RWANDA

Rwanda, often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a verdant, mountainous country in East Africa, renowned globally for its endangered mountain gorillas. Despite its tragic past, Rwanda has made remarkable progress, emerging as a safe and forward-thinking nation with a strong focus on conservation and sustainable tourism.

Region: East Africa

Capital: Kigali

Official Language: Kinyarwanda, English, French (Swahili also widely spoken)

Level of Travel Safety: Very safe with low crime rates. The government prioritizes security, making it one of Africa’s safest destinations. Vigilance is advised in crowded areas, and political demonstrations should be avoided.

A map of Africa with Rwanda highlighted.

Why Visit Rwanda?

Gorilla Trekking: Track endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Modern, Safe Capital: Kigali is a model of urban cleanliness and safety, with lively cafes, markets, and cultural centers.

Sustainable Tourism: Rwanda leads in eco-conscious travel, with conservation-centered experiences.

A young gorilla is partially visible among green foliage.

Biodiversity: Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, lions and elephants in Akagera.

Scenic Landscapes: From Lake Kivu’s beaches to the misty Virunga volcanoes, Rwanda’s landscapes are endlessly photogenic.

Genocide Memorials: Moving sites like the Kigali Genocide Memorial offer sobering insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience.

A Cape buffalo stands in a dry, grassy, and sparsely treed area.

Essential Trip Information

Most travelers can apply for a visa on arrival or obtain an e-visa in advance.

Citizens of the African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie get visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.

The e-visa costs US$50 for a single entry and can be processed online in 3 working days.

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.

Proof of accommodation, return flight, and sufficient funds may be requested on arrival.

Official immigration site: www.migration.gov.rw

  • Rwanda uses the Rwandan Franc (RWF).

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount in advance; USD is easily converted in Kigali.

  • During Your Trip: ATMs in cities accept Visa/Mastercard. Carry some cash for rural areas.

  • Credit cards are accepted in high-end hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets.

  • Avoid street money changers and unregulated forex booths.

  • Kinyarwanda is the national language.

  • English and French are both official and widely spoken in Kigali and by tour operators.

Helpful Phrases

  • “Muraho” – Hello

  • “Murakoze” – Thank you

  • “Ni hehe…?” – Where is…?

Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa.

Kigali is clean, orderly, and walkable, even at night.

Be cautious on remote hikes and follow park ranger guidance in national parks.

Emergency number: 112

Yellow Fever vaccination required if arriving from endemic countries.

Malaria is present – take precautions (repellent, prophylaxis).

Tap water is not safe to drink — use bottled water.

Travel insurance highly recommended.

Kigali has organized moto-taxis (use helmet and negotiate fare).

Public buses connect major towns, but schedules can be inconsistent.

Roads are paved between major cities but expect unpaved roads in remote parks.

Tour companies or private drivers are the most efficient way to explore national parks.

Rwanda is generally affordable, especially outside of Kigali.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Guesthouses/hostels (US$15–50/night)

  • Mid-range: Hotels/Lodges (US$60–150/night)

  • Luxury: Safari lodges/boutique hotels (US$300+/night)

Food

  • Street food/local eateries: US$2–8

  • Mid-range restaurants: US$10–25/person

  • High-end dining: US$40–60+/person

Drinks

  • Beer (local): US$1–2

  • Imported drinks: US$3–6

  • Cocktails: US$6–12

Transportation

  • Moto-taxis: US$1–5 (short distances)

  • Taxis: US$10–30 in Kigali

  • Buses: US$1–5 intercity

  • Car rental (with driver): US$60–120/day

Money-Saving Tips

  • Eat at local canteens or try “brochettes” at neighborhood bars.

  • Use public buses or shared minibuses for intercity travel.

  • Avoid booking safaris last-minute — prices are higher.

Explore Rwanda

Located in the northwest of Rwanda, this iconic park is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas, offering an unparalleled trekking experience. It also protects golden monkeys and features several dormant volcanoes, providing challenging hiking opportunities and breathtaking views.

The vibrant and remarkably clean capital city, situated in the center of Rwanda, is a modern hub with a poignant history. Visitors can explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial, delve into local art at the Inema Arts Center, or wander through its bustling markets and trendy cafes.

A vast, ancient montane rainforest in south-western Rwanda, Nyungwe is renowned for its chimpanzee trekking and an incredible canopy walk, suspended high above the forest floor. It’s a biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous primate species, birds, and orchids.

Located in eastern Rwanda, this is the country’s only Big Five safari destination, featuring savannah, swamps, and wetlands. Akagera offers classic wildlife viewing opportunities including lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes, best explored via game drives and boat safaris on Lake Ihema.

