RWANDA
Rwanda is a country with green, mountainous landscape. Its renowned Volcanoes National Park as the comfort home of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. In south west, there is an ancient rainforest named Nyungwe National Park which is a comfort habitat of birds, chimpanzees and other 12 primate species. In East-North, there is Akagera National Park, a good place for both day and night game drive with big five animals spotting, birdwatching and camping
Best Season
Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
Key Parks
Volcanoes, Akagera, Nyungwe
Visa
Visa-free (92 countries) / on arrival
Currency
RWF
Why Visit Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the safest, cleanest, and most well-organized countries in Africa. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” its compact size means you can see gorillas in the morning and be on a game drive by afternoon. The tourism infrastructure is excellent, roads are paved, and English is widely spoken.
National Parks & Wildlife
Volcanoes National Park
Home to 10 habituated mountain gorilla families and the golden monkey. Gorilla trekking permits cost $1,500/person and should be booked months in advance. The park sits in the Virunga volcanic mountain chain along the border with Uganda and DRC.
Akagera National Park
Rwanda’s only Big Five savannah park. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, rhinos in 2017. Game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and night drives are all available. Located 2.5 hours east of Kigali.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
One of Africa’s oldest rainforests, home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The canopy walkway is 60 meters above the forest floor. Excellent birding with 310+ species recorded.
Visa & Entry
Rwanda has one of the most open visa policies in Africa. 92 nationalities can enter visa-free. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member states receive a free visa on arrival for 30 days. All other nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival for $50 or apply online in advance.
| Visa type | Visa-free / visa on arrival / eVisa |
| Cost | Free (AU/Commonwealth/Francophonie) or $50 (others) |
| Validity | 30 days (extendable) |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | $100 — covers Rwanda, Uganda & Kenya for 90 days |
| Available at | Kigali Airport & all land borders |
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months with one blank page. Yellow fever vaccination proof may be required.
Best Time to Visit
The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the best trekking and game drive conditions. The long rains (March–May) bring lower permit availability but lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. Gorilla trekking operates year-round.
Getting There
Most visitors fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL). We also operate regular transfers from Bujumbura, Burundi — the drive takes approximately 4–5 hours through stunning hill country. See our Bujumbura to Kigali road trip guide for details.
Gallery
RWANDA Tour Packages
11-Day Five Countries of the East African Community from Entebbe
Begin in Entebbe and journey through Uganda, Rwanda, D.R. Congo, Burundi and Tanzania. Track wildlife in Queen Elizabeth, Nyungwe and Gombe, meet lowland gorillas near Kahuzi-Biega, cruise on Lake Tanganyika, explore Bujumbura and Rusizi, and relax at hot springs—all with local cultural experiences throughout.
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3-Day Akagera Big Five Safari
Classic game-drive safari in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park with open-vehicle wildlife viewing and chances for lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard.
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3-Day Bwindi Gorillas from Kigali (Uganda)
Begin in Kigali for a shorter road transfer to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Overnight near Buhoma, trek to see mountain gorillas, and return to Rwanda for your flight.
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3-Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
An all-time favorite in Rwanda: base in Musanze and trek to meet a habituated family of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, with time to explore Kigali at the start or end.
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Travel Guides — RWANDA
How to Plan a Multi-Country East Africa Safari: Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi (2026)
East Africa Visa Guide for Travellers (2026) — Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda & Kenya
Nyungwe Forest National Park: Complete Visitor Guide (2026)