Guide to Rwanda

Rwanda is an East African country known as the land of a thousand hills. It is easily accessible from Kenya and Uganda, and is one of the safest and most organised countries on the continent. The rolling green highlands, volcanic mountains, and ancient rainforests make it a striking destination. Rwanda is best known for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, but also offers savannah wildlife in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks in Nyungwe National Park, and a vibrant capital in Kigali. The country is compact, well connected, and easy to travel around.

• Kigali – the capital city

• Gicumbi (formerly Byumba)
• Rusizi (formerly Cyangugu)
• Gisenyi
• Butare (Huye)
• Kabuga
• Kibeho
• Kibungo
• Karongi (formerly Kibuye)
• Muhanga (formerly Gitarama)
• Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri)
• Ngororero
• Nyamata
• Rwamagana

(Cities were renamed a few years ago when the administrative structure of Rwanda was re-vamped. The former names refer to old provincial capitals. Expect people to use either name listed to refer to these cities.)

Rwanda has 4 national parks:

• Akagera National Park — The park is home to the 'Big 5' - lion, black rhino, buffalo, elephant, and leopard.
• Gishwaki-Mukura National Park
• Volcanoes National Park — Home to the mountain gorillas, this park spreads into Uganda and Democratic Republic of the Congo. The setting for Gorillas in the Mist, author Dian Fossey's research. If you can afford it, it's an excellent experience, and even possible as a daytrip from Kigali.
• Nyungwe National Park — The best preserved rainforest in the mountains throughout Central Africa.

Rwanda has come a long way since the civil war and the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi devastated this small country. Shake off your memories of tragic history and expect a warm and friendly welcome to the beautiful country now that this country is modernizing. It is a fast-growing country in Africa in terms of a lot of categories. It is sometimes called "The Singapore of Africa", due to both countries' similarities in geography, politics and modern history.

History

Hunter gatherers settled the territory in the stone and iron ages, followed later by Bantu peoples. The population coalesced first into clans and then into kingdoms. The Kingdom of Rwanda dominated from the mid-eighteenth century, with the Tutsi kings conquering others militarily and centralising power. The Tutsi and the Hutu shared a common language, religion and culture, and originally referred to different social classes, though Europeans would later introduce the concept of them being different ethnic groups during the colonial era.

Germany colonized Rwanda in 1884 as part of German East Africa, followed by Belgium, which annexed it in 1916 during World War I. Both European nations ruled through the kings and perpetuated a pro-Tutsi divide-and-rule policy. The Hutu population revolted in 1959, who massacred numerous Tutsi, displaced more, and ultimately established an independent, Hutu-dominated state in 1962.

The Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) launched a civil war in 1990. The rebels were led by Paul Kagame, a refugee fled to Uganda and proved his ability in overthrowing Uganda's Idi Amin regime. When the Rwandan president was killed in an airliner crash in 1994, it ignited the Rwandan genocide. Hutu extremists killed an estimated 500,000 to 1 million Tutsi and moderate Hutu. The RPF ended the genocide with a military victory. Remanent Hutu genocidaires fled to neighbouring Zaire and sought refuge from Mobutu. Rwanda responded by an invasion, triggering the deadly First Congo War and the country's long-running instability.

Rwanda eventually recovered from the genocide, and since the accession of Paul Kagame as president in 2000, Rwanda has adopted market-oriented reforms and emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. However, concerns remain about human rights due to the authoritarian nature of Kagame's rule.

People

The population is young and predominantly rural, with a density among the highest in Africa. Rwandans are composed of three ethnic groups: the Hutu, Tutsi and Twa.

Climate

Although Rwanda is located only two degrees south of the equator, Rwanda's high elevation makes the climate temperate. The average daily temperature near Lake Kivu, at an altitude of 1,463 m (4,800 ft) is 22.8°C (73°F). During the two rainy seasons (Feb–May and Sep–Dec), heavy downpours occur almost daily, alternating with sunny weather. Annual rainfall averages 800 mm (31.5 in) but is generally heavier in the western and northwestern mountains than in the eastern savannahs.

