Visiting Rwanda

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Rwanda page at Yoogo.

Rwanda uses the Rwandan franc (RWF). Card payments are accepted at hotels, upmarket restaurants, and larger shops in Kigali, but cash is essential in smaller towns, local markets, and national park areas. ATMs are available in Kigali and major towns, and US dollars are widely accepted alongside local currency.

Rwanda consistently ranks among the safest destinations in Africa, with Kigali regularly praised for its low crime rates, visible police presence, and well-maintained public order. Petty theft such as pickpocketing occurs around busy markets and transport hubs, so standard urban precautions apply. Some border areas near eastern DRC see instability, but these are not on typical visitor itineraries.

Intercity coaches connect Kigali's Nyabugogo Bus Terminal to major towns including Musanze, Rubavu, and Huye at low cost. Within Kigali, the city bus network uses a Tap&Go contactless card, while motorbike taxis (motos) provide flexible shorter journeys and are bookable via the Yego app. Hiring a private vehicle with a driver is the most practical option for national park visits.

The two dry seasons, from June to September and from December to February, are generally considered the best periods for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and savannah wildlife safaris, as trails are drier and wildlife is easier to spot. Rwanda's rains fall mainly from March to May and from October to mid-December, though the country's year-round equatorial climate means temperatures stay moderate (roughly 12°C to 27°C) in all months. The wet season brings lush scenery and fewer crowds, which suits some travellers.

Kinyarwanda is the mother tongue understood across the entire country and the language of everyday life. English and French are both official languages widely used in government, education, and tourism, so communicating in English is straightforward in Kigali and at all major visitor sites. Learning a few phrases in Kinyarwanda, such as 'Muraho' (hello) and 'Murakoze' (thank you), is warmly appreciated.

Malaria is present throughout Rwanda, including in national parks, so antimalarial medication prescribed by a travel health specialist is strongly recommended before departure. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and up-to-date routine immunisations are also advised; consult a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before your trip.