Rwanda Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors| Everything You Need to Know

If you are reading this, it is probably because you have heard about Rwanda, and you are contemplating on visiting the destination but have a lot of question in mind. Not to worry, here we shall share with you a few insights on this destination.

For most people, Rwanda is renown for its tragic history of the 1994 genocide during which hundreds of thousands of individuals we killed. While this was an extremely dark time for the country and the scars may never fade, over the years Rwanda has slowly recovered from the 1994 genocide incident evolving into a united, proud, and optimistic nation and today, the country has one of the fastest growing economies, is known to be one of the safest countries to visit in Africa, and is endowed with one of the cleanest streets in Africa, as well as friendly occupants.

A visit to Rwanda will leave you with an overwhelming sense of admiration for its people’s hope and determination, and the stunning attractions ranging from the beautiful sceneries, primates, water bodies, museums, and wildlife coupled with the well-organized tourism infrastructure such as good roads and high-end accommodation make each visit to Rwanda worthwhile.

Where is Rwanda located?

 Rwanda, also commonly referred to as “the land of a thousand hills” due to its beautiful lush green, hilly landscape, is a landlocked country located in East Africa, in the Central African Great Rift valley with in the Great Lakes region. The country is bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Why Rwanda Should Be on Your Bucket List.

1. Gorilla trekking- Africa’s most accessible gorilla destination

Rwanda is the world’s most accessible place to see mountain gorillas in the wild in its Volcanoes national park, home to roughly a third of the entire global population of mountain gorillas. Volcanoes national park is located at a distance of 80km away from Kigali International Airport and can be accessed with a 2 hours drive from Kigali.

Gorilla trekking is Rwanda’s greatest attraction and undoubtably the most compelling wildlife encounter in Rwanda. Mountain gorillas are an endangered species with a total of about 900 of them left in the world and this species is native to the forests of Africa particularly within the Virunga Conservation Area and Bwindi Impenetrable national park in Uganda.

2. Chimpanzee trekking and other primates experience

Despite the gorilla trekking experience being one of the major tourist attractions in Rwanda, this destination comprises several other primates that can be encountered both in Volcanoes national park such as the golden monkeys, endemic to the Virunga conservation area and Nyungwe forest national park- home to over 13 primates’ species which is about quarter of all the primates in Africa including the chimpanzees which are the most prominent and colobus monkeys.

3. Big 5 safari

While Rwanda is not always an obvious choice for a classic African safari, Rwanda’s Akagera national park offers several wildlife viewing opportunities for travelers visiting Rwanda.  Akagera is a protected area situated in eastern province of Rwanda covering an area of about 1,100 square kilometres. This park inhabits about 8,000 species of animals including lions, and black rhinos after their reintroduction into this park about 10 years ago making this destination perfect for the Big 5 safari on a visit to Rwanda.

With its savannah plains, lakes, papyrus swamps, rolling hills and gaping valleys, Akagera is scenically one of the prettiest parks in Africa.

4. Kigali, the country’s history and its attractions

Regardless of the activity you are interested in partaking in Rwanda, Kigali is a place every traveler encounters whether when they are just passing through or visiting the attractions in this beautiful city.

When visiting Kigali, you will most likely require to spend a night or two exploring the country’s clean streets, shopping malls, busy restaurants, quiet coffee shops and the vibrant nightlife. Some of the best landmarks and attractions not to miss while in Kigali is the Kigali genocide memorial, the State House museum, the museum of natural history, the Belgian peacemakers’ memorial and the local Kimironko market. These insightful attractions represent the country’s history, culture and way of life of its people.

Where to go in Rwanda

1. Volcanoes national park- Home to the endangered mountain gorillas

Carefully tucked on the foothills of the 5 Volcanoes of East Africa, Volcanoes national park sits on the far northwest of Rwanda within the Virunga conservation area. The name Volcanoes is derived from its location that encompasses the dormant volcanic mountains of mount Sabinyo, mount Karisimbi, mount Bisoke, mount Gahinga, and mount Muhabura.

Volcanoes national park covers an area of 160 square kilometres and it is undoubtably the most famous place to visit in Rwanda, being home to the endangered mountain gorillas, a unique species of primate that can only be spotted in the Virunga Conservation Area and Bwindi Impenetrable national park in Uganda. An encounter of these gentle giants in their habitat is one experience that can not be compared to any other wildlife encounter on Earth and you will attest to this once you get to spend time with one of the gorilla families in Volcanoes national park.

Other than the famous gorilla trekking experience, there are several other activities that travelers engage in while visiting Volcanoes national park such as golden monkey trekking, Diane Fossey gravestone hike, mount Bisoke hike, mount Karisimbi hike, visit to the Musanze caves, Birdwatching, Visit to Ellen DeGenres Museum of Diane Fossey, Iby’iwacu cultural experience, and boat cruise on the twin lakes of Burera and Rubondo, among others.