Holidays

• 1 January - New Year's Day
• 1 February - Heroes Day
• Good Friday - variable
• 7 April - Genocide Against the Tutsi Memorial Day
• 1 July - Independence Day
• 4 July - Liberation Day
• 15 August - Assumption
• Eid al Fitr and Eid al-Adha (Islamic holidays that vary with the lunar calendar)
• 25 December - Christmas
• 26 December - Boxing Day

Tourist information

• Visit Rwanda

Kinyarwanda is an official language and the main spoken language in Rwanda. It is also spoken in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo and in southern Uganda. Kinyarwanda is a tonal language of the Bantu language family, closely related to Kirundi spoken in the neighboring country Burundi and much more distantly related to other Bantu languages such as Swahili.

In addition to Kinyarwanda, Rwanda's three other official languages are English, French, and Swahili. While French was the former language of administration under Belgian colonial rule, since the civil war the Rwandan government has moved away from the Francophone sphere of influence and switched the primary language of education to English in 2008. As a result of this, older people who were educated in Rwanda tend to have some knowledge of French, while the younger generation will have better knowledge of English. Complicating this is the large number of returned refugees who were educated in neighboring countries. Those educated in nearby Anglophone countries (Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya) tend to know English while those educated in the Democratic Republic of Congo or Burundi will know French. Swahili was made an additional official language in 2015 and a required subject in the school curriculum as a result of its membership within the East African Community. Swahili is also widely spoken among traders and returned refugees from Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Visa requirements

A passport is required to enter Rwanda, though a certificate of vaccination is not required unless you are coming from a yellow fever-endemic country.

African Union citizens can enter Rwanda visa free for 30 days. Citizens of Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda can stay for up to 6 months, and Kenyan and Ugandan citizens may use a national ID card in lieu of a passport.

A number of non-African countries also have visa free or visa on arrival arrangements with Rwanda. Citizens of Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Indonesia, Mauritius, Philippines, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, and Singapore receive 90 days free of charge on arrival. Citizens of Commonwealth and La Francophonie member countries receive a free visa on arrival for 30 days.

Visitors from all other countries are eligible for a visa on arrival for US$50 (as of Feb 2024), payable in cash or by credit card. COMESA country nationals receive visas valid for 90 days; other visitors are granted 30 days.

The East African Tourist visa (US$100 as of Feb 2024) allows for multiple entry travel between Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda over a 90-day period. Exiting any of these three countries will invalidate the visa even if the 90-day period has not expired.

Visa applications may also be made online through IremboGov, the Rwandan government's e-services portal. Processing typically takes a few days, after which you'll receive an approval email to present at the border or airport.

By plane

Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the country's main international gateway, served by around 10 airlines flying to 25 destinations. The national carrier RwandAir operates the majority of routes, with direct flights across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Other airlines serving Kigali include Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and EgyptAir.

Direct long haul flights connect Kigali to London Heathrow, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Istanbul, Doha, and Cairo. Regional destinations include Nairobi, Entebbe, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Bujumbura, Mombasa, and Zanzibar, with other African connections to Johannesburg, Lagos, and Accra among others.

Bugesera International Airport is under construction about 25 km south of Kigali. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2027, with full operations by 2028.

The Rwandan capital is also easily accessible (3 hr by road) from the Goma airstrip in DRC.

By car

Rwanda can be entered by road from Uganda (via Gatuna or Cyanika) and Tanzania (via Rusumo). The roads from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been indefinitely shut since 2024. Main roads between Kigali and neighbouring capitals are paved and generally well maintained.

Car rental is available in Kigali for those wishing to self-drive. If crossing borders, check insurance requirements for each country in advance as your Rwandan cover may not be valid across the border. Some rental companies do not allow cross-border travel with their vehicles.

Driving is on the right. Speed limits are strictly enforced, typically 40 km/h in towns and 60–80 km/h on main roads. Police speed checks and checkpoints are frequent throughout the country, and fixed speed cameras are present in many locations. Expect to have your documents and insurance checked at police checkpoints.

