the wider push to make Kigali greener and easier to walk.
For visitors it is a chance to join in rather than watch. Anyone can take part: turn up in sports clothes, bring water and join a group session or simply walk the closed roads. The Sunday Times put the closures at 7am to 10am, so arrive early, before it gets hot. In February 2026 The New Times listed gathering points at the Kigali Convention Centre roundabout, IPRC Kigali in Kicukiro, ULK in Gisozi and Kigali Pelé Stadium in Nyarugenge. Routes and dates are announced by the City of Kigali, so ask your hotel which Sundays are coming up and where the main gatherings will be.
Car Free Day suits families, runners and anyone curious about daily life in the city. It is free, takes up a morning, and leaves the rest of Sunday for a late breakfast in one of the city's cafés. Remember that traffic is diverted during these hours, so plan any airport transfers or longer journeys accordingly.
If you are in Kigali on the last Saturday of the month instead, you will notice the quiet of Umuganda community work, another civic tradition worth understanding.
Kigali Car Free Day FAQs
When is Kigali Car Free Day?
On two Sunday mornings each month; the City of Kigali announces dates and routes.
What time does it run?
Reported closures run from about 7am to 10am.
Can tourists take part?
Yes, anyone can join in; there is no charge.
What activities are there?
Walking, running, cycling, skating, aerobics and group exercise sessions led by coaches.
Are there health checks?
Yes, free voluntary screening for conditions such as high blood pressure and high blood sugar is usually offered.
When did it start?
In 2016, initially once a month.
Where are the main gathering points?
Recent events have used the Kigali Convention Centre roundabout, IPRC Kigali, ULK Gisozi and Kigali Pelé Stadium.
Will roads be closed?
Yes, selected streets close to cars, so allow for diversions if you are travelling that morning.