About Rwanda

Discover Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills

Overview:

Geography and Size:

• About Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a small, landlocked country in East-Central Africa.
• It is bordered by Uganda to the North, Tanzania to the East, Burundi to the South, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the West.
• The country is characterized by impressive mountains, including its highest peak, Mount Karisimbi (4,507 m), part of the volcanic Virunga chain.

Capital and Cleanliness:

• The capital city, Kigali, is renowned as the cleanest city in Africa.
• Rwanda has a population of slightly over 12 million, making it one of the world’s most densely populated countries.

National Parks:

• Rwanda has four national parks: Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Gishwati Mukura National Park, gazetted in 2015 as the country’s fourth.
• Volcanoes National Park protects the Virunga volcanic chain, where the majestic mountain gorillas reside.

Lakes:

• Lake Kivu is the largest body of water, surrounded by other picturesque lakes such as Burera, Ruhondo, Muhazi, and Mugesera.

Rwanda Travel Essentials:

1. Visa:

• Rwanda issues a visa on arrival to nationals of every country, so no visitor is turned away for want of a visa arranged in advance.
• Many travelers pay nothing. Citizens of African Union member states, the Commonwealth, and La Francophonie are among those admitted free of charge, and citizens of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and several other countries have their own arrangements.
• Where a fee applies, the standard single-entry tourist visa is USD 50 at the time of writing. Confirm your own category and the current fee on the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration site before you travel, and consider the East Africa Tourist Visa if your trip also takes in Kenya or Uganda.

Entry information last reviewed 24 August 2026. Visa rules and fees change without notice; the official source above governs.

2. Climate:

• Rwanda has a temperate year-round climate, thanks to its tropical location and high altitude.
• Daily temperatures rarely exceed 30 degrees Celsius during the day and 15 degrees Celsius at night.
• Seasonal variations are relatively insignificant, making Rwanda an ideal all-year-round tourist destination.

3. Languages:

• Kinyarwanda is the local and native language spoken by all Rwandans.
• Official languages include French, English, and Kiswahili, with varying proficiency among locals.

4. Health Requirements:

This is general information, not medical advice. Book a travel-health consultation four to eight weeks before you fly, and treat your clinician and the official sources below as the authority.

• Yellow fever. Whether you need a certificate depends on where you are traveling from, not on Rwanda itself. The requirement applies to travelers arriving from, or transiting, a country with a risk of transmission. Check the current rule on the Rwanda Biomedical Centre travelers page before you book your vaccination.
• Malaria. Malaria is present in Rwanda, and altitude does not remove the risk. The US CDC recommends prescription malaria prevention for travelers to Rwanda, along with insect-bite precautions. Ask your clinician which prophylaxis suits you.
• Other vaccinations. Hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, and rabies are commonly discussed for this region. Your clinician decides what you actually need based on your history and itinerary.
• Evacuation cover. We arrange access to air ambulance cover for emergency medical evacuation. Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is a condition of traveling with us.

Health guidance last reviewed 24 August 2026 against the Rwanda Biomedical Centre and US CDC sources linked above. Confirm current requirements before you travel.

5. Best Time to Visit:

• Rwanda can be visited throughout the year.
• Drier months are preferable for gorilla tours and forest hikes.
• European winter is optimal for birdwatching, with Palaearctic migrants joining resident bird species.

Rwanda invites travelers to experience its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. From the iconic mountain gorillas to the tranquil lakeshores, Rwanda offers a unique blend of natural wonders and warm hospitality. Whether exploring dense forests or engaging with local communities, Rwanda promises an enriching journey for every traveler.

Planning around the mountain gorillas? Our gorilla trekking guide compares permits and trekking conditions in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda against Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda.

Contact us for more information about traveling to Rwanda!