Rwanda Travel Guide
The Land of a Thousand Hills — Home of the Mountain Gorilla
Rwanda has transformed into Africa's most inspiring comeback story. Today it's the continent's cleanest, safest, and most forward-thinking country. The star attraction is mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park — a life-changing encounter just 2 hours from Kigali. But Rwanda also offers Nyungwe Forest's chimpanzees, Akagera's Big Five, and Kigali's fascinating history and vibrant food scene.
Visa Requirements
Visa on arrival for all nationalities (30 days)
Rwanda offers visa on arrival for ALL nationalities — the most open visa policy in Africa. You can also apply for an eVisa online at irembo.gov.rw. East African Tourist Visa ($100) covers Rwanda + Kenya + Uganda.
💡 Tips
- •Rwanda has the most welcoming visa policy in Africa — everyone gets in
- •East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) is great if combining Rwanda, Kenya & Uganda
- •Apply online at irembo.gov.rw for a smoother arrival
- •Passport must have 6+ months validity
Vaccinations & Health
⚠️ Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever (certificate required)
💡 Recommended Vaccinations
🦟 Malaria Information
Malaria risk exists in Rwanda, particularly in lower-altitude areas. Kigali has moderate risk. Volcanoes National Park (altitude 2,500m+) has very low risk.
💡 Tips
- •Yellow Fever certificate is required for entry
- •Malaria risk is lower than East Africa due to altitude
- •Prophylaxis recommended for lower-altitude areas (Akagera, Lake Kivu)
- •Pack warm clothes — altitude makes gorilla trekking cool and misty
Currency & Money
🏧 ATMs
Available in Kigali and major towns. Bank of Kigali and Equity Bank are common.
💳 Cards
Visa accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants. Cash for markets and tips.
💡 Tips
- •USD is accepted at hotels and tour operators
- •Gorilla permits MUST be paid in USD ($1,500 per person)
- •Carry small denomination USD for tips
- •Rwanda is increasingly cashless — mobile money (MTN MoMo) is everywhere
Tipping Guide
Tipping is appreciated but not expected at the same level as other African countries.
🦁 Safari Guide & Staff
$10–15 per person for gorilla trekking porters (essential — they carry your gear up the mountain). $10 per person per day for safari guides.
🍽️ Restaurants
10% for good service.
🚗 Transfers & Porters
$5 for drivers. $1–2 for porters.
💡 Tips
- •ALWAYS tip your gorilla trekking porter — they work incredibly hard
- •USD is preferred for tips at lodges
- •Gorilla trackers and rangers appreciate tips too ($10–20 per group)
- •Community porters support local families — tip generously
Safety
Rwanda is the safest country in mainland Africa. Kigali is cleaner and safer than most European capitals. Plastic bags are banned, streets are swept daily, and the last Saturday of every month is community clean-up day.
💡 Tips
- •Kigali is Africa's cleanest and safest capital
- •Walking around Kigali at night is generally safe
- •Plastic bags are banned — pack ziplock bags instead
- •Photography of military/government buildings is prohibited
- •Respect genocide memorial sites — no photography inside
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for gorilla trekking. The terrain is steep and injuries can occur.
Must-Have Coverage:
- ✓Emergency medical evacuation
- ✓Gorilla trekking coverage (hiking in remote terrain)
- ✓Trip cancellation (gorilla permits are $1,500 and non-refundable)
- ✓Medical treatment
💡 Tips
- •Gorilla permits cost $1,500 and are non-refundable — insure the trip
- •Trekking involves steep, muddy terrain — injury cover is important
- •Medical facilities in Kigali are decent but evacuation cover is wise
Language
Official Languages
English is widely spoken in tourism. French is still common. Kinyarwanda is the national language.
Useful Phrases
Getting There
✈️ Airlines Serving Rwanda
💡 Tips
- •RwandAir has excellent direct flights from London, Brussels, and Dubai
- •Kigali airport is modern and efficient
- •Volcanoes National Park is a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali
- •Road quality in Rwanda is excellent — among the best in Africa
Packing List
Gorilla Trekking
- ☐Waterproof hiking boots (ankle-high, broken in)
- ☐Long trousers (thick — nettles and thorns)
- ☐Gardening gloves (for gripping vines)
- ☐Waterproof rain jacket
- ☐Gaiters for mud protection
Clothing
- ☐Long-sleeved shirts (forest protection)
- ☐Warm layers (altitude is 2,500m+)
- ☐Comfortable walking shoes
- ☐Rain gear — it can rain any time of year
- ☐Smart casual for Kigali restaurants
Essentials
- ☐Camera (no flash allowed near gorillas)
- ☐Insect repellent
- ☐Sunscreen
- ☐Reusable water bottle
- ☐Energy snacks for trekking
Documents
- ☐Passport (valid 6+ months)
- ☐Yellow Fever certificate
- ☐Gorilla permit confirmation (printed)
- ☐Travel insurance documents
- ☐USD cash for tips
Emergency Contacts
Rwanda FAQs
Rwanda Safari Packages
More Travel Guides
Ready for Rwanda?
Let our Rwanda specialists handle every detail — from flights and visas to lodges and game drives.