2. Akagera National Park

Many first-timers don’t realize Rwanda has a genuine Big Five safari park until mentioned to them. Akagera national park, located on Tanzania’s border to the east covers an area of 1,120 square kilometres, is renowned for being the home to Africa’s Big 5 in Rwanda.

Akagera, was gazetted in 1934 however around 1990s the park suffered greatly from land encroachment and poaching as result of Rwanda’s civil war. Following that event, different conservation measures such as the reintroduction of lions in the park in 2025, and black rhinos that followed in 2017 restored the Big 5 to Rwanda. As of today, Akagera national park boosts of savannah plains, rolling hills, and valleys, as well as lakes, marshes and papyrus swamps that protect the wildlife and bird species in this park.

While on a safari to Akagera national park, keep a look out for different wildlife species like the impalas, topis, elands, giraffes, waterbucks, sables, roans, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, buffalos, rhinos, leopards and elephants, among others. These animals are commonly spotted on game drives and boat safaris. Being a birder’s paradise with over 480 bird species, along with the wildlife travelers spot numerous bird species both endemic and migratory birds such as Raptors, Red faced barbet, African fish eagles, open-billed storks, cormorants, herons, among others.

3. Nyungwe Forest National Park

Sited in the southwest of Rwanda, Nyungwe is one of the oldest rain forests in Africa and the largest forest in Rwanda covering an area of about 1,019 square kilometres of ancient mahogany and ebony trees towering the national park.

It is a spectacular location to visit for travelers who are interested in primates. Nyungwe national park is home to over 13 primate species with the most prominent being the chimpanzees. The other primates in this national park include; L’Hoest monkeys, Angola colobus monkeys, Rwenzori colobus monkeys, and the grey-checked mangabeys, among others which make up one of the many highlights of this national park.

Along with the primates, Nyungwe forest protects over 300 bird species, 30% of which are endemic to the Albertine rift valley as well as several butterfly species.

Being home to several primates and bird species, activities to take part in while in Nyungwe national park include; chimpanzee trekking, colobus monkey trekking, birdwatching, ziplining, canopy walk- a 60 meters string above the forest floor, Gisakura rope course, adventure trails, and night walk.

4. Lake Kivu

The western side of Rwanda is enclosed by Lake Kivu, one of a series of massive freshwater lakes that lie along Africa’s Great Rift Valley. Accessible by a two hours’ drive from Volcanoes national park, Lake Kivu is one of the hidden gems in Rwanda that perfectly compliment the trekking expeditions in this destination offering travelers relaxation after the endless hikes.

A visit to lake Kivu is a perfect stop for travelers who would like to take an unhurried route between Nyungwe forest national park and Volcanoes national park stopping by the beaches of this lake for a boat ride to one of its islands or just a swim.

5. Kigali

Being the capital city of Rwanda, Kigali is the country’s entry and exit point since the main airport, that is, Kigali International Airport is located here. The city of Kigali boasts of a couple of tourist attractions where travelers can make a stop while visiting Rwanda such as the Genocide museums, the local kimironko market, craft centres, art centres, state house museum, museum of natural history, eco parks, and so many others depending on one’s interests.

For travelers only interested in the primates of Rwanda or with limited time, Kigali can be used as a stopover before and after the trekking adventure however if you have some time at hand, exploring Kigali would be a wonderful experience and you are guaranteed a good time interacting with the friendly locals, and learning the country’s rich history.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Rwanda?

Rwanda can be visited throughout the year however the best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season from June through September which is the country’s long dry season. During this time, gorilla trekking is more comfortable since the trails in the park are dry and firmer thus easier to manoeuvre. That been said, it is also important to keep it in mind that Volcanoes national park is a rain forest which means the park could experience rainfall at any time of the year.

The other months of the year, that is November to May experience frequent down pours especially between March to May which is Rwanda’s longest rainy season. While it is possible to hike the gorillas during this time, the hikes are quite more difficult due to the rainfall as well as muddy and slippery trails.

When visiting Rwanda during January and February (the short dry season), the high and medium altitude areas like Kigali, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes national park, and Nyungwe forest national park tend to be hot during the day but cool in the evenings. Low lying regions like Akagera National Park are hot in the day and warm in the evenings making it a good time to go on a safari to Akagera national park. For travelers looking for discounted permits as well as less crowds in the national parks, this is a good time to take part in the gorilla trekking experience however the temperatures remain humid and there are higher chances of experiencing a sudden downpour.

