On this page, we will provide you with all the relevant Practical Information For Rwanda you may need before starting your Rwanda Safaris.
Basic Information
- Official Name: Republic of Rwanda
- Area: 26,338 sq km
- Capital: Kigali
- Population: 12 million
Largest Cities With Higher Population
- Kigali: 745,000
- Butare: 89,000
- Gitarama: 87,000
- Ruhengeri: 86,000
Language
- Official Language: Kinyarwanda (the first language) French and English.
- Other Language: Swahili (Kiswahili), Rwanda-Rundi and Bantu
- Business Language: French, English
Rwanda Time Zone & Climate
There is no daylight saving time so, the clock remains unchanged in Rwanda.
Rwanda Climate & Temperature
- Because of the higher altitude, Rwanda experienced a remarkably pleasant tropical highland climate. Temperatures don’t get affected by seasons.
- Kigali has a typical daily temperature of Kigali range between 12 °C (54 °F) and 27 °C (81 °F), with a very little variation throughout the year.
- Rwanda has a longer rainy season from about March to May. Which sees a heavy and persistent rain. And, shorter rainy season from October to November followed by a short dry season from December to February.
- The dry season lasts from June to mid-September. Which is the Best Time To Visit Rwanda Safari? Both of Rwanda's dry seasons experience light cloud cover and light rain showers.
Visa Requirements for Rwanda Tours
Citizens of Germany, South Africa, Sweden, the UK, the USA, and other East African countries can enter the country without a visa. But the rest must either obtain a visa in their country of residence from a Rwandan embassy or high commission.
The Cost Of The Visa Is US$ 30 For A Single-Entry 30-Day Visa.
Also, you can issue the "Visa Acceptance Form" online. Please follow these steps:
Step 1: Keep the bellow mentioned documents at the ready
- invitation letter from
- The entry point into the country i.e. Kigali Airport.
- passport details
Step 2: Go to the website: https://www.migration.gov.rw/home/
Step 3: Choose the preferred Language.
Step 4: Click on “Services” and then “Visa”.
Step 5: Click “Entry visa” and then “Apply online now”.
Step 6: Fill in the form and send it.
Step 7: Check if the form was sent successfully.
Step 8: Receive your visa acceptance mail within 3 to 7 days.
Rwanda Currency and Exchange Rates
The official currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc (Rwf). The rates of March 2021:
1 Euro = 1181.36 Rwf
1 US$ = 990.57 Rwf
- You can exchange dollars, pounds, and Euros at the border posts, Kigali, and at major banks.
- Lodges and restores may accept USD but rest you’ll require Rwandan Franc.
- Also, USD printed before 2006 is not accepted in the country.
- We advise you to use bigger notes for exchange as the exchange rate of smaller notes is much lower.
ATM & Credit Cards
ATM: Bank of Kigali and the Eco bank both have ATMs accepting international Visa cards.
Credit Card: Credit cards are not widely accepted in Rwanda. Only major hotels and upmarket lodges accept credit cards.
Phone & Internet
- Rwanda has a great mobile phone network covering the entire country. Sim cards sell for less than a US dollar throughout the country.
- WIFI is available in some lodges and it is possible to buy a 3G mobile internet USB dongle. Internet cafes can be found through the connection is mostly very slow.
For more information about Rwanda Travel Guide and information regarding travel insurance and other necessary details, visit Gazelle Safaris Africa today.
Rwanda Safari
Quick Facts About Rwanda
1 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
2 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
3 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
4 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
5 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
6 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
7 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
1 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
2 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
3 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
4 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
5 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
6 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
7 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
1 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
2 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
3 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
4 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
5 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
6 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
7 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
1 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
2 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
3 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
4 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
5 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
6 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
7 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
1 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
2 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
3 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
4 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
5 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
6 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
7 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
1 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
2 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
3 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
4 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
5 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
6 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
7 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
1 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
2 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
3 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
4 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
5 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
6 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
7 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
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Rwanda Safari
Rwanda Travel Guide
Rwanda Safari
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Rwanda is the safest country in Africa. Even though the country has seen its fair share of violence and bloodshed but now the country is back on its feet again. Crime is relatively low, and locals are welcoming, friendly and hospitable. However, to avoid pickpockets and petty crime, you must be cautious and vigilant all the time.
You can track mountain gorillas throughout the year in Uganda and Rwanda. However, June to October is the best time for gorilla trekking. This is the dry season of Rwanda which allows perfect conditions for trekking.
A gorilla permit is a card/ document issued by the Rwanda development board to allow you to spend an hour with the mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park. Currently, the cost of a gorilla permit can come up to 1500$ to 1700$ including permit, private transport, English-speaking guide, accommodation, and meals.
We always advise our clients to book a permit at least 3 months in advance. Due to high demand especially in the peak season, the permits tend to sell out quickly. Contact Gazelle Safaris Africa for more information.
Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in the world. All tourists are escorted by armed rangers while tracking the gorillas.
For gorilla trekking, you’ve to hike through difficult terrain, water bodies, thick vegetation, hills, and valleys. The activity can possess some initial challenges but in the end, it’ll be rewarding.
Rwanda is a much smaller country in comparison to Uganda. Uganda has more Gorilla Families and habituated gorillas group. Also, the permits are more easily available.
Rwanda Safari
Rwanda Safari Itineraries
1 Day Entebbe Tour
Ziika Forest | Mabamba Wetland |Reptile Village
Uganda Day Trips
1 Day From $190
Half-day Entebbe Tour
Mabamba Wetland | Kigungu | Botanical Gardens
Uganda Day Trips
Half Day $ 115
Kampala Full Day Tour
Kampala City
Uganda Day Trips
Full Day Tours $170
Uganda Chimps, Wildlife & Fishing Safari
Entebbe | Murchison Falls National Park | Kibale Forest National Park | Kampala
Uganda Fishing Safaris
8 Days From $3135
8 Days Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti To Manyara
Arusha | Tarangire | Ngorongoro | Lake Manyara
Tanzania Wildlife Safari
8 Days From $ 4448
4 Days Explore Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Manyara
Arusha | Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Serengeti | Lake Manyara National Park
Tanzania Wildlife Safari
4 Days From $ 2030
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