For information on government mandates for passengers travelling to and from Rwanda due to COVID-19, please visit our Travelling to Rwanda page.

Rwanda has no strict dress code on what to wear, although women travelers are advised to dress sensibly. In business areas, people tend to dress smartly. Cotton clothing is the most comfortable during the day, as it gets quite hot, but the nights tend to be chilly, so a heavy sweater and boots are essential.

For gorilla tracking, warm clothing is required as well as walking/hiking boots, a hat and lightweight parka or raincoat.

It depends on what activities you plan on carrying out whilst in Rwanda. The long dry season, from June to September is the best time for tracking gorillas in the Volcanoes Park and hiking in Nyungwe Forest, as the ground is dry. Whereas the wet season, February – June (and a shorter season September-December) is best for tracking chimps in Nyungwe and the scenery is greener in addition the sky is less hazy.

The average temperature in Rwanda is 24.6 – 27.6 °C, the hottest months being August and September.

Most mid-range and upward hotels have internet services that can be used. In Kigali, there are a number of fast, reliable internet facilities. Outside of Kigali, however, servers can be slow and subject to breakdowns.

230/240 volts at 50Hz. Type of socket is the 2-pin socket.

Tourists cannot bring into the country any illegal substances or firearms.

Also, in a move to make Rwanda more eco-friendly, at the airport, tourists may be asked to exchange any plastic bags for cotton fiber bags.

During the months June to September, as well as Christmas and New Year’s, demand for permits is high, therefore it is advisable to book as far ahead as possible. The booking can be made directly through the ORTPN office in Kigali, by emailing: reservation@rwandatourism.com.

Depending on availability, permits can be bought before 17h00 the day before the track, and at Kinigi on the morning of the track. However, there is no guarantee a permit will be available and it is strongly advised that one books well in advance to avoid disappointment.

No, for their safety and to ensure the preservation of the National Parks, all tourists must be accompanied by a guide, who provides useful information on the wildlife and fauna.

Yes they can. No incident involving tourists has ever been reported in both national parks from 1994 until now. The border is patrolled by the army 24 hours. The guide and ranger accompany the trekking in national parks. The tourist can experience a trekking in safe environment.

No. Bottled or boiled water is safest.

Yes, there are over 300 private clinics, 34 district hospitals and over 380 health centers and dispensaries in the country. Outside of Kigali, medical facilities are more basic.

Anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellent are essential. Tourists require a Yellow Fever inoculation.

Yes, they can. Rwanda is perhaps the most crime-free African country and Kigali is a very safe city. Although tourists should beware of pickpockets in busy markets and bus stations. In public places, tourists should keep a close eye on their possessions and avoid having valuable or large amounts of money loose in pockets or bags. It is strongly advised to keep all valuables and money in a hidden money belt.

Yes, hotels and guesthouses are safe, particularly in Kigali, although, it is a good idea to lock up your valuables. Some mid – range and upward hotels will have a safe for you to lock up anything valuable.

All travellers should visit either their personal doctor or a travel health clinic six to eight weeks before departure.

Yellow Fever immunisations/vaccinations are compulsory for travel to all areas of Rwanda if you are coming from a country affected by it.

The following immunisations/vaccinations are recommended for travel to all areas of Rwanda:

• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Malaria prophylaxis (with Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline)
• Polio
• Tetanus
• Typhoid

The following immunisations/vaccinations should be considered for travel to all areas of Rwanda:

• Hepatitis B
• Rabies

Please consult with your doctor for more specific advice.