Kigali

As of May 2026, Kigali has 998 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 2% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Kigali generates RWF4.8M per year. High-performing properties earn RWF21.4M/year, while low-performing properties earn RWF1.3M/year. This massive revenue disparity highlights a market polarized between premium assets capturing specialized demand and a significant portion of inventory struggling to maintain consistent bookings.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Kigali. Average annual revenue is RWF4.8M with 15% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to RWF21.4M/year. These figures reflect an environment where profitability is highly concentrated, suggesting that the top-tier segment operates under distinct economic drivers compared to the broader market average.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Kigali is 15%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of RWF102K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of RWF11K per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Kigali, with annual revenue of RWF5.3M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Kigali market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Kigali area. Kigali: Lenient. No specific short-term rental regulations or licensing requirements currently exist. Properties must comply with general business registration and tax obligations through Rwanda Development Board. Tourism facilities may need Rwanda Tourism Board certification. Minimal enforcement of short-term rentals specifically. Most hosts operate through platforms like Airbnb without dedicated STR oversight or restrictions. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Kigali Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 2% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 26%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The sharp decline in revenue despite minimal supply contraction points to an underlying softening in aggregate traveler spending power within the city.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -30% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (June-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Kigali listings include: Kitchen (92%), Tv (84%), Washing Machine (76%), Balcony (57%), Parking (34%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Air Conditioning, Washing Machine, Gym, with Air Conditioning properties earning approximately 70% more (RWF27.7M/year vs RWF16.3M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Kigali over the last 12 months: May: RWF233K, June: RWF286K, July: RWF363K, August: RWF399K, September: RWF323K, October: RWF328K, November: RWF347K, December: RWF426K, January: RWF330K, February: RWF271K, March: RWF299K, April: RWF265K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Kigali is RWF102K, up 12% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average RWF73K/night, 2-bedroom properties average RWF106K/night, 3-bedroom properties average RWF139K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average RWF249K/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in May.

Guests in Kigali book an average of 16 days in advance, down 31% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 15 days, 2-bedroom: 17 days, 3-bedroom: 17 days, 4+ bedroom: 20 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Kigali Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 2%, revenue per listing decreased 26%, occupancy fell 12%, average nightly rates increased 12%, and lead time decreased 31%. Shortened lead times alongside rising rates suggest a shift toward more reactive, last-minute booking patterns by remaining travelers.

In Kigali, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 6% higher occupancy than weekdays.