RWANDA TRAVEL GUIDE

Travel Smart.
Experience More.

Everything you need to know before discovering the beauty, culture and wildlife of Rwanda.

Explore Rwanda
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

Your Guide to Rwanda

Rwanda is a beautiful destination known for its mountain gorillas, spectacular landscapes, welcoming communities and unforgettable wildlife experiences.

A little preparation before your journey can make your experience even better. Here are some useful things to know before you arrive.

CURRENCY Rwandan Franc RWF
LANGUAGE Kinyarwanda English • French • Swahili
PAYMENTS Cards & Cash Widely available
EXPERIENCE Gorilla Trekking Plan ahead
Rwanda safari experience
Rwanda • East Africa
MONEY & BUDGETING

Understanding Money in Rwanda

Rwanda's official currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). Travelers can exchange foreign currency through banks and authorized foreign exchange bureaus.

International travelers may also find US dollars useful for tourism-related services. Exchange rates change regularly, so check the current rate before exchanging money.

Travel Tip

Keep some Rwandan Francs with you for smaller purchases, local markets and places where card payments may not be available.

PAYMENTS

How to Pay While Travelling

A simple guide to managing your money during your Rwanda adventure.

01

Cards

Major hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and established businesses may accept international debit and credit cards.

02

Cash

Carry some local currency for smaller businesses, local markets and rural areas.

03

Exchange

Exchange foreign currency through banks and authorized foreign exchange bureaus.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
PACKING GUIDE

What Should You Wear?

Keep your clothing comfortable, practical and suitable for the activities you plan to enjoy.

Lightweight comfortable clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Hiking boots for trekking
Hat and sunglasses
Light jacket or sweater
Comfortable trousers
Travelling to the Mountains?

Areas around the Virunga Mountains and Nyungwe can be cooler, especially in the evening. Bring an extra layer.

GORILLA TREKKING

Planning to Meet
the Mountain Gorillas?

Gorilla trekking is one of Rwanda's most remarkable travel experiences. Because permits are highly sought after, planning your trip well in advance is important.

Explore Gorilla Tours
COMMUNICATION

Languages You Will Hear

Rwanda is a multilingual country and visitors will encounter several languages during their trip.

RW

Kinyarwanda

National language

EN

English

Widely used in tourism

FR

French

Also widely understood

SW

Swahili

Common across East Africa

READY TO EXPLORE?

Your Rwanda Adventure Starts Here.