Rwanda is great for seeing wildlife because it is home to a diverse range of species, including the iconic mountain gorillas. The country's Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places in the world to observe these magnificent creatures in …
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Backpacking Rwanda in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Rwanda with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Rwanda
Discover Rwanda, a small country with a big heart, where lush landscapes and captivating wildlife create a unique backdrop for backpackers. Pros? Immerse in gorilla trekking, explore vibrant markets, and experience the warmth of the locals. Rwanda's safety and cleanliness stand out, but the cost of permits can be higher. For the eco-conscious backpacker seeking a balance between adventure and conservation, Rwanda's commitment to sustainability and the rare opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas make it a distinctive destination, where every moment promises a blend of cultural richness and natural wonder.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Rwanda
Wildlife
Scenery
Rwanda is a country known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes. One of the best sceneries to explore in Rwanda is the Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Here, you can embark on a once-in-a-lifetime …
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Mountains
The Virunga Mountains in Rwanda are a great destination for exploration. These volcanic mountains are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, making it a unique and exciting experience for wildlife enthusiasts. The lush and diverse ecosystem of …
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People
Rwandan people are known for their warm and welcoming nature. Hospitality is deeply ingrained in their culture, and they take great pride in making visitors feel at home. Whether it is a friend, family member, or a stranger, Rwandans are known for …
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Cheap
The average cost for backpacking in Rwanda is approximately $50 to $70 per day. This budget should cover accommodation in budget hostels or guesthouses, meals from local eateries, public transportation, and some sightseeing activities. Entrance fees …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Rwanda
- Volcanoes National Park: Explore the lush greenery and rare wildlife of this national park. It is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Lake Kivu: Relax and unwind by the pristine shores of Lake Kivu. Enjoy water activities like swimming, kayaking, and boat rides while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Nyungwe Forest, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Go on a guided hike to spot chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species.
- Kigali Genocide Memorial: Pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide at this powerful memorial. Gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history and the importance of unity and reconciliation.
- Inema Arts Center: Discover Rwanda’s vibrant art scene at the Inema Arts Center in Kigali. Admire the contemporary artworks and interact with local artists to learn about their creative process.
But Rwanda offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Rwanda
The best time to visit Rwanda for backpacking is during the dry seasons, which are from June to September and from December to February. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant with less rainfall, making it easier to explore the country's natural beauty and go on outdoor adventures. Additionally, these months are also ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals are more active and easier to spot. However, it's important to note that Rwanda's climate can vary, so it's always recommended to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.
Risk level: medium (42%)Safety advice for Rwanda
- The rainy seasons are from February to May and September to December. Flooding and mudslides can make roads unusable. Be prepared to alter your travel plans.
- The security situation within 10km of Rwanda's border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is volatile. Don't cross the border (see Full Advice/Travel section).
- The land border between Rwanda and Burundi has been closed since 11 January. The border will remain closed until further notice.
- There's a risk of rebel attack in the Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) and Nyungwe Forest. Only visit these parks as part of an organised tour group.
- Grenade attacks and other incidents have occurred in the past, including in Kigali. Targets may include genocide memorials, markets and transport hubs.
- Petty crime is quite rare, but theft from hotel rooms, homes and vehicles can occur. Keep valuables out of sight. When driving, lock your windows and doors.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
RwandaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Rwanda sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Rwanda. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Rwanda may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Rwanda. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Rwanda may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Rwanda, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Rwanda, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024