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Eastern Africa

RwandaTravel guide

Explore Rwanda visa rulesCommon scams in Rwanda

Rwanda is a small East African country known as the land of a thousand hills. Visitors come for mountain gorillas, wildlife, rainforests and the capital, Kigali.

Why go

  1. Track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

  2. See savannah wildlife in Akagera National Park.

  3. Track chimpanzees and walk above the forest in Nyungwe National Park.

  4. Explore Kigali and the towns along Lake Kivu.

Getting there

By air

  • Kigali International Airport is the main international arrival point.
  • RwandAir runs direct flights across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
  • Direct flights connect Kigali with cities including London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Istanbul, Doha and Cairo.

By land

  • Road crossings from Uganda are at Gatuna and Cyanika. The crossing from Tanzania is at Rusumo.
  • Land borders with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been closed indefinitely since 2024.
  • Direct buses from Nairobi travel through Kampala to Kigali. The journey takes about 17–24 hours, with fares starting around US$30–55.

Customs

  • A passport is normally required. Kenyan and Ugandan citizens may use a national identity card instead.
  • A vaccination certificate is required if you arrive from a country where yellow fever is endemic.
  • Thin plastic bags are banned. Luggage has been searched at borders and police checkpoints to check for them.

Getting around

  • Car

    Rental cars are available in Kigali for self-driving. Drive on the right. Speed limits are strictly enforced, typically 40 km/h in towns and 60–80 km/h on main roads. Police checkpoints and speed checks are common. Keep vehicle documents and insurance ready.

  • Bus and minibus

    Local minibuses run from Musanze to the Cyanika border crossing near Kisoro. Minibuses connect the Rwandan side of the Tanzania border with Kigali. Expect routine police checkpoints on countryside journeys. Carry your passport or a copy.

What to see and do

  • Akagera National Park

    See wildlife in a savannah landscape.

  • Kigali Genocide Memorial

    Visit a memorial to the genocide.

  • Lake Kivu

    Explore lakeside towns with accommodation at different budget levels.

  • Kimironko Market

    Browse crafts, fresh produce, clothing and household goods in Kigali.

  • Mountain gorilla trekking

    Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda's best-known place for seeing mountain gorillas.

  • Chimpanzee tracking

    Nyungwe National Park offers the chance to track chimpanzees.

Food and drink

  • Brochettes

    Grilled skewers, often made with goat, served in bars, restaurants and at roadside stalls. Other options include beef, fish and sometimes chicken.

  • Zingalo

    Goat intestine, sometimes served as skewers without being requested. Say "OYA zingalo" when ordering if you do not want it.

  • Ibitoke or matoke

    Starchy, potato-like bananas served boiled in sauce, grilled or fried. They are different from sweet bananas.

  • Melange

    A lunchtime buffet with foods such as potatoes, bananas, rice, cassava, vegetables and beans, plus some meat or fish. You may fill your plate only once.

  • International food in Kigali

    Kigali has Indian, Chinese, Italian, Greek, French, Ethiopian and other restaurants. The choice is wider than elsewhere in Rwanda.

  • Water, juice and soft drinks

    These are widely sold in shops, along with milk. Check that bottled water has an unbroken seal.

Money

Rwandan franc, written as FRw, RF or R₣; its currency code is RWF.

  • Many businesses round payments to the nearest FRw100.
  • Small businesses generally do not accept coins worth less than FRw100.
  • Most supermarkets accept cards and mobile money.
  • Bargaining is expected in the craft section of Kimironko Market.

Tipping: Tips are appreciated but not expected. Some upscale restaurants include a 10% service charge; rounding up is common for motorcycle rides and small services.

Typical costs

  • Bottled water: around FRw500–1,000.
  • Lunch buffet: just over US$1 to US$5, or US$10 at some restaurants.
  • Evening meal in Kigali: typically around US$10.
  • Basic budget room in Kigali: around US$15–30.
  • Mid-range accommodation in Kigali: typically US$50–100 per night.

Language

  • Kinyarwanda is the main spoken language and an official language.
  • English is an official language and is more commonly known among younger people.
  • French is an official language and is more commonly known among older people educated in Rwanda.
  • Swahili is an official language and is widely spoken among traders.
OYA zingalo
No goat intestine; use this when ordering if you do not want it.

Staying safe

  • Rwanda is generally safe for visitors, and violent crime against tourists is very rare.
  • Check travel advice and local information before visiting areas near the Congolese and Burundian borders. Security conditions can change.
  • Keep wallets and bags close in crowded markets and bus stations. Avoid showing expensive jewellery.
  • Carry your passport or a copy. Police checkpoints are common on countryside roads.
2 common scams in Rwanda, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Dress modestly, especially away from tourist settings.
  • Keep disagreements quiet and calm.
  • Be sensitive when discussing the genocide, as many people lost relatives and friends.
  • Refer to people as Rwandans rather than by ethnic labels.

Don't

  • Do not ask people about their ethnic origin.
  • Avoid asking people about their political views or starting discussions of national politics.
  • Avoid public displays of affection.
  • Do not make direct eye contact with an elder; it is considered impolite.
  • Avoid shouting or loud public confrontations.
  • Avoid eating or drinking in public outside restaurants.
  • Be considerate about smoking, which is generally discouraged.

Staying healthy

  • Do not drink tap water or drinks with ice. Buy bottled water and check its seal.
  • Use sun protection and drink enough water when hiking at higher elevations. Bring sunscreen, as it can be difficult to find outside larger supermarkets and pharmacies.
  • Bring your own specialist or prescription medicines. Pharmacies across the country stock common medicines and basic supplies.
  • Kigali has medical facilities including King Faisal Hospital and the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali. Hospitals outside Kigali are more basic.