By bus

• From Kenya, several bus companies operate direct services between Nairobi and Kigali via Kampala, including Modern Coast and Trinity. The journey takes around 17–24 hours depending on the company and border crossings (Kenya/Uganda at Busia, Uganda/Rwanda at Gatuna). Fares start from around US$30–55. Buses are typically overnight. Book seats a day or two in advance, especially for VIP (2+2 seating) services. Be prepared for a long ride; breaking the journey in Kampala is also an option.
• In Uganda, many bus companies make the 8-10 hour journey from Kampala in Uganda to Kigali, using the Gatuna border crossing. As 2015, it costs FRw 8,000 from Kigali to Kampala on Horizon. Jaguar charges FRw 6,000-8,000; early buses are cheaper. Trinity bus services are also reliable from Kampala to Kigali. The most reliable bus company is Kampala coaches, Jaguar and Ontracom from Rwanda. From Musanze, local matatus run up to Cyanika border crossing close to Kisoro.
• Tanzania has one open border with Rwanda, but this is a far more difficult way to enter Rwanda due to the remoteness and lack of roads in western Tanzania. A bus runs from Mwanza to Benako (both Tanzania) and from Benako buses run onto Kigali. Another town to consider on this route is Ngara (Tanzania). Several buses run from Dar es Salaam via Morogoro and Dodoma (they all leave Ubungo bus station around 06:00-07:00) to Kahama daily. You will have to spend the night in Kahama and then get a minibus or shared taxi on to the border. From the Rwandan side of the border, there are minibuses to Kigali.

Land border crossings between Rwanda and Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been indefinitely shut since 2024.

By train

There are no trains in Rwanda, although as of 2023, there are plans to connect with the Tanzanian rail network.

On foot

Despite the hills, Kigali is a pleasant city to walk around. Many main roads have sidewalks and are well lit at night, making walking safe even after dark in most neighbourhoods. The Imbuga City Walk (car free zone) in the city centre is a pedestrianised area with cycling friendly pavements, green spaces, benches, a kids' playground, and free Wi-Fi. Kigali also holds Car Free Sundays, when certain roads are closed to traffic for walking, cycling, and exercise. Be prepared for steep climbs between neighbourhoods; the hills are real.

Outside Kigali, walking is common and often the main way people get between villages. Sidewalks are rare outside of urban centres, so expect to walk along the road. The terrain is hilly everywhere, so plan accordingly.

Motos

Motorcycle taxis (taxi-moto) are the fastest and most popular way to get around towns in Rwanda, especially in Kigali. Drivers are everywhere; if you look like a foreigner and are walking on a main road, they will come to you. Fares are negotiated before the ride and paid via mobile money. Helmets are mandatory and drivers carry a spare for passengers. Most drivers speak only basic English or French, if any.

Ride hailing

Two main ride hailing apps operate in Kigali:

• Move, operated by Volkswagen. All cars are VW models, with both sedans and vans available. Rides can be booked in advance. Payment by cash, credit card, or mobile money.
• Yego, a Rwandan app offering both cab and moto rides. Available on iOS and Android, or call 9191 to book. Payment by cash or mobile money.

Both work similarly to Uber and are recommended over hailing taxis on the street, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local pricing.

Taxis

Regular taxis are available at taxi stations and marked bus stops but are less common than ride hailing. They are significantly more expensive than motos. Using an app (Move or Yego) is generally easier and avoids fare negotiation.

Buses

Kigali has an organised public bus network with numbered routes covering the city. Buses operate on a cashless system using Tap&Go cards, which can be purchased at bus terminals and agent locations and topped up via mobile money. Cash is not accepted on city buses. Fares vary by route but are inexpensive.

For longer distances, several bus companies operate intercity routes from Nyabugogo bus station in Kigali, including Volcano, Horizon, and Virunga. Services connect Kigali to all major towns across the country.

Bicycle taxis

In rural areas and smaller towns, taxi-velos (bicycle taxis) are a common and cheap way to cover short distances. The driver cycles while the passenger sits on the back. They are not allowed in urban areas. A taxi-velo driver will cycle, and the passenger will sit rather precariously on the back.

Car rental and driving

Car rental is available from various suppliers in Kigali. Roads between main towns are paved and in good condition. Secondary roads may be dirt, with some requiring a four wheel drive vehicle.

Driving is on the right. Speed limits are strictly enforced: typically 40 km/h in towns and 60–80 km/h on main roads. Police speed checks and checkpoints are frequent, and fixed speed cameras are present throughout the country, including red light cameras in Kigali. Slow moving trucks are common on main roads with limited overtaking opportunities as most roads outside towns are single carriageway. Allow extra time for any journey.

Memorials

The Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali is the country's main memorial to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Over 250,000 people are buried here. The museum is deeply moving and an essential visit for understanding Rwanda's recent history. Since 2023, it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the memorials at Nyamata, Murambi, and Bisesero. Audio guides are available. Entry is free (donations welcome).

