Rwanda is a small country that packs a big punch, delivering on incredible landscapes, equally incredible wildlife, and welcoming people. Within this Rwanda travel guide, you’ll find all the information you need to start planning your trip to the land of a thousand hills.
A Snapshot of Why We Love Rwanda
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A full safari and primate experience in one of Africa’s cleanest countries. It’s not just an “add-on” destination to see the gorillas anymore.
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An uncrowded and up-and-coming Big Five safari destination with the successful rehabilitation of lion and rhino in Akagera National Park
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Intimate properties owned by some of the biggest stars in sustainable luxury tourism
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Akagera National Park: one of the most diverse eco-systems in all of Africa, with the archetypal African savannah landscape (it shares a border with the Serengeti), immense swamps filled with forest-fringed lakes (think Okavango Delta in Botswana), and chains of jagged mountains
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Privately guided drives through some of Rwanda’s most beautiful countryside
Getting to Rwanda
There are flights directly to Rwanda from major international Airports. It’s pretty easy to get there from the United States. With Turkish Air, you’ll be there in under 24 hours. From the USA you have an easy connection in Istanbul before continuing onto Kigali.
Rwanda Visa and Entry Requirements:
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Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers to Rwanda over one year of age and must be given ten days prior to travel. Note: Proof of yellow fever vaccination is not consistently requested by airport officials, but it is still technically required. It will also be necessary to show proof of yellow fever vaccination if traveling to another country after visiting Rwanda.
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Passports must be valid for at least three months after your intended stay.
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US citizens are required to purchase a visa for entry into Rwanda. Single entry visas cost $50 and may be purchased on arrival at the airport, land borders, or online.
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A multiple entry visa is also available on arrival for $70 per person. This visa allows travelers to enter and exit the country multiple times within the 90-day period.
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Specialty visas are available from the embassy or consulate only and include family visas, transit visas, and tourist group visas for between four and ten travelers.
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You must be able to show proof of onward travel arrangements.
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Please be aware that although Ker & Downey will advise you of the current information concerning visas and other requirements, it is your responsibility to reconfirm the information and obtain all necessary documents for entry to countries listed on your itinerary. Visa requirements change frequently.
When to Visit Rwanda
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to March. These times are optimal for for primate trekking, particularly to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, when trails are less muddy and more accessible. These periods offer pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, ideal for trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest. However, booking permits well in advance is crucial due to high demand and limited daily slots for gorilla trekking. Shoulder seasons (March to May and October to November) can be wetter but offer fewer crowds and lower costs, though trekking conditions may be more challenging.
For more detailed information visit our East Africa Seasonality and Pricing Guide.
What to Do in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is the obvious draw to Rwanda. However, there are a number of other primate species that reside within the parks, including golden monkeys and chimpanzees. Plan to spend a few days between Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park trekking to see the incredible primates.
Additionally, Rwanda is no longer just an add on for safaris in other countries. With the introduction of rhino and lions in Akagera National Park, you can have a Big 5 safari and a primate safari together in Rwanda. Check out our Guide to Rwanda’s National Parks for more information on visiting Rwanda's four major national parks.
Beyond safaris, Kigali is the capital city that begs exploration. Winding boulevards, flowering trees, and bustling eateries are a far cry from the tragedy of the 1990s. At the same time, Kigali isn’t running from its past. Rather, it pays homage to it at the Genocide Memorial Center, a powerful memorial to the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their lives over the 100-day Rwandan genocide in 1994. It’s a chilling reminder of how far the country has come, and it’s well worth a visit.
And in the middle of Rwanda, you’ll find one of the great African lakes – Lake Kivu. The shining freshwater lake is one in a string of lakes in Africa’s Great Rift Valley. Take a boat out to the middle for views of green, terraced tea plantations rising over the shores, mountains, and outcrops of rocks. In the small villages on the shores of the lake, dip your toes in the water, watch fishermen bring in their daily catch, and taste Sambaza in Gisenyi (a local delicacy of fried sardines).
Travel to Rwanda
Rwanda might be small in size, but it is big on wildlife, rolling green hills and welcoming people. Add to that the chance to witness history as the country forges ahead on a new path, and travel to Rwanda has an even deeper significance.
Why You Should Travel to RwandaWhat to Pack for a Safari in Rwanda
For your Rwanda travels, we recommend wearing long trousers and shirts when you’re in the forest to avoid nettle stings. Sturdy walking shoes, but preferably hiking boots, are essential in the wet forest. You’ll also want to pack some rain gear that can easily be stowed away. And you absolutely cannot forget your camera. On treks specifically, you may pack a small snack and water bottle. However eating, drinking, and smoking near the gorillas is prohibited. Additionally, porters are available to help carry your day pack for a small fee. We strongly encourage you to make use of this service. It will make your trek more enjoyable, but also directly support the local community.
For some helpful packing suggestions, visit our Amazon store where you’ll find packing suggestions for both men and women for regular safaris as well as men’s and women’s lists specifically for gorilla trekking.
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Ker & Downey earns a small commission when you click through and make a purchase.
Primate Safari Packing List
You've booked your primate trekking safari and now you need to pack. Here's Ker & Downey's guide for what to pack for a primate trekking safari in Rwanda, Uganda, and/or Republic of Congo.
See the Packing ListOur Favorite Rwanda Travel Itineraries
There are journeys, and then there are once-in-a-lifetime sojourns that few have experienced, and many will not believe. In the four Rwanda itineraries featured here in our Rwanda travel guide, journey to the mountainous forest habitats to see some of Rwanda’s most elusive primates.
Rwanda
Rwanda is a verdant, landlocked country in East Africa known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” for its fertile rolling landscape.
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