Here is a month-to-month guide line on the best time to visit Rwanda

June to September (peak season)

This is Rwanda’s most popular window, coinciding with the Northern Hemisphere summer holidays. During these months the trails are at their driest, the clouds are clear and visibility for photography is excellent. This is the best time of the year to go on a safari to Rwanda.

December to mid-February (short dry season)

These months offer a quieter, but equally rewarding experience, especially for travelers who want to experience the dry weather conditions similar to June through August but without the crowds. Skies are often clear in this period, offering great photography opportunities. This is the best time of the year to go on a game viewing adventure to Akagera national park.

March to May and October to November (wet seasons)

These months see Rwanda’s heaviest rains, particularly April, which is the wettest month of the year. Trails in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest get muddy and the treks become most difficult during this time of the year. As a result, very view travelers visit Rwanda therefore rates are lower, lodges are far less full, vegetation is lush and dramatically green. Birdwatching is at its best in these wetter months since birdlife is most active.

Entry Requirements, and Visa Requirements to Rwanda

All nationalities visiting Rwanda must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their travel date. Citizens of the East African community member states are issued a free visa to Rwanda allowing their stay in the country for up to 6 months. Citizens of most countries can obtain their single-entry visa to Rwanda either on arrival or through the online Irembo e-visa portal at a fee of USD 50 valid for 30 days.

Travelers planning to visit Kenya or Uganda or both in combination with Rwanda should instead apply for the multi-entry East Africa Tourist Visa that covers all three countries and is valid for 90 days. While applying for this East African tourist visa, it is important that the issuing country is used as the entry point.

What is the cost of visiting Rwanda?

It is not always easy to give a single figure when it comes to the cost of visiting Rwanda moreso if there is no particular travel plan adopted since there are so many variables that individually contribute to the overall cost of your visit to Rwanda such as your preferred level of accommodation, time of the year, number of travelers, and the activities you choose to take part in.

If you are looking for ballpark figures that may help with formulating a budget, here are ideas of some costs you will incur on a typical trip to Rwanda;

Gorilla permit: USD 1,500 per person and its inclusive of the park entrance.

Golden monkey permit: USD 100 per person and its inclusive of the park entrance.

Chimpanzee permit: This costs USD 250 per person and this amount is inclusive of the park entrance.

Accommodation: Ranges from comfortable guesthouses near Kinigi and Musanze (roughly from USD 150 – USD 200 per night) to 3- and 4-star lodges between (USD 350 – USD 650 per night) and five-star lodges with stunning views (USD 800- 6500 per night)

Private transport with driver guide: This was usually quoted as part of a package day rate, covering fuel, vehicle, and guide fees

Park entrance fees: USD 100 per person for a visit to Akagera national park and if you spend two days in the park, the fee is discounted to USD 150 per person for the two days.

Visa: USD 50 (single-entry tourist visa) or USD 100 (East Africa Tourist Visa)

Where to Stay in Rwanda: Lodges and Accommodation

Rwanda offers a variety of accommodation options near all its major attractions ranging from the ultra luxury options, luxury options, midrange options and the budget accommodation options.

Near Volcanoes national park, the ultra luxury accommodation options include; One & Only gorilla’s nest, Singita Kwitonda lodge, Wilderness Bisate lodge, Virunga lodge and Sabinyo Silverback lodge. Luxury accommodation options include; Amarembo by Touchdown and Sambora Kinigi lodge. Midrange accommodation options include; Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Ingagi Parkview lodge, Mountain gorilla view lodge, Virunga Inn Resort and Spa and Da Vinci gorilla lodge and budget accommodation options include Le Bambou gorilla lodge, Amikus hotel, Virunga lodge and Kinigi Guesthouse.

Around Lake Kivu and Nyungwe national park, lodging options range from intimate eco-lodges built into the forest canopy to relaxed lakeside guesthouses. Luxury accommodation include; Serena Kivu, and One & only Nyungwe house. Midrange accommodation options include; Kivu Marina Bay, Nyungwe Hilltop view hotel, Munazi lodge and Paradise Kivu. Budget accommodation options include Moriah hill, Chimpanzee lodge Nyungwe, and Gisakura guesthouse.

In Akagera national park, accommodation options range from tented camps overlooking Lake Ihema to stand alone facilities within the park gates and at the entrance points. Accommodation near Akagera national park Wilderness Magashi camp for luxury travelers, Akagera game lodge, and Ruzizi tented camp for midrange travelers then Akagera safari camp, Akagera transit lodge, Akagera rhino lodge and Dereva hotel for budget travelers.

Within Kigali, travelers can stay at Hemmingways retreat and Serena Kigali for luxury options, Hotel Mille collines, Kigali Marriot, Protea hotel Kigali, Park Inn by Radisson Blu for midrange options then Gloria hotel, and Five to Five Hotel for budget options.

Itinerary Ideas for a first-time visitor to Rwanda