CURRENCY

Rwandan Franc (RFR)

GEOGRAPHICAL SIZE

26,340 km²

BEST TIME TO GO

All year round

LANGUAGE

Kinyarwanda

RWANDA THE LAND OF THRILLS

Explore an unforgettable Rwanda safari

Nothing can prepare you for it. The moment you encounter a mountain gorilla in the wild. As you close in quietly during a luxury gorilla trekking experience, you see a mother cradling her baby just metres away in the legendary mist-shrouded Virunga Mountains. There is a palpable sense of interconnectedness—from the land to the wildlife to the people. Seamlessly woven into every level of the ecosystem, the ripple effects are seen everywhere.

PLAN YOUR SAFARI

Rwanda

Journey to the Land of a Thousand Hills

Easily traversed, Rwanda is one of Africa’s most thrilling destinations – promising unique wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and warm, proud people. A land of astonishing beauty, Rwanda has risen phoenix-like from its troubled history. Today the tiny country of nearly 13 million people is Africa’s economic poster child, a model of reconciliation, regeneration and sustainability.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Rwanda at a glance

Going off the beaten track when on holiday comes with questions. When is the best season to view wildlife in Rwanda? How cold does it get at night and what languages are spoken? To help you prepare for your Rwanda safari, we have put together a few key facts to inspire your adventurous spirit.

Rwanda Experiences

Vibrant and thriving. In the heart of Africa, Rwanda is one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions. Its bustling capital, Kigali, exemplifies cleanliness and order; plastic bags are banned and car-less Mondays are encouraged. Fiercely protective over its wilderness and land, we are proud to be involved in reforestation programmes and the protection of endangered wildlife.

habitats

-Rainforest: The mist-shrouded Bisate & Sabyinyo volcanoes.

-Grassland: Grasslands are typical of Akagera National Park.

-Moist woodland: Swamps & small lakes flow from the Akagera River.

Wildlife

-Golden monkey: Golden monkeys are an endangered species. Endemic to the Virunga Mountains.

-Leopard: Mainly found in Akagera National Park. Roughly 15-20 are estimated to live in this region.

-Rwenzori turaco: A beautiful, brightly coloured bird. Native to the Albertine Rift’s montane forest.

-Mountain gorilla: Just over 1 000 remain, protected in the Virunga Massif.

Weather

-RAINY SEASON: March to May, Oct & Nov

-DRY SEASON: June to Sep & Dec to Feb

key facts

FAQ

General Information

What currency is used in Rwanda?

Rwandan Franc (RWF)

What time zone is Rwanda in?

Rwanda shares the same time zone as the rest of Southern Africa, which is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time – (GMT) + 2 hours, in the Central Africa Time Zone (CAT).

Why should I visit Rwanda?

Rwanda is famous for its mountain gorillas and other rare primates, exceptional birdwatching, classic East African safari encounters, cultural experiences, and hiking, hosted at our award-winning luxury camps. Nestled in exclusive, breathtaking regions of Rwanda, these experiences offer the perfect setting to discover the country’s iconic wildlife. Rwanda is one of Africa’s most thrilling destinations, and a place you have to visit for the unique wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and the chance to meet its warm, proud people.

What is the culture of Rwanda?

There are many cultural groups that make up the Republic of Rwanda, with three distinct ethnic communities: the Hutu, the Tutsi and the Pygmy Twa. Rwanda has risen phoenix-like from its troubled history. Today, this tiny country of nearly 13 million people, stands as a shining example of economic success, reconciliation, regeneration and sustainability.

Can I use my credit cards in Rwanda?

Yes, MasterCard and Visa are usually accepted throughout Rwanda, including Wilderness destinations. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept American Express and Diners Club cards at our Wilderness properties.

What power sockets are used in Rwanda?

At Bisate, Sabyinyo and Bisate Reserve, electricity is provided from the national power grid and supported by a back-up generator system. Each Villa is equipped with 220V plug points, including multi-plug adaptors with USB ports for charging mobile devices, batteries and sleep apnoea machines.

Magashi is 100% solar powered with a back-up generator for emergencies. Geysers are solar powered. Multi-plug adaptor charging facilities (230V) for mobile devices with USB ports are available, and charging facilities are available on request and with prior notice for the use of sleep apnoea machines.

What do I pack for a safari in Rwanda?

There may be restrictions on luggage weight or size for your journey – so please check the details with your Travel Designer. While Rwanda doesn’t have a strict dress code, women travellers are advised to dress conservatively. Warm clothing is recommended for the cooler months, while light clothing is ideal for summer. Bright colours and white are not advisable on safari.

