Rwanda Safaris Tours

Rwanda Travel Advice: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Planning a Rwanda safari, especially for gorilla trekking, is an exciting adventure. Here’s some helpful travel advice to guide your journey, from money and tipping tips to climate, packing, and more. Whether you're a first-timer or returning traveler, this guide will help you make the most of your Rwanda safari.

Money & Spending

Rwanda’s official currency is the Rwandan Franc, but most travelers find it easier to carry US dollars (make sure the bills are from 2003 or later) or euros in cash. Avoid traveler’s cheques, as they usually come with poor exchange rates.

You’ll find the best exchange rates in bureaux de change offices in Kigali, so do your currency exchange and banking there before heading to remote areas.

Some luxury hotels and restaurants in Kigali accept credit cards, especially MasterCard, but outside the capital, card payments are rare. Always carry some cash for purchases in smaller towns or national parks.

Tipping on Safari

Tipping in Rwanda is not mandatory, but it is greatly appreciated in the tourism sector. In high-end restaurants in Kigali, a 10% tip is often added or expected.

When going on gorilla trekking, tipping your porter, guides, trackers, and rangers is a kind and helpful gesture. Porters – many of whom are former poachers – now earn a living by supporting tourism, so your tip makes a real difference.

Your porter should receive the highest tip since they assist you with your backpack and help you through challenging trails. You can also give a shared tip to the guides and trackers who lead your trek. For more detailed advice on tipping, don’t hesitate to ask your tour operator or safari expert.

Climate & Best Time to Visit

Rwanda enjoys a relatively mild climate with average temperatures ranging between 12°C (54°F) and 27°C (81°F) all year round.

There are two rainy seasons:

• March to April
• October to mid-December

For the best gorilla trekking experience, plan your trip during the dry seasons:

• June to September
• Mid-December to February

Trails are easier to hike when dry, making these the ideal months for tracking mountain gorillasWhat to Pack for a Rwanda Safari

If you're going on a gorilla trek, proper clothing and gear are important. Make sure to pack:

• Long-sleeved tops and thick trousers to protect your skin from stinging nettles and insects.
• Long socks or gaiters to wear over your pants – these help keep ants and bugs out.
• Gloves (light gardening gloves are fine) to protect your hands when grabbing plants for support.
• A waterproof jacket, a hat, and a warm fleece – it can get cold and wet in the mountains.
• Sturdy hiking boots – break them in before the trip.
• Sunscreen, bug spray, and a change of clothes in your daypack in case you get wet or muddy.

Extra tips:

• Avoid wearing bright colors, white, or patterns – they may scare animals away.
• Brown and green clothes help you blend in with the forest.
• Avoid black and blue, as they attract tsetse flies.
• Bring a few toys, stationery, or footballs to give to children in local villages – it’s a thoughtful gesture.
• Speak to your doctor about altitude medication and ensure your vaccinations are up to date.

Flights & Getting Around Rwanda

Rwanda’s main airport, Kigali International Airport, is located just outside Kigali. You can fly directly from Brussels, or connect via cities like Entebbe, Nairobi, Lusaka, or Johannesburg.

From Kigali, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, the main gorilla trekking destination. Most transfers are by 4x4 vehicles, but you can also opt for a helicopter ride to places like Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Because Rwanda is a small country, traveling between top attractions usually takes no more than 4–5 hours by road. In Kigali, one fun and authentic way to explore the city is by hopping on the back of a local motorbike taxi – a popular and affordable mode of transport.

Visas & Entry Requirements

To enter Rwanda, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months. A tourist visa is required for most travelers, except citizens of countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Kenya, South Africa, and a few others.

Visas are valid for three months and can be obtained from the nearest Rwandan embassy or online. You can usually extend them on a monthly basis in Kigali if needed.

Gorilla Trekking Permits

To join a gorilla trek, you must have a gorilla trekking permit, which should be arranged in advance. These permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially during the high season.

Children under the age of 15 years are not allowed to participate in gorilla trekking, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling as a family.

About Rwanda: History, People & Nature

History & Economy:

Rwanda is a small but fascinating country with a deep history. Though it avoided the slave trade, it was colonized first by Germany and later by Belgium. Since gaining independence in 1962, the country faced many challenges, including the tragic 1994 genocide. But today, Rwanda is known for its peace, cleanliness, and growth.

Agriculture is still the main occupation, with coffee and tea as major exports. However, tourism, especially gorilla trekking, brings in the most foreign income.

People & Culture:

Rwanda is home to over 11 million people, making it one of Africa’s most densely populated countries. The population is made up mainly of Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa people. Most Rwandans are Catholics, followed by Protestants, and the country has three official languages: Kinyarwanda, English, and French.

Music, especially drumming and traditional dance, plays an important role in Rwandan culture. There is also a rich tradition of storytelling and poetry.

Landscapes & Wildlife:

Nicknamed the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda is rich in natural beauty – from lush mountains and forests to lakes and volcanoes. It’s part of the Albertine Rift Valley, one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world.

Rwanda is home to three national parks:

• Volcanoes National Park – famous for mountain gorilla trekking
• Nyungwe Forest – home to chimpanzees and other primates
• Akagera National Park – a savannah park with elephants, giraffes, lions, and hippos

There are also over 670 species of birds, making Rwanda a paradise for bird watchers.

Start Planning Your Rwanda Safari with Mukisa Safaris

Whether you're dreaming of meeting gorillas in the wild or exploring the hills and forests of Rwanda, this beautiful country has so much to offer.

Talk to a travel expert who knows Rwanda personally and let them help you plan a custom safari that fits your interests, budget, and travel goals.