Rwanda Travel Guide
Key Information: Rwanda Travel Guide
Unlock all the essential details for your Rwanda adventure, from visa requirements to health information, currency, and more, with insights from our expert Rwanda travel guide.
Renowned for its abundance of primates, Rwanda beckons with the chance to encounter endangered mountain gorillas and explore captivating hiking trails. Beyond its iconic inhabitants, Rwanda boasts stunning lakes, dense jungles, diverse birdlife, and remote island communities waiting to be discovered.
As Rwanda emerges as a sought-after tourist destination, it’s essential to arm yourself with knowledge about the country, including visa regulations, health advisories, and safety tips. Our comprehensive Rwanda travel guide is designed to equip you with everything you need to navigate the country seamlessly, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free journey.
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Visa and entry
Visas are available upon arrival for citizens of all countries, with no prior application required, at a fee of USD 30 per person. It’s important to have USD notes printed in 2013 or later. However, please note that depending on traffic and the number of arriving guests, the immigration process can take one hour or longer.
Health information
Travelers visiting East Africa from countries with a yellow fever risk must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. Malaria is prevalent year-round, so it’s advisable to pack mosquito repellent and wear protective clothing, particularly during the rainy season.
For those planning gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, it’s crucial to note that gorillas are susceptible to human diseases. Visitors with contagious illnesses, such as the flu, must inform their guides and refrain from joining the trek to ensure the safety of these endangered primates. Gorilla treks typically last between one to four strenuous hours each way, with two to three hours being the average duration in each direction. It’s important to mention that children under 15 years old are not permitted to participate in gorilla trekking activities.
Language and religion
Rwanda recognizes Kinyarwanda, French, and English as its official languages, with Kinyarwanda being widely spoken, being a prominent Bantu language. Similar to Kirundi, spoken in neighboring Burundi, Kinyarwanda forms part of the broader dialect continuum known as Rwanda-Rundi. Swahili is also prevalent in Rwanda, especially in urban centers and tourist hubs, though its usage is less common in rural areas where Kinyarwanda predominates.
In terms of religion, the majority of Rwandans, approximately 65%, identify as Roman Catholic, with another 9% adhering to Protestantism. Islam represents a small fraction of the population, accounting for only about 1%. Additionally, a significant portion of Rwandans, around one-fourth, maintain traditional indigenous beliefs, often alongside their Christian faith. This syncretism reflects the diverse religious landscape of Rwanda, where cultural and religious practices intersect and coexist.
Currency and cards
In Rwanda, US dollars are widely accepted in major cities, although smaller shops may only transact in local currency. It’s important to note that if you’re using dollar bills, ensure they were printed in 2013 or later, as older bills may not be accepted. Most establishments also welcome international credit cards, primarily Visa and Mastercard. However, it’s worth noting that American Express cards are not commonly accepted in many areas.
Popular Trips to Rwanda
Best Places To Visit
Discover Akagera National Park Akagera National Park is a stunning conservation area located in eastern Rwanda. Spanning over
Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes, nestled along the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a sprawling tropical rainforest located in southwestern Rwanda. Covering over 1,000 square kilometers,
Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda, is a stunningly beautiful protected area known for its lush rainforests and
Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, is a vibrant and rapidly developing metropolis known for its cleanliness, safety,
Things To Do
From lush forests and towering volcanoes to endangered mountain gorillas and museums chronicling the country’s tragic past, Rwanda offers a wealth of experiences. Explore indigenous cultures in remote villages and discover the many things to see and do in this captivating country. Here’s a list of the top highlights that should definitely be part of your tour!
Safety
Since the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has stabilized greatly. It is relatively easy, safe and simple to travel around the country and tourism is on the rise. Enjoy a seamless and stress-free Rwanda vacation with some basic safety guidelines compiled by our team.
From the Blog
What Our Guests Say
Dzigbordi A / Mar 2024 • Solo
The trip were really amazing and took many pictures and videos and we enjoyed a lot it was a great experiences that we are not going to forget.
Diakiss D / Feb 2024 • Friends
The trip were really amazing and took many pictures and videos and we enjoyed a lot it was a great experiences that we are not going to forget.
Alessandro S / Feb 2024 • Friends
Great experience absolutely recommended!
Great driver too 💪🏻 we saw all the animals we wished to see!
Everything was planned by African Diurnal so we could enjoy the most without any stress in planning
