Rwanda Travel Guide

Africa By Design is a specialist in East African safaris. To ensure a seamless and unforgettable visit to Rwanda, benefit from our team of safari experts who bring on-the-ground insights and local expertise into organizing your travel to East Africa. Whether you have a specific itinerary in mind or prefer to let us guide you, here are some of our most popular packages for Rwanda.

Much like Botswana, Rwanda has embraced a model of high-value, low-volume, eco-conscious tourism, ensuring that visitors enjoy a luxurious stay while ensuring a minimal environmental footprint. The leading safari lodges and boutique hotels in our portfolio have been selected by Africa By Design to provide seamless access to the highlights of Rwanda, while blending contemporary comfort with traditional Rwandan design.

Many properties feature private villas or tented suites with panoramic views of national parks, allowing guests to find themselves fully immersed in Rwanda’s remarkable landscapes. Look forward to dining experiences that shine a light on locally sourced ingredients, with inspired menus showcasing fresh produce and traditional flavours fused with international influence. Travelers can expect personalized service, expertly guided excursions, and accommodation that seamlessly blends into the natural surroundings.

The Rwandan Franc (RWF) is the official currency of Rwanda; however, US dollars are widely accepted, especially in high-end lodges and hotels. It’s recommended to carry smaller denominations for convenience. Most hotels, lodges, and restaurants accept major credit cards, but it’s always best to confirm in advance. ATMs are available in urban centers like Kigali, although they may be scarce in remote areas. In Rwanda, it is customary to tip at least 10% of the bill at all restaurants, as well as about 10% of the fare to taxi drivers. Additionally, it is customary to tip local guides and drivers. Lodge managers in Rwanda will be able to provide further guidance on arrival.

Rwanda uses a 230V supply voltage and a frequency of 50Hz. The power plugs and sockets are usually type C, the European standard with two round parallel pins. Travelers from the United Kingdom and the United States should bring suitable adapters, although your chosen lodge may be able to assist with adapters on request. More contemporary lodges will provide built-in international plug points. Gorilla trekking can involve long hours in the forest, so if you’re concerned about having enough phone power for photos and videos, consider bringing an external power bank.

Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, with low rates of crime and a stable political climate. The nation takes pride in its well-maintained infrastructure, seamless tourism services, and spotless cities. The last Saturday of each month is known as ‘umunsi w’umuganda’, or ‘contribution made by the community’, and for three hours, all Rwandans participate in local community cleanups! Plastic bags are also banned in Rwanda, and on arrival you may be asked to dispose of any that you are carrying.

Nevertheless, it is always wise to take a few simple precautions when traveling. In urban areas, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid openly displaying cash or valuables. When exploring national parks, it’s important to follow the guidance of park rangers and guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

For a comprehensive discovery of the highlights of Rwanda, aim to spend a week in the country. This will allow you sufficient time to explore the vibrant cultural and culinary landscape of Kigali before heading off to the lush rainforests of Volcanoes National Park and the open plains of Akagera National Park. Longer stays can include a few days of relaxing on the shores of Lake Kivu or tracking chimpanzees and colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest.

Travellers can obtain a visa on arrival in Kigali, with both single-entry (US$50) and multiple-entry visas (US$70) available. Visa payments must be made in cash, and it is recommended to have the exact amount on hand, as change may not be available. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure from Rwanda and has a minimum of two consecutive blank visa pages available. If there is insufficient space in the passport, entry may be denied. Make sure to carry a copy of your proof of accommodation or tour booking, as well as your return flight confirmation.

No mandatory vaccines are required for Rwanda; however, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination must be presented if arriving from an endemic area such as Tanzania, a popular combination with Rwanda. Malaria is prevalent in Rwanda, and prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers. Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure.

Wi-Fi Internet access is available in nearly all hotels and lodges in Rwanda and is usually free of charge. Mobile connectivity is excellent in major towns and cities (such as Kigali), but coverage will be limited or non-existent in the remote national park areas.