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Let’s explore Rwanda, the most advanced african country.

Part of a larger journey: this focused Rwanda guide is adapted from the Rwanda section of my complete East Africa itinerary. Stay here for the Rwanda detail, or open the complete trip to see how I connected Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda over one month.

Related reading

• Tips on how to travel Africa
• Tips for Cheap Safaris

Itinerary done quick

🇷🇼 RWANDA

That’s it! Do click on the links (destination name) to learn more!

Day 1 Road to Kigali

So… I came to Kigali by bus from Uganda. There are many crossings, mine was in Katuna. Smooth and organized, it’s one of the main crossing. My original plan was to go straight to Ruhengeri, but the border there is hard to access, unless you have your own transportation.

So I arrived in Kigali by afternoon; it’s clean, hilly and calm. I decided to relax.

If you come by plane, still treat that as an arrival day, walk around, find food, a sim card, prepare your days…

Kigali can also be access by land from Tanzania, but due to a lack of experience I can’t speak about it.

Day 2 Kigali

Visit the Genocide Memorial, check a cafe or eat some Rolex (Rolled eggs) and the see the conference center.

The city is spotless and easy to navigate with moto-taxis. Be warned, the memorial is hardcore. I used to work as a kindergarten teacher, the parts with the children was gut-wrenching. There, you got warned.

There aren’t many things to see in Kigali, but I love it.

Good Read: Petit Pays from Gael Faye is a must, if you want to understand the life of those who survived the genocide, it explains things nicely.

Day 3 Ruhengeri

From Nyabugogo Bus Park in Kigali, take a direct bus to Musanze/Ruhengeri (around 3h30). Ruhengeri is the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The cooler weather and mountain views make it a pleasant place to slow down. I used the free time to read, play video games and eat in restaurants.

I learnt later that they are spots to see wildlife around the city, but my lack of knowledge mean you will be better off with a local guide.

Otherwise, walking around town isn’t that bad.

Day 4 Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking if your budget allows and you want to support wildlife or… See them for less by doing the Mount Bisoke caldera day hike. If ya lucky, that’s it. I met a traveler that did it the day before I did and had great pictures of gorillas, sadly I didn’t. But the Hike was a highlight.

You need a permit to do the Hikes/Gorilla Trekking. Check prices online.

So, how to do it? Take the bus/car/rideshare to the ranger station early in the morning, register for the hike or gorilla watching, find like-minded travelers and enjoy. You can (and should?) book through the VisitRwanda Website.

The hike to Mount Bisoke is 65€/75$ (August 2026).

I arranged the hike at the park. If you want transport, permit and guide organised from Kigali, this Mount Bisoke day hike is the corresponding GetYourGuide option (affiliate link). I did not use that operator.

Gorilla trekking is 1300€/1500$ for a day. Yes, it’s expensive.

Those prices are for non-residents, I found that online for the rest:

Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 USD Foreign Residents in Rwanda: $500 USD African Passport Holders: $500 USD East African Community (EAC) Citizens (including Rwanda): $200 USD

Careful of the gorilla scam, locals will tell you they have a way to see gorillas for “cheap”. Apparently, there will never be gorillas. I don’t fall into scams, so I didn’t check.

For the official, expensive version with transport from Kigali, this one-day Volcanoes National Park gorilla trek is an advance-booking option (affiliate link). The listing states that the US$1,500 gorilla permit is separate, so include it when comparing the final price. I did not take this tour.

Day 5 Kibuye

Head south by bus (4h).
Kibuye sits on Lake Kivu, full of islands and fishing boats.
Great sunsets and peaceful evenings.

I went to a very similar place in Uganda, so I know the vibe: Chill. Take a book, relax, swim, enjoy the local life… Depending on the type of traveler you are, you can definitely enjoy it for days.

If you have time, you can enjoy the Congo Nile trail, it was my original plan You walk for 5 days or more along the shore. It sounds a bit samey, but it might be nice.

Optional extension: Congo Nile Trail

Extend for how many days you like!

The Congo Nile Trail is a nice coastal walk you can do section by sections or as part of a whole. I skipped it due to changing my plans at the last minute.

Day 6 Return to Kigali

Back to Kigali (3 hours from Kibuye).
Use the last day for shopping, coffee, or just resting before your flight.

This article isn’t the most complete, it exists mostly because I could extract it from my african itinerary.

More days?

• Visit the National park north (Nice for safaris, I’ve heard)
• Go further south to Bujumbura
• Go south East to Tanzania
• Go North West to Uganda
• Fight with gorillas in lava filled volcanoes in Congo
• ♫♪ Coucou les congolais ♪♫