Part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Kivu forms Rwanda’s western border with the DRC. Its serene, freshwater shores are ideal for relaxation, with popular towns like Gisenyi and Kibuye offering sandy beaches, boat trips to islands, and opportunities for swimming and kayaking.

Scattered across Rwanda, most notably the Kigali Genocide Memorial in the capital, these solemn sites commemorate the 1994 genocide. They serve as powerful educational centers, providing insights into the tragic history while promoting reconciliation and remembrance.

A charming lakeside town on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, Gisenyi is a popular Rwandan resort destination. It boasts public beaches, hot springs, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for swimming, enjoying fresh fish, and taking leisurely strolls along the picturesque promenade.

Formerly Rwanda’s intellectual and cultural capital, Butare is located in the south. It is home to the Ethnographic Museum (formerly the National Museum of Rwanda), which offers fascinating insights into Rwandan culture, history, and traditions.

This bustling city in the northwest is the gateway to Volcanoes National Park and a key base for gorilla trekkers. Musanze offers a vibrant local market, caves for exploration, and cultural tours to nearby communities, providing a taste of local Rwandan life.

Situated in central Rwanda near Huye, this historical site recreates the traditional royal residence of the former Rwandan kings. Visitors can explore the magnificent beehive-shaped royal hut, witness the sacred long-horned Inyambo cattle, and learn about the kingdom’s rich heritage.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices (on accommodations and some activities)
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Lush, Green Landscapes
  • Excellent Photography Conditions (clear air, dramatic skies)
  • Easier Gorilla Trekking (gorillas tend to be at lower altitudes)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Frequent Heavy Rains (can make roads muddy and treks challenging)
     
  • High Humidity
  • Some Roads Less Accessible (especially in rural, mountainous areas)
     
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (non-gorilla related)
  • Potential for Rescheduled Treks

Key Regions:

  • Volcanoes National Park: Gorillas often descend to lower, more accessible slopes during rain.
  • Nyungwe Forest National Park: Best for chimpanzee trekking, as chimps are less mobile due to abundant food.
  • Lake Kivu: Still beautiful for boat trips and relaxation, less impacted by rain.
  • Kigali: City exploration, museums, and cafes are excellent regardless of weather.

Key Advantages:

  • Good Gorilla Trekking Conditions
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices (compared to peak)
  • Pleasant Temperatures
  • Good for Hiking and Outdoor Activities

Main Drawbacks:

  • Prices start to increase (especially in June and September)
  • Dryer landscapes towards September
  • Occasional short showers (Dec-Feb)
  • Higher demand for gorilla permits
  • Dusty roads in drier periods

Key Regions:

  • Volcanoes National Park: Excellent all-around conditions for gorilla and golden monkey trekking.
  • Nyungwe Forest National Park: Ideal for chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk with good weather.
  • Akagera National Park: Animals concentrate around water sources, making game viewing easier.
  • Lake Kivu: Perfect for water activities, relaxation, and exploring the surrounding towns.
  • Long Dry Season (June – September)
  • Festive Season (Christmas and New Year)
  • Public Holidays (e.g., Kwita Izina in September)

Planning Your Trip

Greetings: Handshakes are common; locals are polite and formal.

Dress: Modest clothing is encouraged in rural areas; casual in Kigali.

Photography: Always ask before taking pictures of people, especially in villages.

Language: Kinyarwanda is national, but English and French widely spoken.

Tipping: Not mandatory, but appreciated – ~10% at restaurants, US$2–5 for guides.

Safety: Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa; still, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: US$30–60/night
  • Mid-range: US$100–250/night
  • Luxury lodges: US$700+, especially near national parks

Food:

  • Local meals (Rwandan buffet): US$3–8
  • Casual restaurants: US$10–20
  • Fine dining (e.g., Fusion Restaurant): US$40–80

Transport:

  • Moto rides in Kigali: ~US$1–2
  • Car + driver: US$80–120/day

Activities:

  • Gorilla permit: US$1,500 (mandatory for gorilla trekking)
  • Golden Monkey permit: US$100
  • Canopy walk (Nyungwe): US$60

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$70–120 (guesthouses, local food, buses)
  • Mid-range: US$200–300 (nice hotels, private driver, guided hikes)
  • Luxury: US$500+ (luxury lodges, private tours, park permits)

Wi-Fi: Common in hotels and cafes in Kigali, slower in rural areas.

SIM Cards:

  • Buy from MTN Rwanda or Airtel kiosks.
  • Packages: US$10–20 for 10GB, valid 30 days.

eSIMs: Available via Airalo and similar services.

