Why visit Rwanda? Rwanda is one of the few countries in Africa where you can see mountain gorillas. If you do not find these endangered primates in Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda is the alternative. Much of the credit goes to Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to protecting gorillas and made it possible for tourists to see them today.
Visitors also experience the unity and transformation Rwanda has achieved since the 1994 genocide. Many travelers take time to remember the victims and reflect on the country’s journey of healing.
Rwanda is known as the “land of a thousand hills” because of its beautiful landscapes and highlands. It is also recognized as the cleanest country in Africa, thanks to Umuganda, a community cleaning exercise held on the last Saturday of every month. Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, with very low crime rates, making it welcoming for tourists.
The country is also a great place for hiking. Five of the eight Virunga volcanoes are found here, with Mount Karisimbi offering a challenging two-day climb, while others like Mount Bisoke provide easier hikes.
Popular Activities in Rwanda
- Gorilla Trekking Safaris: Rwanda has 12 habituated gorilla families, each visited by up to 8 people per day. Gorilla trekking takes place only in Volcanoes National Park, starting with a briefing at 7:00 a.m. Treks vary in difficulty depending on the route and the location of the gorilla family.
- Golden Monkey Trekking: Rwanda is also home to the endangered golden monkeys. Their golden fur and playful nature attract many visitors. Trekking them is easier than trekking gorillas since they stay close to the forest edge. The activity begins at 7:30 a.m. with a briefing.
- Birding: Rwanda has more than 640 bird species, including about 30 that are endemic. Birding is possible in all four national parks, but also in wetlands, swamps, and plantations. Akagera National Park is one of the best places to spot rare species such as the shoebill.
- Cultural Tours: Rwanda’s culture is rich and colorful. Visitors can enjoy traditional Intore dance performances, explore local art galleries such as the Inema Art Center, and take part in cultural activities across the country.
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest forests, is home to about 500 chimpanzees. Trekking starts early at 5:00 a.m. in either Cyamudongo or Uwinka. Visitors spend one hour with the chimps, watching them feed, rest, and play.
- Visiting Dian Fossey’s Tomb: Dian Fossey spent 18 years studying and protecting mountain gorillas before she was killed. Her grave and research center at Karisimbi are open to visitors who want to learn about her work and pay respects to her contribution to gorilla conservation.
- Coffee & Tea Plantation Tours: Rwanda produces some of Africa’s finest coffee and tea. Plantation tours allow visitors to see how crops are planted, picked, processed, and made into the final product.
- Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes: Rwanda has five volcanoes: Bisoke, Gahinga, Muhavura, Sabyinyo, and Karisimbi. Mount Bisoke is easier to hike, while Mount Karisimbi is one of the tallest and most challenging, requiring two days. Along the way, visitors enjoy views of other volcanoes and, if lucky, mountain gorillas.
Popular Attractions to Visit in Rwanda
- Volcanoes National Park: This is one of the most visited places in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking is the main reason many tourists plan trips here. The park has about 250 gorillas, with 12 families open for trekking. Treks last between 4 and 8 hours, and visitors get to spend one hour observing gorillas interact within their groups.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park: Nyungwe is the largest remaining montane forest in Rwanda. Its thick tree canopy is home to chimpanzees, baboons, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Visitors enjoy watching these primates swing in the trees and interact in their natural environment.
- Lake Kivu: Lake Kivu is the most popular lake in Rwanda, covering more than 2,700 square kilometers. Visitors can see fishing villages, tropical islands, and natural gas extraction projects while exploring the lake. Activities include boat rides, swimming, and relaxing along the shores.
- Gishwati-Mukura National Park: This park was created by combining two forests and is now home to a range of wildlife. About 20 groups of chimpanzees live here alongside golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and blue monkeys. The park also has more than 230 bird species, making it a good spot for birdwatching.
- Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum: The museum remembers the 1994 genocide, during which more than 800,000 people were killed in just 100 days. Exhibits include photographs, personal belongings, and burial grounds. Many visitors come here to pay their respects and reflect on Rwanda’s history and recovery.
- King’s Palace Museum: This museum is a replica of the royal palace from the 15th century. Visitors can see traditional thatched huts, royal items, and the Inyambo cows known for their large horns. It provides insight into Rwanda’s cultural and political history.
