RWANDA landscape

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 typeVisa-free / visa on arrival / eVisa
CostFree (AU/Commonwealth/Francophonie) or $50 (others)
Validity30 days (extendable)
East Africa Tourist Visa$100 — covers Rwanda, Uganda & Kenya for 90 days
Available atKigali 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 gallery 1
RWANDA gallery 2

Ready to explore RWANDA?

Tell us about your dream safari and we'll create a personalized itinerary.