The Nyamata Genocide Memorial, in the town of Nyamata, 40 minutes south of Kigali, is in a church where over 10,000 people were killed during the genocide.

The Ntarama Genocide Memorial, 20 minutes north of Nyamata, is another former church that now serves as a memorial. Ntarama also has a peaceful memorial garden and wall of names.

The Nyanza Genocide Memorial, near Kigali, is the site of four mass graves holding the remains of thousands of Tutsi who were killed after the UN guards protecting them were withdrawn.

Museums

The Ethnographic Museum (formerly National Museum of Rwanda), in Huye, houses one of the finest ethnographic and archaeological collections in East Africa, with over 10,000 artefacts covering Rwandan cultural history.

The King's Palace Museum in Nyanza is a reconstruction of the traditional royal residence of the Rwandan monarchy, complete with a large thatched palace and a herd of Inyambo (long horned cattle). It gives a good picture of pre-colonial Rwandan court life.

The Campaign Against Genocide Museum, housed in the parliament building near the Kigali Convention Centre, documents the military campaign that ended the genocide. The building is where 600 RPF soldiers were stationed during the Arusha peace process.

The Presidential Palace Museum (Rwanda Art Museum) in Kanombe, Kigali, is the former residence of President Habyarimana. Guided tours show the living quarters, and the wreckage of the presidential aircraft that was shot down in April 1994 is in the grounds.

Arts and culture

The Gihanga Institute of Contemporary Art (GICA) in Kigali is Rwanda's first non-profit centre dedicated to contemporary art. Opened in December 2025, it houses exhibitions, a library, a screening room, studio spaces, and an artist residency programme. It focuses on Rwandan and Pan-African art and culture.

The Inema Arts Centre in Kacyiru, Kigali, displays contemporary art from Rwandan and regional artists. It is a working studio and gallery space. Open daily.

The Niyo Arts Gallery and several other galleries and craft centres can be found around Kigali for those interested in contemporary Rwandan art and crafts.

Gorilla trekking

Rwanda's biggest draw is mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, near Musanze. Small groups are led by expert trackers through bamboo covered slopes to spend one hour with a gorilla family. Permits cost US$1,500 per person (US$200 for African citizens) and must be booked through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Permits sell out, especially in peak season (June to September and December to February), so book well in advance. Trekkers must be at least 15 years old. The trek itself can range from one to several hours depending on where the gorillas are that day, and involves hiking at altitude through sometimes steep and muddy terrain.

Wildlife safaris

Akagera National Park in the east is home to the Big Five (lion, black rhino, buffalo, elephant, and leopard) and offers a classic savannah safari experience. Game drives, boat trips on Lake Ihema, and guided walking safaris are available. It is a much more affordable alternative to the gorilla trek and easily reachable as a day trip or overnight from Kigali.

Hiking and nature

Nyungwe National Park in the southwest has some of the best preserved rainforest in East Central Africa. Activities include chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, and hiking trails through the forest. The park is also one of the top birding destinations on the continent.

The Congo Nile Trail is a multi-day hiking and cycling route along the shores of Lake Kivu, running about 227 km from Rubavu (Gisenyi) in the north to Rusizi (Cyangugu) in the south. It can be done in sections.

Nyandungu Eco-park is a restored wetland and forest area in Kigali.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is one of Africa's Great Lakes, bordering the DRC. The lakeside towns of Rubavu (Gisenyi), Karongi (Kibuye), and Rusizi (Cyangugu) are popular spots for relaxing, swimming, kayaking, and boat trips to nearby islands. It is a common place to unwind after a gorilla trek.

Twin lakes

Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, known as the twin lakes, sit at the foot of the Virunga Mountains near Musanze. They make a good half day trip after gorilla trekking. Activities include boat rides, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and walks through the surrounding terraced hills. The scenery is stunning and the area is much quieter than the main tourist circuits.

Lake Muhazi

Lake Muhazi is a long, narrow lake on the eastern outskirts of Kigali, making it the closest lake to the city centre. It is a popular weekend getaway for Kigali residents. Activities include kayaking, boat rides, and swimming. Several lakeside hotels and restaurants line the shore, and it makes an easy day trip or overnight escape from the city.