- Akagera National Park: Akagera is Rwanda’s only savanna park and is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes. Other animals include giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles. Game drives offer great chances to see wildlife up close from the safety of a safari vehicle.
- Ethnographic Museum: Located in Huye, this museum was a gift from Belgium to Rwanda in 1989. It is the country’s largest museum and displays collections of ethnology and archaeology. Exhibits include traditional tools used for hunting, pottery, weaving, and more, giving visitors a clear view of Rwanda’s cultural heritage.
Rwanda Safety Guidelines
- Traveling with an experienced guide who knows the country well is important. A guide can advise you on safe places to visit and warn you about areas that may have criminal activity.
- Taking photographs of government buildings such as army barracks, post offices, or banks is not allowed, even if the site looks interesting.
- All visitors must have a yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before traveling. Rwanda is in a yellow fever region, so the vaccination is a requirement. Travel insurance is also recommended, and it should cover medical needs, cancellations, and emergency evacuation.
- Rwanda shares borders with countries that sometimes experience civil wars, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. For safety, tourists are advised not to approach the border within 10 kilometers without a guide or security support.
- Keep valuables hidden at all times. Do not leave items visible in cars or exposed in hotel rooms. While driving, keep windows up and doors locked.
- If you are visiting between February to May or September to December, be aware that this is the rainy season. Roads can become slippery and muddy, so it may be better to plan your trip during the dry season or reschedule if the weather is bad.
- Drink only safe bottled or packaged water and avoid half-cooked food. This will help prevent foodborne and waterborne diseases.
Travel Tips When Visiting Rwanda
- Tourists must have valid passports and all required travel documents before arrival at the airport.
- It is common to tip drivers, guides, and porters if they provide good service beyond expectations.
- French is widely spoken in Rwanda, while English is spoken in some areas. Kinyarwanda is the main local language, also spoken in parts of Burundi.
- Rwandan food mainly consists of starchy dishes such as cassava, yams, and porridge. Hotels and tourist lodges also serve international cuisines, especially those influenced by Belgium, Rwanda’s former colonial power.
- Visas and Mastercard payments are accepted at immigration. However, it is advisable to carry Rwandan francs, especially in remote areas where card payments may not work.
- Most hostels do not display detailed services, so it is better to book your first night in advance and then explore other hotels while in the country.
- Tourists can buy a local SIM card or use their home network. Internet on local SIM cards may be slow, but most hotels and restaurants provide free Wi-Fi.
Getting a Rwandan Visa
Travelers applying for a Rwandan visa must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.
Visitors can apply for visas through Rwandan embassies in their home countries or submit an online application before departure and collect the visa on arrival at the airport or land border.
Those who wish to extend their visas must submit an application to the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration before the first visa expires.
Rwanda Entry Requirements:
- Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- All visitors must have valid visas, obtainable from Rwandan embassies or online.
- Citizens of Commonwealth member states, the African Union, and Francophonie countries can obtain a 30-day tourist visa free of charge.
- Travelers must present required health certificates, including a yellow fever vaccination card.
Suggested Packing List
- Insect repellents: Rwanda’s tropical climate means there are many insects, including mosquitoes. Carry insect repellent, bug lotion, and sprays for your clothes.
- Suitable footwear: Hiking boots are best for gorilla trekking and mountain hikes. Sneakers or comfortable shoes are fine for nature walks and game drives. Flip-flops can be used at lodges.
- Clothing: Pack both light and warm clothes. Days are often warm, while nights are cool. A sweater and a rain jacket are recommended for unexpected weather changes.
- Sun protection: Bring sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially for long outdoor activities like gorilla trekking.
- Electronics: Carry a good camera, smartphone, and chargers. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars to spot birds and other distant animals.
When to Visit Rwanda
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to early February. These months offer good hiking conditions, and it is easier to move around the parks without delays caused by heavy rains.
If you want to know more about Uganda travel then you can read silverback lodge bwindi, mount mikeno volcano and best time to visit dr congo for gorilla trekking safaris articles.
Book your Uganda tours with these recommended Uganda tour companies for a well planned safari. Use the Voucher: UTBlog for up to 25% Discounts on Trips.
