Group trips to Rwanda

Find out the entry requirements for Rwanda, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Rwanda – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Rwanda is in the Central Africa Time zone, which is UTC+2. Rwanda does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference is consistent throughout the year.

• If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 2pm in Rwanda.
• If it is 12pm in New York, USA (Eastern Time), it will be 7pm in Rwanda.
• For the West Coast of the USA (Pacific Time), if it is 12pm, it will be 10pm in Rwanda.

Rwanda uses the Rwandan Franc (RWF) as its currency. As of the latest rates:

• 1 British Pound (GBP) equals approximately 1,500 RWF
• 1 US Dollar (USD) equals about 1,200 RWF
• 1 Euro (EUR) equals roughly 1,300 RWF

You can exchange currency at banks, official exchange bureaus, or some hotels in major cities like Kigali. It's a good idea to bring some cash with you, but ATMs are available in urban areas if you need more.

In Rwanda, you can pay using credit and debit cards, especially in urban areas and larger businesses. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Mobile payment systems like MTN Mobile Money are also popular and convenient. However, it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller shops, markets, or rural areas where card payments might not be accepted. ATMs are available in cities like Kigali, where you can withdraw Rwandan Francs using international cards.

Tipping in Rwanda is not mandatory, but it is appreciated, especially in tourist areas and in the service industry. If you receive good service at a restaurant or from a tour guide, a tip of around 5% to 10% of the total bill is a nice gesture. In hotels, you might consider tipping porters or housekeepers a small amount for their services. Always tip in the local currency, Rwandan Francs, to make it easier for the recipient.

In Rwanda, buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan is a great way to stay connected. Major providers like MTN and Airtel have good coverage and offer various data packages. Wi-Fi is generally available in hotels and cafes in larger cities like Kigali, but it might be less reliable or slower in rural areas. If you need consistent internet access, especially outside urban areas, a local SIM card is a practical choice.

In Rwanda, the official languages are Kinyarwanda, French, and English. Kinyarwanda is the most widely spoken language. You might find these phrases useful:

• Hello: Muraho
• Thank you: Murakoze
• Yes: Yego
• No: Oya

These expressions could come in handy during your travels.

In Rwanda, the standard plugs are Type C and Type J. The electrical voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. If your devices use a different plug type, we suggest bringing a universal adapter to keep your gadgets powered up. Make sure your devices are compatible with the voltage to avoid any issues.

The main religion in Rwanda is Christianity, with a significant portion of the population identifying as Catholic, followed by Protestant and Seventh-day Adventist. There is also a small Muslim minority. Important religious holidays include:

• Christmas
• Easter
• For Muslims: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

When visiting religious sites, we suggest you dress modestly as a sign of respect.

When packing for Rwanda, consider the climate and activities you might engage in. Here's a handy list to help you get started:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
  • T-shirts
  • Light rain jacket
  • Shorts or light pants
  • Warm sweater or fleece for cool evenings
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
  • Sandals or flip-flops
  • Hiking boots if you plan on trekking
• Accessories and technology:
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Power bank
  • Camera with extra memory cards
  • Universal adapter
• Toiletries and medication:
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Prescription medications
  • Common travel medications like pain relievers and anti-diarrheal pills

This list should keep you comfortable and prepared for your Rwandan adventure!

Rwanda has a pleasant tropical highland climate, thanks to its elevation. Here's a quick breakdown by region:

• Kigali and Central Rwanda: Warm days and cool nights year-round, with temperatures around 20-27°C (68-81°F).
• Western Region (Volcanoes National Park): Cooler and wetter, especially during the rainy seasons from March to May and September to November.
• Eastern Region: Warmer and drier, with temperatures rising up to 30°C (86°F).

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, for more comfortable travel and wildlife viewing.