Where to stay

  • Kigali has international hotels, smaller hotels, hostels and budget guesthouses.
  • Basic but clean rooms start around US$15–30.
  • Mid-range hotels and boutique guesthouses in Kimihurura, Kacyiru and Remera typically cost US$50–100 per night.
  • Higher-end choices include Kigali Marriott Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Mövenpick Hotel Kigali and The Retreat by Heaven.

East Africa Tourist Visa

One visa, 3 countries

One tourist visa covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, and you can move between them as often as you like. With it, a trip to Rwanda can also take in:

  • Valid 90 days
  • Multiple entries between the three
  • Apply through the country you enter first

Whether you need the visa at all depends on your passport. Check the entry rules for Rwanda before you plan the route.

Outdoor adventures in Rwanda

Rwanda offers mountain gorilla treks, rainforest walks and savannah safaris. You can also hike or cycle beside Lake Kivu, watch birds and explore a restored wetland in Kigali.

  • Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

    TrekVolcanoes National Park

    Visit Volcanoes National Park for a mountain gorilla trek. A day trip from Kigali is possible.

    • Check travel advice and local security updates before visiting border areas.
    • Protect yourself from the strong sun and dehydration when hiking at higher elevations.

  • Akagera National Park game drives

    SafariEastern Rwanda

    Day trip or overnight visit from Kigali

    Travel from Kigali to Akagera National Park and take a game drive.

    • Ask your doctor about malaria prevention before visiting this lower-lying area.

  • Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park

    WildlifeSouthwestern Rwanda

    Visit Nyungwe National Park to take part in chimpanzee tracking in the rainforest.

  • Nyungwe National Park canopy walk

    More to doSouthwestern Rwanda

    Visit Nyungwe National Park for its canopy walkway through the treetops.

  • Congo Nile Trail hiking

    HikeLake Kivu shorelinenear Rubavu (Gisenyi) and Rusizi (Cyangugu)

    Multiple days for the full route; shorter sections are possible

    Follow the Lake Kivu shoreline route from Rubavu in the north to Rusizi in the south, or choose a section.

    • Protect yourself from the strong sun and dehydration.
    • Ask your doctor about malaria prevention for the Lake Kivu shoreline.

  • Congo Nile Trail cycling

    CyclingLake Kivu shorelinenear Rubavu (Gisenyi) and Rusizi (Cyangugu)

    Multiple days for the full route; shorter sections are possible

    Cycle the shoreline route between Rubavu and Rusizi, or ride a shorter section.

    • Protect yourself from the strong sun and dehydration.
    • Ask your doctor about malaria prevention for the Lake Kivu shoreline.

  • Lake Ihema boat trips

    More to doAkagera National Park, Eastern Rwanda

    Visit Akagera National Park and take a boat trip on Lake Ihema. The park is reachable from Kigali for a day trip or overnight stay.

    • Ask your doctor about malaria prevention before visiting Akagera.

  • Akagera National Park guided walking safaris

    SafariEastern Rwanda

    Join a guided walking safari in Akagera National Park. You can reach the park from Kigali for a day trip or overnight visit.

    • Ask your doctor about malaria prevention before visiting Akagera.
    • Take precautions against sunburn and dehydration.

  • Nyungwe National Park forest hikes

    HikeSouthwestern Rwanda

    Visit Nyungwe National Park and explore its forest hiking trails.

    • Protect yourself from the strong sun and dehydration when hiking at higher elevations.

  • Nyungwe National Park birdwatching

    WildlifeSouthwestern Rwanda

    Visit Nyungwe National Park to watch birds in its rainforest.

  • Nyandungu Eco-park birdwatching

    WildlifeKigalinear Kigali

    Visit Nyandungu Eco-park in Kigali to explore its restored wetland and forest and watch birds.

  • Gisozi running circuit

    More to doKigali suburbs, behind Gaculironear Kigali

    Easy

    Head behind Gaculiro to run the 10 km Gisozi circuit through Kigali's suburbs.

Airports, metros and trains in Rwanda

Airports with scheduled flights

  • KGLKigali International AirportKigaliMain international airport

People and safety in Rwanda

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian94%
  • No religion4%
  • Muslim2%
  • Folk religions1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #121 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

76% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 196 of 198 countries can visit Rwanda easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required92
  • Visa on arrival104
  • eVisa2

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Asia50 of 50 countries
  • Europe46 of 46 countries
  • Americas35 of 35 countries
  • Africa52 of 53 countries
  • Oceania13 of 14 countries

Questions

Is Rwanda safe for a first visit?

Rwanda is generally safe, and violent crime against tourists is very rare. Keep an eye on belongings in crowds and check local advice before visiting border areas.

What is the weather like?

The high elevation keeps the climate temperate. Rainy seasons run from February to May and September to December, with heavy showers often alternating with sunshine.

Can I get by with English?

English is an official language and is more commonly known among younger people. Kinyarwanda is the main spoken language.

Can I drink the tap water?

No. Buy bottled water with an unbroken seal and avoid ice, which is likely to be made from tap water.

What money should I use?

The currency is the Rwandan franc. Most supermarkets accept cards and mobile money, and many businesses round payments to the nearest FRw100.

How does a local lunch buffet work?

A melange buffet lets you fill your plate once. It commonly includes starchy foods, vegetables, beans and a small amount of meat or fish.

Where can I see mountain gorillas?

Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda's best-known destination for mountain gorilla trekking.

How much does a basic room cost?

A basic but clean room in Kigali starts around US$15–30. Accommodation generally costs more than in Uganda and Tanzania.

What should I wear?

Dress modestly. Shorts, tight skirts and revealing tops are likely to attract extra attention.

Can I bring plastic shopping bags?

Thin plastic bags are banned. Bags have been checked at borders and police checkpoints.

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