Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest, and sweeping plains. Travelers come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the magnificent gorillas, yet there is so much more to see and experience during Rwanda Travel.

Vaccination Requirements: Fully vaccinated travelers and children below 18 years will no longer be required to quarantine at designated hotels upon arrival but will be required to self-isolate and wait for the results at home or at the booked hotel. Arriving travelers must present a valid vaccination certificate showing their full vaccination status to be eligible for this exception. COVID-19 Test is not mandatory for accompanied children under 5 years.

• Capital of Rwanda: Kigali
• The population of Rwanda: 9 million
• Languages in Rwanda: Kinyarwanda (official) Kiswahili, French, English
• International dialing code in Rwanda: +250
• Voltage in Rwanda: 230V/50Hz
• Money in Rwanda: Rwanda Franc (RWF). US dollars are easy to exchange. Most ATMs only accept local bank cards and credit cards are rarely accepted. If you get unstuck there are Western Union offices in most main towns.

When To Go To Rwanda

The main dry season is between June and September with a shorter, unpredictable one from December to early March. The dry seasons are excellent times to visit the gorillas, as mosquito activity is at a minimum and the volcanic tracks can get quite muddy during the rains. October and November, when fruits ripen, is a good time to look for chimpanzees.

International Airports

Kigali International Airport (KGL) – 13km from the city

Getting around Rwanda

From the central minibus station in Kigali, swarms of minibusses inexpensively ply Rwanda. There is no rail service. There are a handful of internal flights and in Kigali, there are several places where you can rent a car. Rwanda is great for mountain bikers although you’ll need to bring your own bike and spares.

Rwanda accommodation

Rwanda has international standard hotels in the major towns. Mid-range hotels and guesthouses are generally available elsewhere. Homestays are on the up and are a great way to meet local people. Campsites are limited.

Rwanda food & drink

Thanks to its Belgian colonizers, Rwanda does great chips: Western-influenced restaurants often serve them simply with chicken, steak, or fish.

Local favorites include goat kebabs, bean and meat stews, chapatti, matoke (plantain), and ugali (maize porridge). The drink of choice is sweet, milky tea; popular alcoholic beverages include beer and waragi, a clear, millet-based Ugandan spirit.

Health & safety in Rwanda

Check you are up to date with vaccinations and speak to your GP about malaria prophylaxis. Don’t drink tap water. Rwanda is relatively hassle-free and friendly.

Situated just beneath the equator in the African Great Lakes region, Rwanda has two dry seasons and two wet seasons. You’ll find that the Best Time To Visit Rwanda is during the longer of the dry seasons, from June to September. October then brings a short rainy season, followed by a short dry season from December to February. The longer rainy season runs from March to May. Rwanda is a destination for all seasons, so it is the best way to start Rwanda Safari as well.

Best Time: June to September (Except for chimp trekking in Nyungwe Forest)

High Season: June to September (Lodges might be full and gorilla permits must be booked long in advance)

Low Season: March, April, October, November (These are the peaks of the rains)

Best Weather: June to August (Least rain)

Worst Weather: March and April (Most rain, forest trails are slippery)

Rwanda Climate – Temperatures and Rainfall

Temperature-wise, Rwanda Safari Tours experiences little change in highs and lows from month to month, and no real winter/summer distinction as it is so close to the equator.  For much of the year, the daytime temperatures are a very pleasant mid to high 20s centigrade (25-28C). (This equates to the mid 70s to early 80s in Fahrenheit)

Best Time To Go Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

Although it’s regarded as a year-round activity, the Best Time To Visit Rwanda for a Gorilla Trekking Rwanda is during the short dry season from mid-December to early February or over the long dry season months of June to September.

Best Time To Go Chimpanzee Trekking In Rwanda

The Best Time To Go To Rwanda for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, however, is during the two rainy seasons – mid-February to early June and mid-September to mid-December – as the apes are easier to locate.

Best Time To Visit Rwanda By Season

The climate in Rwanda is characterized by the following seasons:

1. Long rains: March – May
2. Long drying time: May – October
3. Short rains: October – December
4. Short drying time: December – March

Rwanda is a destination for all seasons, but the drier period from June to September is best for spotting the country’s undoubted highlight, the mountain gorilla.

The rainy seasons from March to May and June to September are the optimum times for tracking chimpanzees.

Temperatures hardly vary throughout the seasons due to Rwanda’s position just south of the Equator, with warm days and nights that can be cool, especially at altitude.

Contact Saso Uganda Safaris now to start planning the best bespoke Rwanda Safari Packages that adds great value to money. Rwanda is waiting for you! And so are we. Call us now!