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Rwanda Travel Guide

Discover Rwanda – The Land of Hills

Rwanda charms with lush forests, rolling hills, sparkling lakes and dramatic volcanoes a nature-lover’s dream across East Africa. From cloud-clad mountain peaks to tranquil wetlands, the country offers gorilla trekking, rainforest hikes, wildlife safaris, lake relaxation and vibrant culture in one compact package.

Travel feels accessible thanks to modern amenities English, French and Kinyarwanda are widely spoken; currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF), with US dollars often accepted for larger services. Visitors find Rwanda welcoming, culturally rich and ideal for wildlife, nature, and cultural experiences all year-round.

Currency & Payment

Rwanda uses the Rwandan Franc (RWF), though US dollars are commonly accepted at lodges and tour operators. ATMs are available in major cities — bring some cash for rural areas where cards may not work.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal seasons are June–September and December–January, when trails are dry, wildlife is easier to spot and trekking conditions are best. These periods are perfect for gorilla treks, safaris and exploring forests with fewer disruptions.

Rwanda Travel Guide Faqs

Where is Rwanda located?

Rwanda is a small landlocked country in East Africa, bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rwanda is best known for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, its rolling “Land of a Thousand Hills” landscapes, and remarkable cultural heritage.

The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) are ideal for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing. Rainy months (March–May, October–November) make trekking more challenging.

Yes, most travelers need a visa. Options include an eVisa, visa on arrival, or the East Africa Tourist Visa (covering Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda).

The Rwandan Franc (RWF) is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and tour services, but local cash is useful in markets.

Kinyarwanda is the national language. French, English, and Swahili are also widely spoken, especially in tourism and business.

Yes, Rwanda is one of Africa’s safest countries. Kigali is considered very clean and secure. Standard precautions are recommended when traveling.

Volcanoes National Park (gorilla trekking)

Nyungwe Forest National Park (chimpanzees & canopy walk)

Akagera National Park (Big Five safari)

Lake Kivu (scenic relaxation & water activities)

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Carry mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and always drink bottled or filtered water.

Staples include ugali (maize porridge), beans, plantains, sweet potatoes, and grilled meats. Try brochettes (skewers) and fresh local fruits.

Most tours use private vehicles for safaris and treks. Kigali has taxis and motorbikes. Domestic flights connect to neighboring East African countries.

Light clothing, sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts for trekking, rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, and neutral safari wear.

Rwandans value politeness. Greetings are important, modest dress is advised, and always ask permission before photographing people.

Yes. Many combine Rwanda with Uganda or Kenya for gorilla and Big Five safaris, or with Tanzania for Serengeti and Zanzibar experiences.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor 5.0 64 reviews

Third time we have used Elida Tours. David is great, met us at airport, arrange safari, hotels and all transportation in Kenya.
I have been using Elida for some time for transportation around Nairobi! The team is friendly, reliable and extremely helpful!
We have used Elida Tours and David for several years. He is really helpful with hotel bookings, transport, game drives (safaris).

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