Highlights
Volcanoes National Park
In the Virunga Mountains on the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, habituated families of mountain gorillas can be visited for one hour with a ranger. Permits are limited and must be booked well ahead. Golden monkey treks and the hike to Dian Fossey's grave are also possible.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
One of the oldest montane rainforests in Africa, in the south-west, home to chimpanzees, many other primates and hundreds of bird species. A canopy walkway hangs high above a forested valley.
Akagera National Park
A savannah and lakeland park on the Tanzanian border. Lions and rhinos have been reintroduced, so visitors can see the Big Five on game drives and boat trips on Lake Ihema.
Lake Kivu
A large lake shared with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with beaches, islands and boat trips from the towns of Rubavu (Gisenyi), Karongi (Kibuye) and Rusizi. The Congo Nile Trail follows its shore by bike or on foot.
Kigali
The capital is spread over hills, with art galleries, cafés serving Rwandan coffee and markets such as Kimironko. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a moving and important visit to understand the events of 1994.
King's Palace Museum, Nyanza
A reconstructed royal residence with a thatched beehive-shaped palace, telling the story of the Rwandan monarchy. Long-horned Inyambo cattle, once kept by the royal court, are shown with traditional songs.
Interesting facts about Rwanda
- Rwanda banned plastic bags in 2008, and bags may be checked and confiscated on arrival.
- On the last Saturday of each month, Umuganda, a morning of community work, takes place nationwide, and some services pause during it.
- Rwanda has one of the highest shares of women in parliament in the world.
- Almost all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda, which is an official language alongside English, French and Swahili.
- Lake Kivu contains large amounts of dissolved methane, which is extracted to generate electricity.
Best time to visit
The long dry season, from about June to September, is the most popular time, when gorilla trekking trails are less muddy and wildlife in Akagera gathers near water. December to February is a shorter dry season and also good. The rainy seasons, roughly March to May and October to November, bring heavy showers and slippery trails, but the countryside is very green and parks are quieter. Because of the altitude, the climate is mild all year.
Practical information
| Capital | Kigali |
|---|---|
| Currency | Rwandan franc (RWF) |
| Languages | Kinyarwanda, English, French, Swahili |
| Plugs | Type C, E, G |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 112 police, 912 ambulance |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | Appreciated in restaurants and on tours. Gorilla trekking guides, porters and trackers are customarily tipped. |
Getting around
Distances are short: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park takes around two to three hours by road, and to Nyungwe or Akagera a little longer. Roads between the main towns are generally good but winding. Many visitors travel with a driver-guide arranged through a tour operator; self-drive rentals are possible. Public buses link the main towns cheaply. In Kigali, motorbike taxis (moto) are common and riders provide helmets; ordinary taxis and ride-hailing apps are also available.
Staying connected in Rwanda
4G coverage is good in Kigali and across much of the country, including most towns and many rural areas. Signal can be weak in the depths of Nyungwe forest, on the slopes of the volcanoes and in parts of Akagera. Wi-Fi is available in hotels, lodges and cafés in Kigali, with some public hotspots. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so you can contact your guide and use maps straight away.
See Rwanda eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Rwanda
- Google Maps: Navigation around Kigali's hills and between parks; download offline maps for the parks.
- WhatsApp: Widely used by tour operators, drivers and lodges to keep in touch with guests.
- XE Currency: Converts Rwandan franc prices.