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For budget travellers, Rwanda is surprisingly affordable. You can expect to spend around $50 to $70 per day, which includes:

Accommodation: Budget hotels and hostels are available in Kigali and other major towns. These accommodations are clean, safe, and provide basic amenities. In Kigali, you can find hostels and guesthouses that offer a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

Transportation: Public buses and moto-taxis are cost-effective ways to get around. Buses are reliable for longer distances, while moto-taxis are perfect for short trips within cities. For example, a bus ride from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park is both affordable and scenic.

Food: Local eateries offer delicious Rwandan cuisine at reasonable prices. Try local dishes like brochettes (grilled meat skewers) and ugali (a type of maize porridge). Street food is also a great way to experience local flavours without spending much.

Activities: Affordable activities include the Kigali City Tour and visits to local markets. The Kigali Genocide Memorial, which is free to visit, provides a poignant reminder of Rwanda’s history and resilience. The city tour also includes visits to art galleries, craft centres, and bustling markets where you can buy souvenirs and interact with locals.

If you’re looking for a midrange experience, plan for a daily budget of approximately $100 to $150. This budget allows for:

Accommodation: Comfortable midrange hotels and guesthouses. These establishments often offer more amenities, such as Wi-Fi, hot showers, and sometimes even swimming pools. In Kigali and other towns, you can find guesthouses that provide a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Transportation: Private taxis and car rentals for more convenience. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. For instance, a rental car can take you from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park and then to Lake Kivu, allowing you to enjoy the scenic routes.

Food: Dining at midrange restaurants offering a mix of local and international cuisine. Enjoy a variety of dishes, from traditional Rwandan meals to international favourites. Restaurants in Kigali and other towns offer a diverse menu that caters to different tastes.

Activities: Guided tours and entry fees to national parks and cultural sites.

Volcanoes National Park: This Park is home to the famous mountain gorillas. A 3 days gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda offers an unforgettable experience. Besides gorilla trekking, you can also engage in golden monkey tracking, which is a unique opportunity to see these rare primates in their natural habitat. Volcanoes National Park also offers stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes and lush landscapes.

For those seeking luxury, Rwanda offers an array of high-end experiences. Expect to spend about $200 to $350 more per day, which includes:

Accommodation: Stay at Rwanda luxury lodges and five-star hotels. These accommodations provide top-notch services, stunning views, and luxurious amenities. Many lodges are located near national parks, offering easy access to wildlife and nature.

Transportation: Private transfers and luxury car rentals. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of being chauffeured around in style. We can organize Luxury vehicles for airport transfers, city tours, and long-distance travel.

Food: Gourmet dining experiences at top-tier restaurants. Savor exquisite meals prepared by world-class chefs. Many luxury lodges and hotels have in-house restaurants that offer fine dining with a focus on local and international cuisine.

Activities: Exclusive tours, spa treatments, and premium activities. Indulge in personalized experiences that cater to your every need.

Lake Kivu: After your gorilla trekking in Rwanda, a visit to Lake Kivu is a perfect way to unwind. Located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Kivu offers a range of activities:

Boat Trips: Explore the lake’s islands and enjoy the stunning scenery. Take a leisurely boat ride to soak in the beauty of the lake and its surroundings.

Swimming: The lake’s clear waters are perfect for a refreshing swim. Relax on the shores or take a dip in the tranquil waters.

Local Markets: Visit local markets to experience Rwandan culture and buy souvenirs. Find unique handcrafted items and support local artisans.

Nyungwe Forest National Park: This Park is another highlight for luxury travelers. It offers a canopy walk, chimpanzee tracking, and bird watching. The park’s lush rainforest is home to a variety of wildlife and is a paradise for nature lovers.

Akagera National Park: For a classic safari experience, visit Akagera National Park. The Park is home to the Big Five and offers game drives, boat safaris, and bird watching. Luxury lodges within the park provide an immersive wildlife experience with all the comforts of home.

By Air: Fly into Kigali International Airport. Several international airlines operate flights to Kigali, making it easily accessible.

By Road: From Kigali, it’s a 2–6-hour drive to many of these famous tourist attractions in Rwanda including Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park and many more. The roads are well-maintained, and the scenic drive offers beautiful views of the Rwandan countryside.

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents, and $300 for East African citizens and the Rest of Africa pays $500 per person. This fee includes entry into Volcanoes National Park, the services of experienced ranger guides, and an hour spent with the gorillas. The cost of the permit is higher as compared to Uganda, where the permit is $800 for foreign non-residents and $400-$500 for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda offers a discount on the permit (30% discount) to $1050 during the low season. However, this only works if you have booked a safari to either Akagera National Park or Nyungwe after the gorilla trek. 

Mountain gorillas are an endangered species that were almost extinct due to constant poaching from the locals, but with the coming and conservation ideas of Dian Fossey, gorillas survived. With the help of the government of Rwanda, some rules have been set up to continue conserving the natural habitat of the Mountain gorillas. The rules are to be followed by all who intend to go for a gorilla trek for your safety and the safety of the gorillas, and these include:

• Rwanda’s gorilla trekking age limit is 15 years, and no one below that age will be allowed to trek the gorillas.
• Feeding of the Mountain gorillas is prohibited.
• After locating the gorillas, the trekkers are allowed a maximum of an hour with the gorillas studying their behavioral patterns and taking photos and videos.
• You need to keep a distance of about 7 to 10 meters away from the gorillas.
• Gorillas are not used to flash photography, so make sure that you turn your camera flash off before taking photos.
• A maximum of 8 people is allowed to trek the assigned gorilla families.
• Holes 30 cm deep are to be dug and covered for hikers planning on using the toilet because there are no toilets within the national park.
• Avoid littering the national park with rubbish by leaving it the way you found it.
• Do not in any way get close to the gorillas to avoid passing on infections in case you are sick.
• No one can eat, smoke, or drink with the gorillas.
• Avoid staring at the gorillas in the eye, don’t put on sunglasses, and in cases where the gorillas approach you, follow the instructions given to you by the guides.

The best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. During these months, the weather is more predictable, and the trails are less muddy, making the trek easier and more enjoyable. However, gorilla trekking and these are activities is possible year-round, and each season offers its own unique experiences.

Packing for a Rwanda Tour and gorilla trekking safari requires some careful planning. Here are some essentials to bring:

• Pack some warm clothes like sweaters for when the weather drastically changes.
• A raincoat is necessary whether you are travelling in the dry or wet season.
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers protect your skin from insect bites, keep you warm, and protect your skin from tree scratches. The clothes packed should be neutral or in brown, khaki, and green colours. Avoid blue, any other brightly colored clothes, and black. Also, make sure to avoid jeans.
• First aid kit fully packed with all the medicines prescribed by your doctor, bandages, spirit, iodine, cotton, tummy ache medicines, pain killers, and other things needed to treat scratches during the trek.
• Gaiters, socks, and garden gloves are needed. The socks are used to keep you warm, and during the trek, trousers are tucked into the socks to prevent insects from crawling up your pants. The garden gloves and non-surgical gloves protect your hands from tree scratches during the trek, and the adjustable gaiters are mainly used during the wet season.
• Strong ankle-length boots are necessary to keep your feet steady on the trek, especially during the wet season. They should be well-fitting to avoid blisters and waterproof if you can get them.

Other items that you need to pack include a refillable water bottle, flashlight,

extra batteries, camera and extra lenses, binoculars, wet wipes, biodegradable toilet paper, scarf, sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, a sun hat, and toiletries, among others.

Contact Us to help you book and organize your entire safari to Rwanda, depending on your budget. Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor to make the right decision.