Rwanda – Travel Guide
Rwanda, a land of lush rainforests and majestic mountains, from the dense jungles of Volcanoes National Park to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu. Delight in authentic cuisine, savoring traditional dishes like ibishimbo and brochettes, infused with local spices and flavors. Immerse yourself in nature in the Nyungwe Forest, home to endangered primates and colorful bird species. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains and the cascading waterfalls of Akagera National Park. Experience the cultural richness of Rwanda in the bustling markets of Kigali and the vibrant celebrations of traditional dance and music. Rwanda invites you to discover its natural beauty and vibrant culture, promising an unforgettable journey in the heart of Africa.
All about Rwanda
Rwanda FAQ
What is Rwanda known for?
Rwanda is referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, a landlocked country filled with breathtaking scenery, nestled south of the Equator in east-central Africa. Kigali is the capital city located in the heart of the country on the Ruganwa River, ranked the safest capital city in Africa. The country and its citizens have made impressive, miraculous strides over the last quarter of a century, as the country marked its 25th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
Rwanda is a fascinating country to visit, it was ranked as one of the safest countries in the world in 2017, and it is also the cleanest country in Africa. Many know the country that was featured in the film Gorillas in the Mist with Dian Fossey and her work with the Gorillas. The country is filled with wonderful people, impressive art, delicious fish, a lovely lake, and so much more. There are three national parks to explore and a large wildlife population, as well as burgeoning tea and coffee industries.
What are the best places to visit in Rwanda?
Ideally positioned in the center of Rwanda, Kigali, extends across several hills and valleys, with good road links to the rest of the country. The verdant capital city is pleasantly low-key yet dynamic and progressive, with just over one million inhabitants. Kigali is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable gorilla trek – one of Africa`s most fascinating wilderness experiences.
How many days should I spend in Rwanda?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Rwanda ?
Getting around Rwanda can be done via taxi buses that are abundant all over the country. They offer a cheap way to get from city to city, easily recognizable the buses are white and are sometimes marked with funny names or sportswear logos.
Taxis can be expensive and harder to find, an average taxi ride within the capital city of Kigali costs about 2,500-5,000 RWF. Moto Taxis or Motorbike trips are available and can be a fast and cheap way to get around within the cities. A trip within Kigali costs around 300-1,000 RWF.
Public buses allow visitors to venture out of town, they are safe, cheap, and reliable. The major bus station is located in Kigali, named Nyabugogo, bus trips cost between 2,000-4,000 RWF.
The roads in Rwanda are well maintained and the main roads are generally in good condition, however much slower than European or American roads. Rental cars are available at the Gregoire Kayibanda International Airport as well as other locations in major cities such as Kigali. Renting a car is useful when exploring the gorilla parks and other attractions like the Volcanoes National Park. The general cost of a rental car is around US$50 per day.
What is the currency of Rwanda?
The official currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan franc (Rfr), US Dollars are widely accepted, be sure to exchange your dollars for the Rwandan franc upon arrival. There are exchange desks found in the airport and at banks. ATMs can be found in Kigali and nearly all major cities. Credit and debit cards are becoming more widely accepted, Visa is the more widely accepted form of payment, as well as Mastercard.
Do people speak English in Rwanda?
The official language spoken in Rwanda is native Kinyarwanda, however, English and French are widely spoken. Many people speak English, especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. Most of the inhabitants have a good comprehension of the English language. We recommend you get a good English-Rwandan guidebook and learn common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.
Travel Tip: Malaria is prevalent throughout the country and taking prophylactics is recommended. Be specific when speaking to your doctor and tell them you are traveling to Rwanda since chloroquine is not effective in this region. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is an entry requirement.
Best time to visit Rwanda
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the drier period from June through September, and from December to early February. This is a time when you have a greater chance of spotting the country’s undoubted highlight; the mighty mountain gorilla families. The rainy season’s March to May and a shorter rain season in November is a perfect time to head south and visit Nyungwe National Park to track chimpanzees.
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The country favors travel all year round with fairly temperate weather around 63 F to 81 F, due to its position just south of the Equator. Kigali enjoys an average temperature of around 70 F.
Tipping in Rwanda
Tipping is at your discretion and greatly appreciated, cash is usually preferred, tip drivers around US$10 a day, and trekking porters US$2.
Top Cities in Rwanda
What to expect while traveling