Coffee tours

Rwanda produces high quality specialty coffee and several farms and cooperatives around the country offer tours where you can see the full process from bean to cup. Tours are available near Kigali, Lake Kivu, and in the Huye (Butare) area.

Car Free Sundays

Kigali hosts Car Free Sundays on the first and third Sunday of every month, from 07:00 to 10:00. Main roads in the city centre are closed to traffic for walking, cycling, aerobics, and other activities. It is a lively community event and worth experiencing if your visit coincides with one.

Money

The currency is the Rwandan franc (French: franc rwandais, Kinyarwanda: Ifaranga ry'u Rwanda), denoted by the symbols "FRw" or "RF" or "R₣" (ISO currency code of RWF (sometimes displayed as FRw, and possibly RF or R₣). In the Kinyarwanda language, it is also called the amafaranga.

Coins in Rwanda come in denominations of 1-, 5-, 10-, 20-, 50 and 100 Rwandan francs. Banknotes in Rwanda come in denominations of 500-, 1,000-, 2,000 and 5,000 Rwandan francs.

The smallest-value note is a FRw500 note, which is the smallest note in physical size, as well. There are also notes in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000, with the larger notes becoming slightly larger in physical size. There are no generally-circulated notes over FRw 5,000, which is roughly equivalent to US$3.75.

Coins valued at FRw100 are commonly used. However, smaller coins (FRw50, 20, 10, 5, and 1) are generally not accepted by street merchants and smaller restaurants and hotels. The only place to obtain smaller coins is through a bank or a large store, such as a supermarket. It's common for most businesses in Rwanda, including currency exchangers and gas stations, to round transactions to the nearest FRw100.

Mobile money

Mobile money is the most widely used payment method in Rwanda, with MTN MoMo (yellow branding) being the most popular, followed by Airtel Money (red branding). Most shops, restaurants, markets, and even small street vendors accept one or both. To use mobile money, you'll need a local SIM card registered with your passport (see Connect). Once registered, visit any MTN or Airtel agent to deposit cash onto your mobile money account. Agents are found on virtually every commercial street. Mobile money can also be used to pay for bus fares, utilities, and some hotel bills.

You can also top up your mobile money account remotely using international transfer apps such as Remitly or WorldRemit, which allow you to send money directly to a Rwandan mobile money number from abroad. This is useful if you run low on funds without needing to find an ATM or exchange bureau.

Cash and cards

Rwanda has moved significantly toward cashless payments, with mobile money accepted almost everywhere including motos and small shops. Many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops accept Visa and MasterCard, and contactless card payments are increasingly common in urban areas. It's a good idea to carry some cash as a backup, especially if travelling to more remote areas, though you'll rarely need it.

You get slightly better exchange rates by bringing US$50 bills or higher (year 2006 or newer) to exchange for Rwandan francs. Currency exchange is available at banks, forex bureaux in the city centre, and at Kigali International Airport. Rates at the airport are slightly worse.

ATMs and currency exchange

There are ATMs throughout Kigali and in major towns across Rwanda. Depending on your bank, this can be a cheaper way to get francs than money changers, as ATMs use a better exchange rate. Withdrawal limits are typically FRw300,000–500,000 per transaction. ATMs can occasionally run out of cash on weekends. Mastercard, Visa, UnionPay, Amex, Diners Club, and JCB cards are accepted at Access Bank, Bank of Kigali, Equity Bank, I&M Bank, Ecobank, Kenya Commercial Bank, and GT Bank.

Currency exchange is available at banks, forex bureaux in the city centre, and at Kigali International Airport. Rates at the airport are slightly worse. You get slightly better exchange rates by bringing US$50 bills or higher (year 2006 or newer).

Tipping

Tipping is not expected but is appreciated. In upscale restaurants, a 10% service charge is sometimes included in the bill. For motos and small services, rounding up the fare is common.

Shopping

The best place for souvenirs and crafts is Kimironko Market in Kigali. The craft section has a wide selection of handwoven baskets (agaseke), kitenge fabric, wooden carvings, drums, jewellery, and paintings. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience. The rest of the market sells fresh produce, clothing, and household goods, and is worth a wander for the atmosphere alone.

For a more curated experience, the art centres listed under See sell higher-end pieces directly from artists.

Kigali Heights in Kimihurura is the city's main modern shopping mall, with a mix of international and local stores, restaurants, a Simba Supermarket, banks, and cafés including Java House.

