Rwanda

This guide focuses on two unforgettable destinations - Kenya & Rwanda - offering a glimpse into their landscapes, wildlife, and unique cultural treasures. For deeper guidance, links and pricing, full travel plans, and hidden gems, purchase the complete Travel Guide! (coming soon)

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Know Before You Go

  • No Plastic Bags - No Exceptions
    Rwanda is a plastic bag-free country. This means no single-use plastic bags from shopping, trash bags, take-out food containers, and plastic wrapping on consumer goods. Travelers, however, are allowed to carry ziplock bags for toiletries and storing items in your luggage!

  • Drink bottled or boiled water only

  • No Smoking & No Littering
    As the #1 cleanest country in Africa, Rwanda takes cleanliness seriously! There is no public smoking anywhere in the country and littering is illegal.

January - April

Considered the wet season, this time of the year you can expect yaddah yaddah yaddah

March: The annual Iditarod Sled Dog race!

  • Plug Adapters & Voltage Info
    Type C and J

  • Consult a Travel Health Professional or your doctor at least 6-8 weeks before your trip to discuss your specific itinerary, personal risk factors, and health history to determine the most appropriate vaccinations and preventative measures for your travel to Rwanda.

  • Visa: Required for entry into Rwanda and available for purchase upon arrival to the country. DO NOT PURCHASE IN ADVANCE. I came across several scams and almost paid for a fake visa. Take it from someone who has been through the process - purchase your visa upon arrival

Tipping Culture:
Gratuity is expected in Rwanda’s hospitality business and you should budget accordingly! Cash tips are largely accepted in local Rwandan Francs as well as USD, while few businesses accept them via bank card. Below is a breakdown of what you should expect to tip:
Lodge staff: $10-$15 per night
Drivers: $10-$20 per day
Gorilla Trekking: $40-$80 per trek (see below)

When To Visit

January - April

Considered the wet season, this time of the year you can expect yaddah yaddah yaddah

March: The annual Iditarod Sled Dog race!

January - April

Considered the wet season, this time of the year you can expect yaddah yaddah yaddah

March: The annual Iditarod Sled Dog race!

Gorilla Trekking - Volcanoes National Park

Tipping:
Expect to pay the following in gratuities:
$10-$20 per guide per visitor
$10-$20 per ranger per visitor
$10 per porter

How To Arrange a Gorilla Trek Experience

Gorilla Trekking is undoubtedly the main attraction of this beautiful African country, and for very good reason! There is absolutely no other experience like it. Guides take visitors hiking up the mountain, through raw, natural jungle, to search for the mountain gorillas. Once found, you get to spend 1 unforgettable hour with your assigned gorilla family in small groups of 12(?….).

Pro Tips:

  • Many tourists arrange their trek experience with a private guide/tour. However, a Volcanoes NP guide will be provided to you at the. time of the trek and is included in the price of your visit.

Gorilla Trekking requires a permit, which can be applied for directly on the government website. Alternatively, your accommodations might be able to assist with obtaining the permit so it never hurts to check - this is the route I took and it made it very easy!

Transportation:
Unless you are already familiar (or truly fearless!), I personally would not recommend driving yourself around Rwanda. The roads are well maintained and paved in some areas but quite poor and unmaintained in others. Consider hiring a car service for private transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park and enjoy the magnificent views without worrying about all the honking! Car hire services are usually for the entire day and are well priced. I found hotel accommodations to offer similar services but for much more.