At Jabari, we excel at providing our guests with unbiased advice for every destination we offer, ensuring enhanced travel experiences wherever we take them. Our operations are entirely African based; Africa is our business, and our African roots run deep, giving us intuitive knowledge built over a lifetime of thriving on the continent. We always go above and beyond to ensure our offerings exceed our clients’ expectations.
There’s nothing like up-to-date, relevant travel information from someone who’s been there.
Here is your guide before traveling to Rwanda.
Money & Spending
Rwanda’s currency is the Rwandan franc, but we recommend bringing US dollars (post-2003 bills only) or euros in cash (traveler’s cheques usually attract poor exchange rates). Do any necessary banking in Kigali, as few opportunities exist outside the capital. Bureaux de change usually offers the best exchange rates.
Credit cards—especially MasterCard—are accepted in some upmarket hotels and restaurants in Kigali, but not widely elsewhere.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in most places in Rwanda, except in some higher-end restaurants where 10% of the bill is standard. For gorilla trekking, tipping is not compulsory but is greatly appreciated. Amounts vary depending on the size of your group and the level of assistance required. Your porter (if you hire one) should usually receive the highest tip, with additional tips for guides, trackers, and security personnel.
Some guides, porters, and trackers are former poachers who now rely on tourism to make a living. Your generosity helps them see the value in protecting gorillas and chimpanzees. Hiring a porter is highly recommended—they can assist you on difficult parts of the hike, carry your daypack, and offer support if you get fatigued. Tip your porter well for excellent service.
Climate
Average year-round temperatures: 12°C / 54°F to 27°C / 81°F.
Rainy seasons: March–April and October–mid-December.
Dry seasons: June–September and late December–February—best for gorilla trekking.
What To Pack
For gorilla trekking, preparation is key. Include:
- Long, thick trousers and long-sleeved tops
- Long socks or gaiters to protect against ants
- Light gloves for nettles
- Hat, raincoat, and sturdy hiking boots (break them in before your trip)
- Warm fleece and change of clothes for high-altitude cold and damp conditions
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
Other tips:
- Avoid strong fragrances, they may scare animals.
- Wear natural colors like browns and greens. Bright colors or patterns may make wildlife keep their distance.
- Avoid black or blue; these colors attract tsetse flies and other bugs.
- Use environmentally friendly bug spray.
- Consult a doctor or travel clinic about vaccinations, altitude medication, or anti-motion sickness medicine if needed.
Getting Around
- Gregoire Kayibanda International Airport: Kigali’s airport is served by direct flights from Brussels, or via Entebbe, Nairobi, Lusaka, or Johannesburg.
- Kigali to Volcanoes National Park: ~2.5-hour drive.
- Transfers in Rwanda are typically via 4X4 vehicles; helicopter transfers are available to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Maximum driving distances between major attractions: 4–5 hours.
- In Kigali, a fun and efficient way to get around is on a local scooter—great for an authentic city experience.
Visa & Passport Requirements
A passport valid for at least six months is required. Visas are required for most visitors except citizens of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Haiti, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Multiple-entry tourist visas can be purchased from a Rwandan embassy or consulate. Visas are valid for three months and can usually be extended in Kigali on a month-by-month basis.
Gorilla-Trekking Permits
A gorilla-trekking permit is essential, costing up to US $1,500 per person per day. Minimum age: 15 years.