For everyday groceries, Simba Supermarket (multiple locations) is the largest chain. Other options include the supermarkets at the MTN Centre and various neighbourhood shops. Most supermarkets accept mobile money and card payments.

Outside Kigali, shopping is mostly limited to local markets in each town, which are great for fresh produce and basic goods but have less in the way of crafts and souvenirs.

Souvenirs

• Agaseke baskets - iconic Rwandan woven baskets with lids, traditionally made by women's cooperatives. Available in many sizes and patterns.
• Kitenge fabric - colourful printed fabric that can be tailored into clothing or used as decorative pieces.
• Rwandan coffee and tea - high quality single origin coffee and tea make excellent gifts. Available at supermarkets and specialty shops.
• Imigongo - distinctive geometric cow dung art, a traditional Rwandan craft originating from the eastern region.

The local "Brochettes" (skewers) are delicious and are available in most bars and restaurants, as well as ubiquitous vendors along the roads. Small bars will primarily serve goat brochettes, and goat liver brochettes are often of higher quality to the locals. Zingalo is goat intestine, sometimes also served as a brochette. Some locals prefer this and it could be brought to you without asking at very "local" places. So, if you prefer not to eat zingalo, try to see whether other diners seem to be enjoying the spiral looking treat and specify you do not want it when you order ("OYA zingalo"). Some restaurants also serve beef and fish brochettes, and a few will serve chicken. Brochettes are usually served with french fries ("frites") or fried or grilled ibitoke.

If Rwanda has a staple food, it is ibitoke (sing. igitoke). Ibitoke are starchy, potato-like bananas, which are not sweet like plantains. While plantains are available in Rwanda, they are not seen as particularly Rwandan food. Igitoke/banana are served boiled in sauce, grilled, or even fried. You can also refer to them as matoke, which is usually easier for foreigners to pronounce. The sweet bananas in Rwanda are delicious but considerably smaller than the matoke bananas. If you want this type of banana, ask for small banana or sweet banana.

In urban areas a local buffet known as "Melange" is sold at lunchtime. This consists of a buffet of mostly carbohydrates such as potatoes, bananas, rice and cassava accompanied with some vegetables, beans, and a small amount of meat or fish with sauce. Rwandan buffets are not all you can eat. You may fill your plate only once, and with practice you'll be able to stack your plate high like the locals do. Prices range from just over US$1 to US$5 or even US$10 depending on the grade of the restaurant and the variety of food. Most of the upper segment buffets (US$3 and above) also offer a salad buffet. Many of the cheaper Melange places are unmarked. Expect to find one at many bus stations.

Kigali has a much better range of restaurants than the rest of the country including Indian, Chinese, Italian, Greek, French, Ethiopian and multi-cuisine restaurants. An evening meal is typically around US$10.

In most shops you will find milk, water, juices and soft drinks. In most bars the choice is limited to their offering of about 5 soft drinks and 4 beers, Turbo King, Primus, Mützig and Amstel. Primus and Mützig are available in small and large sizes, whereas Amstel is available only in 330 ml bottles. Rwandans are known for their fondness for large beers and when you order Amstel, it is common for a server to bring out 2 bottles at a time. Bralirwa in the west of the Rwanda produces most of the beer and soft drinks available in Rwanda. Inyange produces juices and soft drinks.

There are also local banana beer preparations called Urwagwa, normally brewed at home and available only in plastic containers but now also sold in bottles at some shops and bars. You can also buy a canned version on this drink under the brand Akarusho, produced by the Rwandan enterpreneur Sina Gérard.

Milk is extremely popular in Rwanda, to the point where people often go to dedicated milk bars to grab a glass. Besides fresh milk, you can also get a type of fermented milk called ikivuguto, which is thick and tangy.

Kigali has a wide range of accommodation, from international chains to budget guesthouses. At the top end, the Kigali Marriott Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, and The Retreat by Heaven offer international standard rooms. The Hotel des Mille Collines and Chez Lando are long established Kigali favourites (though film buffs should note that Hotel Rwanda was filmed in South Africa, not at the Mille Collines).

Mid-range hotels and boutique guesthouses are plentiful in neighbourhoods like Kimihurura, Kacyiru, and Remera, typically costing US$50–100 per night.