Highly recommended – especially if doing gorilla trekking or adventure activities.

Medical coverage: Ensure it includes evacuation and hospital treatment.

Adventure coverage: Some policies exclude trekking over 2,000m – check specifics.

Trip delays: Can happen during the rainy season – have cancellation protection.

Rwanda offers everything from budget lodges to high-end eco-resorts.

Luxury:

  • Wilderness Bisate Lodge (Volcanoes NP): Luxury eco-lodge near gorillas.
  • One&Only Nyungwe House: Forest retreat with premium service.
  • Prices: US$700–1,500+ per night (often all-inclusive).

Mid-range:

  • Heaven Boutique Hotel (Kigali): Great food and sustainability focus.
  • Moriah Hill Resort (Lake Kivu): Lakeside comfort.
  • Prices: US$100–250/night.

Budget:

  • Guesthouses & Lodges in Musanze, Gisenyi: US$30–60/night.
  • Hostels in Kigali: Mijo Hostel, Discover Rwanda – social and clean.

Unique Stays:

  • Tree-top tents in Nyungwe, lakeside cabins near Karongi, and tea estate lodges.

Tip: Book early for Volcanoes NP during peak trekking season (June–Sept).

While small, Rwanda’s hilly terrain means travel time can be longer than expected. Choose your transport based on comfort and flexibility.

Public Buses:

  • Reliable connections between Kigali and major towns (e.g., Musanze, Huye).
  • Fares: US$1–5, but buses don’t serve national parks directly.

Shared Taxis & Minibuses:

  • Operate between towns; affordable but often cramped.

Private Car with Driver:

  • Best for park visits and rural areas; ~US$80–120/day, including fuel.
  • 4×4 vehicles are ideal for national parks.

Motorbike Taxis (“moto”):

  • Common for short city rides (US$0.50–2). Always wear a helmet.

Car Rentals:

  • Self-driving not recommended due to road signage and local driving habits.

Domestic Flights:

  • Kigali to Kamembe (near Nyungwe Forest) – ~US$100 one-way, saves time for western Rwanda.

Bold Recommendation: Hire a private driver for access to parks and comfort over long distances.

Handy Tips

Rwanda uses the Rwandan Franc (RWF). Common notes include RWF 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000. Coins are rarely used.

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid exchanging at the airport—ATMs (especially those from Bank of Kigali or Equity Bank) offer better rates.

  • Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in Kigali—but carry cash for rural areas, markets, and moto-taxis.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Not always expected, but appreciated.

    • Restaurants/Bars: 5–10% if no service charge is included.

    • Taxis/Moto-Taxis: No tip required, but rounding up is common.

    • Hotel Staff: US$1–2 per bag for porters; US$2–3/day for housekeeping.

    • Guides/Drivers: US$5–10 per person/day for guided tours.

Rwanda has four official languages: Kinyarwanda (widely spoken), English, French, and Swahili. English is common in urban areas.

Useful phrases:

  • “Amakuru?” = “How are you?”
  • “Murakoze” = “Thank you”
  • “Ni angahe?” = “How much is it?”
  • “Ndi umushyitsi” = “I’m a visitor”

Pro Tip: Smiling and respectful greetings go a long way. Rwandans value politeness and formality, especially when meeting elders.

Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa, including for solo female travelers.

Stay alert in busy areas like markets or bus stations, especially in Nyabugogo or Kimironko.

Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark, particularly outside central Kigali.

Emergency Contacts:

  • 112: General emergency (police, ambulance, fire)
  • 113: Traffic police
  • Your Embassy: Most are located in Kacyiru, Kigali.

Rwanda uses 230V/50Hz with Type C and J plugs (European standard two-pin).

Travelers from North America will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter for certain electronics.

Tap water is not safe to drink in most areas.

Use bottled water (widely available and affordable) or bring a portable water filter.

Hotels often provide filtered or boiled water for guests.

On these days, businesses may close and transport can be slower.

  • Jan 1: New Year’s Day

  • Feb 1: Heroes’ Day

  • April 7: Genocide Against the Tutsi Memorial Day (moment of national silence at noon)

  • April 9–May 9 (approx.): Genocide Memorial Week

  • July 1: Independence Day

  • July 4: Liberation Day

  • Aug 15: Assumption Day

  • Dec 25: Christmas

  • Dec 26: Boxing Day

Shops and supermarkets: Open daily from around 8:00–21:00 (slightly shorter on Sundays).

Markets (like Kimironko Market in Kigali): Open from morning until dusk.

