How to Travel Rwanda on a Budget

You might ask, “Is Rwanda a budget-friendly destination?” Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda is famous for its beautiful landscapes and welcoming people. Although Rwanda, like much of Sub-Saharan Africa, can be seen as a high-end safari destination, it is possible to explore this unique country on a budget. Many tourists come to enjoy luxury lodges and trekking with mountain gorillas, but these activities can be expensive—especially the $1,500 permit for gorilla trekking.

However, don’t let the high costs of certain attractions stop you from enjoying Rwanda’s charm. There are plenty of affordable ways to explore the country, and if you’re willing to avoid the more luxurious options, you can travel Rwanda on a budget.

Save Money on Accommodation

Although Rwanda has many expensive hotels and lodges, you can find affordable options if you look for them. There are hostels, guesthouses, Airbnbs, and even camping spots that offer cheaper stays. Here are some examples:

• Hostels: Though hostels are a new concept in Rwanda, you can find a few in cities like Kigali. A bed in a hostel, such as Mamba Guesthouse, costs around 15,000 RWF per night ($17).
• Guesthouses: While some hotels charge over 125,000 RWF ($136) per night, you can find guesthouses offering private rooms for much less—around 25,000 to 50,000 RWF ($28 to $53). One example is The Nest in Kigali, which charges about 73,000 RWF ($80) per night for a private room.
• Airbnbs: Airbnb is growing in popularity in places like Kigali, Musanze, and Lake Kivu. You can find rooms starting at 38,000 RWF per night ($42).
• Camping: Camping is available in national parks like Nyungwe Forest and Akagera, as well as near guesthouses. It can be a bit tricky during the rainy season, and nights tend to be cool, but it’s affordable. Campsites charge around 8,500 to 18,500 RWF per night ($10 to $21). You can also rent tents at places like Red Rocks in Musanze or Kitabi Eco-Center in Nyungwe for 31,000 RWF ($34) per person.

Save Money on Transportation

Transportation in Rwanda can be affordable if you use the right methods. Here are some budget-friendly ways to get around:

• Motorbikes: Public motorbikes are the quickest and cheapest way to move around within cities. A ride within Kigali costs between 300 and 1,000 RWF ($1 to $2).
• Taxis: Taxis are more expensive and less common, but they become useful when it rains since motorbikes don’t operate in such conditions. Taxi fares start at 5,000 RWF ($6), and rides within Kigali typically cost 10,000 to 15,000 RWF ($11 to $17).
• Buses: When traveling outside cities, buses are an affordable option. They are safe and reliable, and a trip across the country costs between 2,000 and 4,000 RWF ($3 to $5).
• Car rentals: For places like national parks, renting a car or motorbike is a good idea. Car rentals start at 75,000 RWF per day ($82), depending on the vehicle type.

Why Visit Rwanda

The Captivating Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are one of Rwanda’s biggest attractions. Thanks to conservation efforts by people like Dian Fossey, these magnificent creatures continue to thrive. Volcanoes National Park is home to around half of the world’s mountain gorillas, and trekking through the park offers a chance to see them up close in their natural habitat.

Rwanda controls the number of visitors allowed to see the gorillas each day, which makes this a unique and special experience. Although the permit to trek with the gorillas is expensive, the encounter is unforgettable. You’ll get to spend an hour watching these amazing animals go about their day in the forest.

Walk in the Footsteps of Dian Fossey

For those interested in learning more about the work of Dian Fossey, a visit to her former research center is a meaningful experience. Fossey dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas. She founded the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda, and her work helped raise awareness about gorilla conservation. Visitors can hike to her grave, which is located near her old research station, and learn about her incredible efforts to protect these endangered animals.

Hiking and Trekking in Rwanda

If you enjoy hiking, Rwanda offers some great opportunities. Both Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park have beautiful trails for trekkers of all levels. One of the most challenging treks is to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which reaches an elevation of 4,507 meters. This two-day trek takes you through four different vegetation zones and is a rewarding adventure for those who enjoy high-altitude climbs.

For a shorter trek, you can hike up Mount Bisoke. This 6-7 hour trek takes you through fields and forests, and it includes a visit to Dian Fossey’s gravesite. At the top, you’ll be greeted by a stunning crater lake.

Other Primates in Rwanda

While mountain gorillas are the most famous primates in Rwanda, there are many others to see. Nyungwe National Park is the best place to go if you want to see chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, and colobus monkeys. Chimpanzees are considered the most human-like of all primates, and tracking them through the forest is an exciting adventure.

Chimpanzees are constantly on the move in search of food, so tracking them requires patience. Fortunately, guides are skilled at finding these groups, and your chances of seeing them are very high.

Kigali: The Heart of Rwanda

Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is known as one of Africa’s friendliest cities. It’s a bustling place with a mix of modern business areas, historical landmarks, and vibrant markets. Kigali has developed quickly in recent years, yet it has retained its charm. With its young population and energetic atmosphere, the city offers plenty to see and do, including learning about Rwanda’s history and experiencing its rich culture.

The Cultural People of Rwanda

Rwanda is home to three main ethnic groups—the Tutsi, Hutu, and Twa people. While the country’s past was marked by division, Rwanda has worked hard to rebuild unity among its people. Today, there’s a strong sense of togetherness, and the different cultures of Rwanda can be experienced through interactions with locals.

Rwandans are proud of their heritage, and meeting people from different backgrounds offers a glimpse into their traditions, values, and hopes for the future.