Budget accommodation is available from around US$15–30 for a basic but clean room. Hostels and guesthouses can be found across the city. Airbnb is also widely used in Kigali.

Outside Kigali, accommodation options are more limited. The national park areas (Musanze for gorilla trekking, Huye for the south, and the Lake Kivu towns) have a mix of lodges and guesthouses. Lodges near Volcanoes National Park tend to be at the higher end, catering to gorilla trekking visitors. Along Lake Kivu, there are options at every budget level.

Accommodation across Rwanda is generally more expensive than neighbouring Uganda and Tanzania.

Rwanda is generally a safe country for visitors. It ranks among the safest in Africa according to both the Gallup Global Safety Report and the Numbeo Safety Index. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, and Kigali is safe to walk around at night in most neighbourhoods, with main roads well lit.

The possible exceptions are certain places along the Congolese and Burundian borders, where the security situation can change. Gisenyi and Kibuye are considered safe, but check travel advisories and local sources before travelling to border areas. Gorilla trekking near the DRC border is generally considered safe due to the continuous Rwandan security presence.

Visitors should follow typical precautions: avoid flaunting expensive jewellery, keep a close eye on wallets and bags in crowded markets and bus stations. The Rwandan police maintain a visible presence throughout the country. If you need assistance, dial 112.

Begging and aggressive panhandling is fairly rare. Usually a firm but polite "no thank you" is enough to be left alone. Raising your voice even slightly will almost certainly end the conversation.

When travelling by bus or car in the countryside, expect to pass through several police checkpoints. These are routine checks of vehicle registration and insurance, not passenger IDs. However, it is still wise to carry your passport (or a copy) with you at all times.

Photography near certain high-level government buildings such as the President's office and military installations is not permitted. Signs are posted where restrictions apply.

LGBTQ+ travellers - Same sex activity is not criminalised in Rwanda, which is unusual in the region. The government's official position is that sexual orientation is a private matter, not a state concern; a 2009 attempt to criminalise homosexuality was dropped because it conflicted with the constitution. However, Rwandan society remains conservative and homosexuality is not widely discussed or openly accepted. There are no formal anti-discrimination protections. LGBTQ+ travellers are unlikely to face problems but should be aware that public displays of affection between same sex couples will attract attention.

Despite being close to the equator, Rwanda's high altitude (Kigali sits at around 1,500 m) keeps the climate temperate rather than tropical hot. Precautions should still be taken against sunburn due to the strong equatorial sun, and dehydration when hiking at higher elevations. Sunscreen may be difficult to find outside of larger supermarkets and pharmacies; fair skinned visitors should bring their own.

Tap water is not drinkable. Bottled water is widely available for around FRw500–1,000. Pay attention when purchasing bottled water from smaller kiosks, as they may "recycle" old bottles by filling them with tap water. Always make sure the seal around the bottle cap is unbroken. Avoid drinks with ice, as the ice is almost certainly made from tap water.

Pharmacies stocked with over-the-counter medications, Band-Aids, etc. are found throughout the country. The staff are well-trained, though English may not be spoken to a high proficiency. Bring your own supplies of any specialist or prescription medication.

If you do need medical attention, Kigali has decent facilities. King Faisal Hospital in Kacyiru (+250 788 123 200, or dial 3939 locally) is the main referral hospital, and CHUK ( University Teaching Hospital of Kigali) is in the city centre. Outside Kigali, district hospitals exist in major towns but are more basic. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended.

Malaria risk in Kigali is low thanks to the altitude, but increases in lower lying areas like Akagera National Park and the Lake Kivu shoreline. Talk to your doctor about prophylaxis before you go.

HIV/AIDS prevalence among adults is approximately 3%. Practice safe sex. Avoid intravenous drug use.

As in most of sub-Saharan Africa, some lakes carry bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Accounts differ on which lakes are affected and how high the risk is, so ask locally before swimming in freshwater.

Tourist information

Tourism is managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), which replaced the former ORTPN. RDB handles national park permits, including gorilla trekking, and can assist with tourism enquiries. Contact: +250 727 775 170 (or dial 1415 from within Rwanda). The Visit Rwanda website has trip planning resources.

