welcome in advance! For a 6-month stay, many expat families start with Airbnb or a serviced house and then move into a local rental once they arrive. From abroad, the easiest option is to work with a Kigali-based real estate agent who can share videos, arrange virtual viewings, and help negotiate short-term leases (3–6 months), though landlords often ask for several months’ rent upfront. Popular family-friendly areas for standalone houses include Nyarutarama, Kimihurura, Gacuriro, Kiyovu, and Kibagabaga. For house help most people rely on recommendations from neighbors or other expats, or use local home-help/cleaning agencies; it’s very common to agree on a short paid trial period. Many families find it easiest to finalize both housing and house help after arriving, as word of mouth works best here.
