A travel guide to Rwanda helps you discover the most fantastic tourist destinations, along with its breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, and exciting wildlife. If you’re looking for a different and adventurous trip, Rwanda is a great choice. You can see green hills, national parks, and even watch gorillas up close. This guide will show you essential travel tips, how to enter the country, the best time to go, travel costs, and the main attractions to see in Rwanda.
Where is Rwanda?
Rwanda is a small country in the center of Africa. It is located in the eastern part of the continent. It shares borders with four neighboring countries: Uganda in north, Tanzania in the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital city is Kigali. Rwanda is a landlocked country and does not have a sea or ocean. Most of the land is made of high hills and flat high areas, which is why it is often called “the Land of a Thousand Hills.” The country is close to the equator, but because it is high above sea level, the weather is mild and pleasant.
About Rwanda
Rwanda is a small country in East Africa. Even though it is small, many people live there. It covers an area of about 26,300 square kilometres and has almost 13 million people. The capital city, Kigali, serves as the main centre for politics, economy, business, and culture in the nation.
Most people in Rwanda belong to three groups: Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. The country has four official languages: Kinyarwanda, French, English, and Swahili. The main religion is Christianity. Most people are Catholic or Protestant, but there are also some Muslims.
The money used in Rwanda is called the Rwandan franc (RWF). In the past, Rwanda faced numerous challenges. Still, today it is recognised as one of the safest and cleanest countries in Africa. It is also growing rapidly and making significant progress in education, healthcare, and environmental protection.
Weather of Rwanda
Rwanda has a tropical and mild climate. Because the country is high above sea level, the weather is nice and pleasant and not too hot for most of the year. Rwanda has two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. Tourists usually prefer to visit during the dry season, as the weather is ideal for exploring national parks and watching gorillas in their natural habitat. But in the dry season, more people travel to Rwanda, so prices are higher. Some travellers choose the rainy season instead, because there are fewer tourists and the costs are generally lower.
Best time to visit Rwanda
The best time to visit and travel to Rwanda is during the dry seasons, which are from June to September and from December to February. During these months, there is less rainfall, and the weather is ideal for sightseeing and visiting attractions such as Volcanoes National Park and for seeing mountain gorillas.
But as we say in the dry season, the number of tourists increases, and the prices of hotels and tours are also higher. Some travellers choose to visit during the rainy seasons because costs are lower. In the end, the best time to visit Rwanda depends on how much money you want to spend and what your travel goals are.
How to travel to Rwanda with a Dominica passport
Travelling to Rwanda with a Dominica passport is an easy and hassle-free experience for many passport holders. Citizens of Dominica can stay in Rwanda for up to 90 days without a visa, which is one of the main benefits of this passport. The entry process is usually simple and quick, especially for flights that come from African or European countries.
Dominica is an island nation in the Caribbean. It has a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program that allows applicants to get a second passport in a short period of time. The Dominican passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world. Holders can travel to over 140 countries, including Rwanda, without a visa or with a visa on arrival. This makes visiting African countries, such as Rwanda, faster and easier.
Travel Costs in Rwanda
Travelling to Rwanda is generally cheaper than in many other countries in Africa. However, the cost depends on how you travel. Here is a simple guide to travel costs in Rwanda:
Transportation Costs
Within cities, public transport such as motorcycle taxis, known locally as moto, is very common and inexpensive. For intercity travel, you can use long-distance buses or private taxis, which are also affordable.
Food Costs
In Rwanda, you can enjoy delicious meals at local restaurants for low prices. However, dining at tourist or international restaurants will be more expensive.
Accommodation Costs
Rwanda offers a range of accommodation options, including guesthouses, budget hotels, hostels, and luxury lodges. You can find a suitable option depending on your budget.
Recreational and Tourism Costs
Visiting national parks, such as Volcanoes National Park, to see mountain gorillas is one of the most expensive parts of a trip. However, it is also possible to enjoy local markets, museums, and lakes at a low cost.
Attractions and sightseeing in Rwanda
Here we will talk about some of the most famous and popular attractions in Rwanda. This will help you know about them before you travel:
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located in northern Rwanda and is famous for its rare mountain gorillas and stunning volcanic landscapes. You can walk in the forest, hike on trails, and see gorillas up close. This park is one of the best places to visit in Africa.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is one of the biggest lakes in Africa. It is calm and very pretty. It is ideal for swimming, boating, sunbathing, and relaxing along its shores. Nearby tourist towns like Gisenyi are also popular among travellers.
Kigali Capital of Rwanda
Kigali is a modern, safe, and clean city with numerous museums, cafés, local markets, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy a variety of fun activities and explore the city.
Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe Forest, located in southwestern Rwanda, is one of Africa’s oldest and richest rainforests. It is home to rare plant and animal species, particularly chimpanzees and tree monkeys. There are many walking trails, thick green trees, and foggy views. Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts will enjoy this forest.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda, and it is the only safari park in Rwanda where you can see Africa’s Big Five: lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard. The park features a mix of grasslands, wetlands, and lakes. It is a perfect place for people who love wildlife and nature.