Pharmacies: Most operate 8:00–20:00. 24-hour pharmacies exist in Kigali.

Tip: Bargaining is acceptable in markets, but always stay polite and friendly.

Brochettes: Skewered meat (goat, beef, or fish) grilled over charcoal—Rwanda’s favorite street food.

Isombe: Cassava leaves cooked with groundnuts and palm oil—rich, earthy, and usually served with rice.

Ugali: A dense maize flour dough, served as a side dish with meat or sauce—staple comfort food.

Ibirayi: Fried potatoes, often with spicy tomato sauce or fried with onions—ubiquitous in local meals.

Matoke: Steamed green bananas mashed and flavored with onions and spices—a starchy, filling delight.

Akabenz: Crispy pork belly chunks, often seasoned with local spices—perfect with beer.

Sambaza: Small fried fish from Lake Kivu—crunchy, salty, and perfect for snacking.

Mandazi: Fluffy East African doughnuts with a hint of cardamom—great with tea.

Rwandan Honey Cake: Local dessert made with raw honey, sometimes flavored with cinnamon.

Fruits: Ripe passion fruit, tree tomatoes, and sweet pineapples are fresh, juicy, and plentiful.

Alcoholic:

  • Ikigage: Traditional sorghum beer—mildly fermented, slightly sour, and often communal.

  • Urwagwa: Banana wine made from fermented bananas and sorghum—traditional and strong.

  • Skol: Popular lager brewed locally—light and widely available.

  • Primus: Rwanda’s flagship beer, served cold in large bottles—simple and refreshing.

  • Virunga Mist: Rwandan craft gin infused with botanicals from the Virunga region.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rwandan Coffee: World-class Arabica coffee—often hand-brewed, complex, and aromatic.

  • Milk Tea: Spiced or plain milk tea (known as chai)—a breakfast staple.

  • Fresh Sugarcane Juice: Pressed fresh at roadside stands—sweet and hydrating.

  • Passion Fruit Juice: Homemade and tart-sweet—commonly served in homes and restaurants.

Rwandan National Museum (Ethnographic Museum): In Huye—excellent insight into pre-colonial culture.

King’s Palace Museum: Visit the royal hut and Inyambo cows in Nyanza.

Nyungwe National Park: Home to chimpanzees and a spectacular canopy walk.

Genocide Memorial Sites: Nyamata and Ntarama churches preserve haunting history.

Ibuka Organization: Offers educational material and remembrance events.

Traditional Dance Shows: Watch the Intore warriors at hotels or cultural centers.

Umuganda Day (last Saturday of each month): Citizens do community service—most shops/services pause in the morning.

Craft Cooperatives: Shop handmade baskets, pottery, and beadwork at places like Gahaya Links.

Diversity of Landscapes: From volcanoes and lakes to savannah and tea plantations.

Language & Identity: Post-genocide Rwanda has fostered a unified national identity around the Kinyarwanda language.

Kigali Genocide Memorial: Sobering but essential visit—free entry (donations welcome).

Nyamirambo Walking Tour: Explore Kigali’s vibrant Muslim quarter with a local guide.

Kimironko Market: A colorful dive into local produce, crafts, and fabrics.

Lake Kivu: Swim, kayak, or relax in Gisenyi’s lakeside resorts.

Volcanoes National Park: Go gorilla trekking (permits required; book early).

Akagera National Park: Safari park with Big Five game drives and boat safaris.

Inema Arts Center: Contemporary art gallery and cultural hub in Kigali.

Dancing Pots of Rwanda: Live Intore traditional dance performances.

Biking the Congo Nile Trail: Scenic lakeside biking through hills and villages.

Coffee Farm Tours: Learn about Rwanda’s bean-to-cup story in Nyungwe or Gisenyi.

The Hut Kigali: Upscale bar with tropical cocktails and garden ambiance.

Rooftop Rendezvous at Ubumwe Grande: Sweeping city views and classic cocktails.

Choma’d: Trendy barbecue and bar spot in Kimihurura with live DJs.

Inka Steakhouse Lounge: Delicious food and elegant cocktails.

Kigali Social Club: Lounge meets live music—popular with expats and locals.

Pili Pili: Bar, restaurant, and pool party spot on weekends—great sunset views.

Maison Bamboo: Garden cocktails with creative infusions like passion fruit and chili.

Heaven Restaurant & Bar: Classy cocktails, eco-conscious design, and excellent food.

Cocobean Lounge: High-energy club with Afrobeat and local DJ sets.

K Club: Late-night dancing and Rwandan nightlife at its liveliest.