Rwanda Guide

Rwanda – Land of a Thousand Hills.

Rwanda is small on the map, but big in experience. In just one journey you can move from a polished city hotel in Kigali to misty volcanoes, classic savannah and quiet lake shores. Distances are short, roads are good and you travel with your own private driver-guide, so the days feel calm and well paced.

For many guests, Rwanda becomes their gentle African introduction: clear logistics, comfortable lodges, and enough rest days to really arrive – perfect for first-time and repeat travellers who value safety and comfort.

Kigali

The capital and logistical hub: memorials, galleries, design shops and excellent dining – plus our base for planning and on-trip support.

Volcanoes National park

North-west, on the border with Uganda and DR Congo. Home of the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Akagera National Park

East, along the border with Tanzania. A restored big-five park of lakes, plains and woodlands – perfect for classic game drives and boat safaris.

Lake Kivu

West, following the Congo border. A string of bays, islands and relaxed lakeside towns, ideal for slower days and gentle exploration.

Nyungwe National Park

South-west, a dense, ancient rainforest with chimpanzees, monkeys, waterfalls and some of Rwanda’s finest walking trails.

WHEN

Best Time to Travel to Rwanda

Rwanda’s highland climate makes it a year-round destination. The most popular months are June–September and December–February, when conditions are generally drier and clearer – ideal for wildlife viewing and trekking.
The short rainy periods around March–May and October–November bring greener landscapes, fewer visitors and sometimes sharper photography light. We help you choose dates that suit your comfort, health and interests, not just the calendar.

Practical Information

Rwanda is one of Africa’s most organised destinations, but it’s still important to prepare well.
We guide you through every step before you travel.

Visas & Entry

Visa on arrival / online

Rwanda offers visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and land borders, and you can also apply online. Migration Rwanda+1
Passport validity: plan for at least 6 months validity. Migration Rwanda
Fees: visa fees should not exceed USD 50 (single entry) or USD 70 (multiple entry). Migration Rwanda

EAC travellers

EAC travellers

Citizens of East African Community member states can receive an entry pass free of charge (commonly up to six months). Visit Rwanda+1

Tip: Entry rules can change. We’ll confirm the best option for your nationality before you travel and share the official steps. Migration Rwanda+1

Health & Fitness

Yellow fever

A Yellow Fever certificate is required if you’re arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission (or an active outbreak). rwandair.com+1
Travellers arriving from non-endemic countries generally do not need the certificate. rbc.gov.rw+1

General travel health

Travel with comprehensive insurance, pack any personal medication, and ask your clinic about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention for your itinerary. (We can advise based on where you’re going in Rwanda, altitude, and season.)

Safety

Rwanda is generally considered safe and well organised, with relatively low crime — but common sense still applies. Travel.gc.ca+2Travel+2

Smart habits

Keep valuables out of sight, especially in busy areas; secure passports and phones. Travel.gc.ca+1
At night: use trusted transport, avoid unlit streets, and keep car doors locked. Travel.gc.ca+1

We’ll brief you on neighbourhoods, driving times, and practical do’s/don’ts for each stop.

Getting Around

In Kigali

Public transport is mainly shared minibuses; city buses use the Tap&Go smart card system. Visit Rwanda

For trips and national parks

For comfort, timing, and flexibility, most visitors use a private vehicle + driver-guide (especially for early gorilla trekking starts and longer routes).

Money & Payments

Currency

The local currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). US dollars are widely accepted, but many local services are paid in RWF cash. Visit Rwanda

Cards & cash

Cards are common in larger hotels and many restaurants in Kigali, but keep some cash for smaller shops, tips, and rural stops.

Mobile money

Mobile money is widely used locally; visitors usually rely on card + cash, and we can advise if you want a local SIM + wallet setup.

Language & Connectivity

Languages

Kinyarwanda is the national language; English and French are widely used in tourism.

SIMs & data

Main networks are MTN and Airtel. SIM cards are easy to arrange in Kigali, and coverage is strong in most populated areas. Visit Rwanda+1

Wi-Fi

Most hotels and many cafés offer Wi-Fi (speed varies outside Kigali).