Embassies and consulates

Many countries maintain embassies or high commissions in Kigali. Check your government's travel advice website for the address and emergency contact number of your country's representation before travelling. A list of foreign embassies in Rwanda can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Umuganda

On the last Saturday of every month, Rwanda observes Umuganda, a mandatory community service morning. From roughly 08:00 to 11:00, most businesses are closed, vehicle movement is restricted, and residents participate in cleaning, building, or other community projects in their neighbourhood. As a visitor, plan accordingly: don't schedule travel, airport transfers, or activities during this window. Shops and restaurants typically reopen by midday. If you're staying in a neighbourhood, you're welcome to join in.

Laundry

Most hotels offer laundry services. In Kigali, there are also standalone laundry and dry cleaning shops in commercial areas. Outside Kigali, ask your guesthouse; hand washing and line drying is the norm.

Religious services

Rwanda is predominantly Christian, with Catholic and Protestant churches found in every town. Services are typically held in Kinyarwanda, though some churches in Kigali offer English or French services. There are also mosques in Kigali and larger towns.

Practical essentials

Power sockets operate at 230 V / 50 Hz. The most common socket types are Type C (Europlug) and Type E (French style), found in the majority of buildings. As part of efforts to harmonise with the East African Community, Rwanda has adopted Type G (British three-pin) as the official standard, and modern buildings increasingly have Type G sockets. Type C or E plug will work in most places.

Rwanda is a very conservative society, and most people dress modestly, especially women. Wearing shorts or tight skirts and skimpy tops is likely to get you stared at twice as much as normal.

It is unusual for a couple to make public displays of affection, even though many men walk hand in hand with male friends. Also, Rwandans will generally never eat or drink in public, apart from restaurants. Rwandan women are rarely seen smoking in public or out in bars unaccompanied.

Although there is no smoking ban in most public places like bars and restaurants, generally it's not encouraged. Sometimes people may complain of being disturbed with people's smoking.

Rwandans are very private, reserved people and loud public confrontations (shouting matches) or obvious displays of emotion (such as crying) are also frowned upon. If you feel you are being overcharged by a trader, quietly persisting with the negotiation (or your complaint!) is likely to produce results much faster than an angry outburst.

It is also impolite to make eye contact with an elder.

Rwanda is still recovering from a civil war and genocide in which over 800,000 people, perhaps a million, mostly Tutsi, were killed. Many Rwandans lost relatives and friends. Remember to be sensitive to this sad fact when dealing with Rwandans. Most people today are trying to forget the tribal divisions and would rather be referred to as Rwandans than Hutu or Tutsi. It is considered impolite to ask someone about their ethnic origin. There is not much political discourse in Rwanda, unlike in many neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Kenya where people talk freely about the government and political issues, people in Rwanda will be uncomfortable if asked about their views or even if seated at a table where national politics is discussed.

Post

Rwanda's postal service is operated by iPosita (National Post Office). Post offices are found in Kigali and major towns, offering mail and parcel services. Rwanda does not use street addresses for postal delivery; mail is sent to PO boxes. For international parcels, private courier services such as DHL and FedEx have offices in Kigali and are more reliable for urgent shipments. Sending postcards home is possible from the main Kigali post office.

Phones

The country code is +250. Landline numbers have the format +250 25xx yyy yy, mobile phones +250 7x yyy yyyy.

Locally, mobile numbers are dialled as 07x yyy yyyy (drop the +250, keep the leading zero). Most people you'll interact with will give you a number starting with 078/079 (MTN) or 072/073 (Airtel).

Emergency numbers

• All emergencies: 112
• Ambulance: 912
• Traffic accidents: 113
• Corruption report: 997
• Police conduct complaint: 3511

All emergency numbers are toll-free

Internet

Rwanda has an excellent mobile phone network covering almost the entire country, and international calls can be made easily.

Local SIM cards are readily available everywhere, even in remote towns. They need to be registered, so bring your passport. The main provider is MTN, followed by Airtel (which merged with Tigo). Mobile phones can be purchased from major shops in Kigali. A local SIM card is also required to set up a mobile money account (see Money).

Data is affordable; a 10 GB monthly bundle costs roughly FRw5,000–8,000 (~US$3.50–5.50). 4G LTE coverage is available countrywide, with 5G in parts of Kigali.

Rwanda is among the top African countries in terms of internet connectivity, with an extensive fibre optic network. Most towns have several internet cafés and Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, restaurants, and cafés, though speeds vary. A local data SIM is generally more reliable for video calls or heavier use.