Kids Fun Places — kids' days out, checked by parents

Kandt House Museum in Nyarugenge, Kigali: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide

Museums and history in Nyarugenge, Kigali

Kandt House Museum

Photo: Auto-generated feature card

Kandt House is a compact, affordable museum that works well for children who like animals. The live reptiles are the main draw, and the colonial history is a bonus for adults. Expect a simple, old-fashioned museum experience.

📍 Location
KN 90 St, Kigali, Rwanda, Nyarugenge, Kigali, Nyarugenge

What is Kandt House Museum?

Kandt House Museum is housed in a colonial-era building and covers Rwanda’s natural history and early colonial period. The highlight for children is the live reptile collection, which includes snakes and a baby crocodile (viewing requires an extra fee). The museum is small enough to explore in an hour, and the grounds offer views over Kigali. Entry is inexpensive, making it a good low-cost option.

Heritage site managed by Rwanda Heritage; entry fees support maintenance.

Family cost snapshot: RWF 10,000 for 2 resident adults + 2 resident childrenResident adults RWF 4,000 each. Resident children (5–12 years) RWF 1,000 each. Non-resident families pay RWF 10,000 for the same group (4,000 × 2 adults + 1,000 × 2 children). Food, activities and rentals are extra.

Kandt House Museum ticket prices 2026

Visitor typeAdultChild (5–12 years)
Kenya / East African residentRWF 4,000RWF 1,000
Non-residentRWF 4,000RWF 1,000

Adult entry approx. 4,000–5,000 RWF; child/student approx. 1,000 RWF. Reptile viewing may carry a small extra fee.

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AdultsAdult rate
ChildrenAges 5–12 years
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Estimates only, based on the rates above. Extras vary.

💡 Money-saving tips for families

  • Combine with memorial Pair with a lighter cultural activity to balance the day.
  • Reptile fee Ask about the reptile viewing fee before entering.
  • Check reptile fee Ask before paying for the add-on.
  • Short visit An hour is enough; combine with another activity.

Is it right for your child's age?

Age groupVerdictWhat to expect
0–2 years Limited Not much for toddlers.
3–5 years Fair Reptiles may fascinate or frighten.
6–9 years Good Live animals are a highlight.
10–12 years Very good Can engage with colonial history.
13+ years Good Quick cultural stop.

Perfect visit planner

How much time do you have? Pick your window and we'll show you the ideal sequence.

Choose your time window

10:00
Arrive and buy ticketsAsk about reptile viewing.
10:15
Natural history exhibitsStuffed animals and geology.
10:45
Reptile houseSnakes and baby crocodile.
11:15
Colonial history roomsKandt’s residence.
11:45
Grounds and viewsPhoto stop.

Key details

Address
KN 90 St, Kigali, Rwanda, Kigali
Opening hours
Daily 09:00–17:00 Closed now
How long to plan
1–2 hours
Suitable ages
5+ years
Setting
Indoor museum with outdoor grounds
Booking
Not required
Payment accepted
  • Cash

What to expect when you visit

Museum entry, reptile viewing

What if...?

The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.

Is the reptile viewing included in entry?

No, it usually requires a small extra fee. Ask at the ticket desk.

Is the museum suitable for young children?

Yes, but the live snakes may frighten some children. The museum is small and quick.

Family essentials

Suitable age bands
  • 0–2 years
  • 3–5 years
  • 6–9 years
  • 10–12 years
  • 13+ years
Toddler suitability
Limited
Minimum age
5
Facilities
  • Gift shop
  • grounds
Access and parking
  • Paved access
Safety notes

Live reptiles behind glass; supervise children

Tickets and costs

Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)

Gift shop

Plan your visit

Best time to visit
Weekday mornings
Busiest times
Weekends
How to get there

In central Kigali, KN 90 St; walkable from many downtown hotels.

By car
Yes, limited parking
Uber / Bolt estimate
Taxi-moto
Public transport

Taxi-moto

Combine with
  • Kigali Genocide Memorial — heavier history
  • Nyamirambo Women’s Center — cultural lunch
What to bring
  • Water bottle
  • Camera
  • Cash for entry
  • Insect repellent (for outdoor grounds)

Accessibility deep dive

Here is what to expect on the ground.

🦎 Live reptiles

Snakes and a baby crocodile.

🏛️ Colonial history

Well-preserved residence.

🌄 City views

Photo opportunity from the grounds.

Combine your visit

Plan the perfect day

1
Reptile house Live snakes and crocodile Extra fee may apply.
2
Colonial exhibits History for adults Furnished rooms.
3
Grounds Short walk Views over Kigali.

What to pack

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Family day bag checklist

What visitors say

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to visit Kandt House Museum?
Kenya and East African resident adults pay RWF 4,000 and resident children (ages 5–12 years) pay RWF 1,000. Non-resident adults pay RWF 4,000 and non-resident children pay RWF 1,000. Adult entry approx. 4,000–5,000 RWF; child/student approx. 1,000 RWF. Reptile viewing may carry a small extra fee.
What are the Kandt House Museum opening hours?
Daily 09:00–17:00. Busiest: Weekends.
Is Kandt House Museum suitable for toddlers and young children?
Minimum age: 5. Live reptiles behind glass; supervise children
How long do you need at Kandt House Museum?
Plan for 1–2 hours.
What payment methods does Kandt House Museum accept?
Kandt House Museum accepts Cash.
Is Kandt House Museum accessible, and is there parking?
Access and parking: Paved access.
What is the best time to visit Kandt House Museum?
Weekday mornings. It is busiest Weekends.
How do you get to Kandt House Museum?
Yes, limited parking. Ride-hailing: Taxi-moto. Public transport: Taxi-moto In central Kigali, KN 90 St; walkable from many downtown hotels.

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