What do I wear when gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Rainforests tend to be rainy and wet, so we suggest you pack warm, protective clothing and comfortable walking or hiking boots. A hat and a lightweight parka/raincoat are essential. Be sure to bring garden gloves, to protect yourself from stinging nettles – you’ll be glad you did!

What kind of food is enjoyed in Rwanda?

Our menus in Rwanda are designed to be sustainable and self-sufficient, often created with ingredients sourced from our own gardens. We also support local communities already growing crops, and buy much of our produce from our neighbouring farms. Some Rwandan specialities include Liboke (chicken cooked and served in banana leaves), Sambaza (fried, spicy small fish served with spiced ginger rice), coconut fish and Kachumbari (a traditional tomato and onion salad).

What is the weather like in Rwanda?

Rwanda enjoys a pleasant temperate tropical highland climate. Thanks to its high elevation, the country experiences cooler temperatures than one would expect for an equatorial region. Kigali's daily temperatures range from 12°C to 27 °C, with very little variation throughout the year. The cooler mountainous north-west, home to Bisate, Sabyinyo and Bisate Reserve, tends to be cooler than the lower-lying eastern areas.

Where is Rwanda located?

Rwanda is a landlocked country situated in East-Central Africa. It is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Republic of Congo.

What does Rwanda mean?

The name ‘Rwanda’ is derived from a local Kinyarwanda verb that means ‘expansion’.

When is a good time to visit Rwanda?

This depends on where you would like to go and the wildlife you’d like to see. Gorilla trekking takes place all year round at Volcanoes National Park. In Akagera National Park, the drier seasons offer great sightings of the wildlife gathering to drink at water sources.

What to see in Rwanda?

Rwanda is a land of staggering beauty, home to extraordinary biodiversity, iconic wildlife, volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains. From Wilderness Magashi , you can explore the wonders of Akagera National Park by boat or 4x4 vehicle. Don’t miss the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking, or golden monkey trekking, in Volcanoes National Park . Beside the rich wildlife, you can also explore Kigali, the bustling capital city, alive with tradition and culture.

Visas

Do I need a visa to travel to Rwanda?

Yes, you need a visa to enter Rwanda. Thirty-day tourist visas are free and available on arrival for citizens of member states of the Commonwealth, as well as for those of the African Union and Francophone countries.

Do I need to apply for a permit to see gorillas in Rwanda?

Yes, as advised by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), please get your permits before you arrive. The process is facilitated by our Wilderness Rwanda Travel Shop & Touring, and your Travel Designer. The reason for the permits is to ensure the sustainability of the conservation initiatives in place, and to further help the development of communities living around Volcanoes National Park.

Your Travel Designer can also advise on the options and costs of a standard gorilla trekking permit, a possible discounted permit or a private gorilla trekking permit.

Do I need to apply for a permit to see gorillas and golden monkeys in Rwanda?

Yes, as advised by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) , please obtain your permits prior to arrival. The process is facilitated by our Wilderness Rwanda Travel Shop & Touring, and your Travel Designer. The permits are essential to ensure the sustainability of the conservation initiatives, and to benefit the development of communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park. Your Travel Designer can also provide guidance on the different permit options, including standard, discounted or private primate trekking permits, as well as their associated costs.

Vaccinations

What are the COVID protocols for travelling to Rwanda?

We address all concerns surrounding COVID in line with the latest recommendations from the World Health Organization and other leading authorities. Please chat to your Travel Designer for the latest travel advisory updates, to ensure that you are prepared for all COVID travel requirements in Rwanda before your departure.

Do I need to be vaccinated against yellow fever in Rwanda?

Yellow fever vaccination is not a requirement when visiting Rwanda. However, one of Rwanda’s entry requirements states that if you also travel to Kenya and Uganda, you need to be inoculated for yellow fever. Again, please make sure to check with your travel clinic and Travel Designer before your holiday.

Do I need to take malaria medication to go on holiday to Rwanda?

While Bisate’s elevation means that it is not located in a malaria-risk area, other regions in Rwanda which you may pass through, do carry a risk, including Magashi in Akagera National Park. We advise our guests to check with their medical practitioner or travel clinic regarding malaria prevention. Please be sure to do this several weeks prior to departure, as some courses of medication need to be started in advance of your arrival in Rwanda.

Rwanda & Uganda