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Rwanda

Rwanda

The safest corner of Africa

Tourist trips to Rwanda are an unusual choice. There is none of the usual chaos here, but instead cleanliness, order, and an amazing respect for nature. The country has managed to completely change its image over the last decade and is now considered one of the safest in the region.

Tourists are attracted by mountain landscapes, national parks, and the unique opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

FURTHER

Acquaintance with the country

Guide to Rwanda

Basic Information

Rwanda is located in East Africa and is known as the "land of a thousand hills" due to its terrain. It is landlocked and borders Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country's history includes the tragic events of the 1994 genocide, after which Rwanda underwent a massive recovery. Today, it is a country with sustainable development, strict environmental regulations, and a strong focus on safety, tourism, and nature conservation.

So if you haven't considered traveling to Rwanda yet, now is the time!

Photos of Rwanda

Capital

Kigali

Language

Rwanda (Kinyarwanda), English, French, and Swahili

Currency

Rwandan franc

Time zone

GMT +2

Population

14 256 567

Territory

26,338 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Ugali — thick porridge made from cornmeal, served as a base for meat and vegetables.

Isombe — cassava leaves stewed with vegetables, peanut butter, and spices.

Brochettes — meat skewers, a simple and straightforward street food dish that is popular throughout the country.

Matoke — stewed green bananas, a traditional side dish.

Akabenz — roast pork, one of the most common dishes in the local cuisine.

Things to do in to Rwanda

Go on a hike to see mountain gorillas.
Visit the Kimironko Market in Kigali, the center of local commercial activity.
Go kayaking on Lake Kivu. No experience necessary!
Go on a bike tour in the countryside.
Take a walk under the canopy in Nyungwe.
Take a tour of coffee or tea plantations.

Tips

Rwanda takes a strict approach to environmental protection—plastic bags are prohibited from import and use. Your luggage may be inspected at the border, and bags may be confiscated. It is best to replace your packaging with fabric or paper alternatives in advance to avoid delays and fines.

Before traveling, it is worth booking a permit for trekking to see mountain gorillas in advance. The number of visits is limited, and the cost is high, but these funds go towards protecting animals and supporting local communities.

It is customary to dress modestly in this country, especially outside tourist areas. A neat appearance is considered a sign of respect. You should only take photos of people with their permission, and it is prohibited to photograph government buildings and military facilities.

Sights

A trip to Rwanda is, first and foremost, about nature. It is nature that is associated with the main attractions. The guidebook does not feature grand palaces or ancient cities, but it does feature national parks of global significance and memorial sites that help to understand the country's journey. A vacation in Rwanda is not just about seeing the sights, but about getting to know the culture, people, and values on which the country's life is built today.

Volcanoes National Park

The main symbol of Rwanda and home to rare mountain gorillas. The park is located in the Virunga Mountains and offers truly unique trekking routes.

Lake Kivu

It is located among the Great Lakes of Africa on the border with Congo, surrounded by hills and resort towns. Here you can relax, go boating, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Genocide Memorial in Kigali

One of four memorials commemorating the tragedy of the mass killings of Tutsis throughout the country in 1994. These events fundamentally changed the history of Rwanda.

Tours to Rwanda

Travel to Rwanda is chosen not for beaches or shopping, but for a unique experience that is difficult to find elsewhere. Rwanda’s main tourist asset is its national parks, primarily focused on wildlife observation. Trekking to see mountain gorillas is considered the country’s hallmark and one of the rarest travel experiences in the world. Small groups of visitors hike into the mountains accompanied by rangers and spend time close to the animals in their natural habitat.

In addition to gorillas, travelers can enjoy safaris in Akagera National Park, where lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos can be seen, as well as hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest—one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests, famous for its primates and canopy walkways suspended above the treetops. For a more relaxed stay, Lake Kivu offers small resorts, boat trips, and nearby thermal springs.

The cost of a trip to Rwanda depends directly on your plans. Accommodation in the country is diverse, ranging from simple guesthouses to eco-lodges and luxury safari hotels, often seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. Many properties are designed to minimize their environmental impact. Kigali, the capital, offers comfortable hotels, restaurants serving local and international cuisine, cafés, and cultural venues.

Where to go to Rwanda?

In addition to Kigali's natural attractions and museums, there are other interesting places to consider when planning a trip to Rwanda on your own.

For example, the cultural village of Ibi-Iwaku, which introduces visitors to traditional Rwandan life. Or the craft village of Kaplaki, where you can buy unique souvenirs from local artisans. And for a comfortable vacation by the water, the cities of Gisenyi and Kibuye, known for their beaches and volcanic landscape, are perfect.

When to go to Rwanda

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons from June to September and from December to February. During these periods, the weather is more stable, the roads are passable, and the conditions for trekking and safaris are more comfortable. It is possible to travel during the rainy seasons, but the routes in the mountains become much more difficult. Therefore, the tourist season coincides with the dry months. The air temperature is approximately the same throughout the year — around +25 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is April, with a daytime temperature of around +20 degrees Celsius.

Rwanda in spring

The rainy season continues in Rwanda in the spring, especially in March and April, when up to 120-150 mm of precipitation falls. The temperature stays between +22 and +25 degrees, and nature becomes even greener. But the rains complicate the routes, washing away trails and entire sections.

Rwanda in summer

Summer is considered one of the best times to travel. From June to August, there is virtually no rainfall, and the temperature remains steady at around 25°C. Dry weather makes roads and trails accessible and wildlife viewing more predictable, making this the peak season for safaris and gorilla trekking.

Rwanda in autumn

The second rainy season begins in autumn, most often in September and October, but it is milder than the spring season. Precipitation is around 80-100 mm, the temperature remains comfortable, and there are significantly fewer tourists. The cost of a trip to Rwanda in autumn will be lower because accommodation and tours are cheaper.

Rwanda in winter

Winter in Rwanda is dry and comfortable, especially in January and February. During the day, the air warms up to +26 degrees, and the nights are cooler. This is a good time for active itineraries, trips to national parks, and combining nature trips with city breaks in Kigali.

Usefulness

Here is a brief overview of the main issues to help you plan your trip to Rwanda better and more comfortably. If you consider all the details in advance, you won't have to worry about any unexpected problems later on.

Visa to Rwanda

Citizens of the US, EU countries, and the UK need a tourist visa to travel to Rwanda. It can be obtained online or upon arrival, and costs from USD 50. It is best to check the current requirements immediately before your trip.

Customs & Tax Free

The import of plastic bags, weapons, and narcotics is prohibited in Rwanda. Alcohol and tobacco are subject to quantity restrictions. The Tax Free system for tourists is not officially developed, and VAT refunds upon departure are not provided.

Travel by car

Roads in Rwanda are considered some of the best in the region, especially between major cities. You can rent a regular passenger car, but for trips to national parks, you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle and driving experience.

Phrasebook for tourists

The official languages are Kinyarwanda, English, and French. English is more commonly used in the tourism sector. However, simple greetings in Kinyarwanda are received with respect and help establish contact with the locals.

Public transport and prices

The main public transport is buses and minibuses connecting cities and regions, but schedules may not be adhered to. Motorcycle taxis are popular in Kigali. They are quite cheap and relatively safe.

Events

Before traveling to Rwanda, it is always a good idea to check the events calendar—you never know when something interesting might be happening. For example, a naming ceremony for baby gorillas or a major international marathon in the capital.

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