National Parks in Rwanda
Rwanda's top safari and wildlife destinations
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is one of Africa's greatest conservation comeback stories. Located in eastern Rwanda along the Tan...
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park protects one of the oldest and most biodiverse rainforests in Africa, a vast emerald canopy...
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda's crown jewel, a dramatic landscape of bamboo forests, hagenia woodlands, and five tow...
Cities in Rwanda
Explore Rwanda's urban destinations
Best Time to Visit Rwanda
Best Months
June, July, August, September, December, January, February
For Safari
Peak: June, July, August, September
Dry seasons offer the best conditions for gorilla trekking (firmer trails, less mud) and wildlife viewing in Akagera. Gorilla trekking is available year-round.
Seasons
June, July, August, September
Long dry season. Best overall for gorilla trekking and savanna safaris. Cooler temperatures, less mud on forest trails, and excellent wildlife viewing in Akagera as animals gather near water.
December, January, February
Short dry season. Excellent conditions for gorilla trekking and general safari. Popular with holiday travelers. Warm and pleasant.
March, April, May
Long rains, heaviest in April. Some trails become difficult. Lower prices and fewer tourists. Gorilla permits easier to obtain.
October, November
Short rains. Generally lighter than the long rains. Still good for wildlife viewing with occasional afternoon showers.
Rwanda Visa Requirements
Rwanda offers visa on arrival for ALL nationalities at a cost of $50 for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa. Travelers can also apply in advance through the e-Visa portal at irembo.gov.rw. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya with multiple entries for 90 days. Rwanda's visa policy is one of the most open in Africa, welcoming visitors from every country on earth.
e-Visa Available
Yes
Cost
$50 USD
Validity
30 days
Visa on Arrival
Yes
Requirements
- • Passport valid 6+ months beyond entry with at least 2 blank pages
- • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from endemic country)
- • Passport-size photo (digital, for e-Visa)
- • Return or onward ticket
- • Proof of accommodation
- • Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
Is Rwanda Safe?
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Kigali is remarkably safe even at night, and the country has a strong security presence without being oppressive. Rwanda's low crime rate is partly due to strict laws, community policing (through the Irondo night patrols), and a culture of order and cleanliness.
Safe Areas
- ✓ All national parks and safari areas
- ✓ Kigali city center and all neighborhoods
- ✓ Musanze and gorilla trekking areas
- ✓ Lake Kivu towns (Gisenyi, Kibuye, Cyangugu)
- ✓ Safari lodges and established campsites
Areas to Avoid
- ✗ Areas along the DRC border (occasional cross-border incidents)
- ✗ Nyungwe Forest edges near Burundi border (rare security concerns)
- ✗ Avoid political demonstrations (rare but best avoided)
Safety Tips
- • Rwanda is very safe, but take standard precautions with valuables
- • Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda; use fabric or paper bags instead
- • Respect the monthly community cleanup day (umuganda, last Saturday of each month)
- • Photography near military or government buildings is prohibited
- • Book gorilla permits well in advance through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
Rwanda Travel Costs
| Budget Level | Daily Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| budget | $50-$100/day | Guesthouses, local food, public transport |
| mid range | $150-$400/day | Mid-range lodges, guided tours, private transport |
| luxury | $500-$2000/day | Luxury lodges, private guides, gorilla trekking |
Health & Vaccinations
Required Vaccinations
- •Yellow Fever (Required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Not required for travelers arriving directly from non-endemic countries. Carry your certificate regardless to avoid complications.)
Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (especially if visiting remote areas or trekking), Meningitis
Malaria Risk
Prophylaxis recommended for: Akagera National Park, Eastern lowlands, Lake Kivu shoreline
Healthcare
Rwanda has invested heavily in healthcare and has a well-functioning health system for a developing country. King Faisal Hospital in Kigali is the best-equipped facility. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is still essential for remote trekking areas.
Tap Water: Not safe - drink bottled water
Getting to Rwanda
International Airports
Kigali International Airport
Kigali (KGL)
Main HubMajor Airlines
RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM, Brussels Airlines, Emirates
Rwanda Highlights
Must See
- • Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- • Kigali Genocide Memorial
- • Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- • Big Five safari in Akagera National Park
- • Nyungwe Forest canopy walkway
Unique Experiences
- • Sit within meters of a silverback gorilla family in the Virunga volcanoes
- • Track golden monkeys through bamboo forest, a species found only in the Virungas
- • Walk 60 meters above the rainforest floor on Nyungwe's canopy walkway
- • Take a boat safari on Lake Ihema in Akagera among hippos and crocodiles
- • Hike to Dian Fossey's tomb at her former research site in Volcanoes NP
Off the Beaten Path
- • Lake Kivu beaches and kayaking
- • Congo Nile Trail (long-distance hiking and biking)
- • Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo near Musanze
- • Huye (Butare) and the Ethnographic Museum
- • Akagera's wetlands and papyrus swamps at dawn
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rwanda safe for tourists?
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. Kigali is remarkably safe, even at night, and violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. The country has strict security measures and low crime rates. Standard precautions with valuables are all that's needed.
How much does a gorilla permit cost in Rwanda?
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 per person through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). This includes park entry and one hour with a gorilla family. For comparison, Uganda charges $700 for the same experience. Book at least 3-6 months in advance for peak season.
What is the best time to visit Rwanda?
The dry seasons are best: June to September (long dry) and December to February (short dry). These months offer the easiest gorilla trekking conditions with firmer trails and clearer skies. However, gorilla trekking is available year-round, and the wet seasons (March to May, October to November) bring fewer crowds and lush green scenery.
Do I need a visa for Rwanda?
Rwanda offers visa on arrival to all nationalities for $50 (30 days, single entry). You can also apply for an e-Visa in advance at irembo.gov.rw. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for 90 days and is excellent value if visiting multiple countries.
What currency does Rwanda use?
Rwanda uses the Rwandan Franc (RWF). US dollars are widely accepted at lodges, for park fees, and for gorilla permits. ATMs are available in Kigali, Musanze, and other towns. Carry cash for rural areas and smaller establishments.
Why are Rwanda's gorilla permits so expensive?
The $1,500 permit price is a deliberate strategy by Rwanda to fund conservation, limit visitor numbers, and maintain a premium experience. Revenue directly supports gorilla protection, anti-poaching patrols, and community development around the parks. The high price ensures small group sizes (maximum 8 per gorilla family per day) and a well-managed trekking experience.