Rwanda travel guide

What to wear on safari

Stick to neutral earth tones: khaki, olive, beige and brown. Avoid bright white (it shows dust and dirt quickly), and steer clear of dark blue and black, which are known to attract tsetse flies. Very bright colours can also feel out of place on a game drive.

Dress in layers. Early game drives and forest mornings can be genuinely cold, so a warm fleece or jacket over a long-sleeved top works well, with lighter clothing underneath for when the day warms up. Long sleeves and trousers also help against sun, scratches and insects on the trail.

Bring sturdy closed walking shoes (waterproof boots are ideal for muddy gorilla treks), a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream. In towns and villages, dress modestly out of respect for local custom.

Electricity & plugs

Mains power is 230V at 50Hz, the same standard used across much of Europe, the UK and the wider region. Sockets take plug types C and J, so most European-style two-pin plugs fit, while UK and US travellers will want a suitable adapter.

Power can occasionally be intermittent in remote lodges, several of which rely on generators or solar. A power bank for cameras and phones is well worth packing, particularly for full days out on the trail.

Money & payments

The local currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF). Kigali has ATMs and many hotels, restaurants and larger shops accept cards, but cash is essential once you leave the city, for tips, market stalls, craft sellers and small cafes.

Carry some smaller notes for everyday spending and tipping. It's sensible to let your bank know you're travelling, and to keep a modest cash reserve for places where card machines or connectivity can't be relied on.

Health & vaccinations

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is a risk, so check your route carefully and carry your certificate. Routine vaccinations should be up to date.

Malaria is present across the country, so antimalarial prophylaxis is advised for the whole itinerary, alongside good bite prevention: repellent, and long sleeves and trousers in the evening. Risk is generally lower in the high-altitude gorilla parks, but cover the full trip rather than picking and choosing.

See a travel clinic or your GP well before departure for tailored, current advice. Bring any personal medication in your hand luggage, plus a small kit with the basics for minor scrapes and upset stomachs.

Staying connected

Mobile coverage is good in Kigali and reasonable across much of the country, and a local SIM or eSIM with a data bundle is an affordable, easy way to stay online. Many hotels and lodges offer Wi-Fi, though speeds drop in remote forest and savannah areas.

Treat deep-bush and trekking days as offline time. Download maps, tickets and key documents in advance so you're not depending on a signal when you most need it.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and genuinely appreciated for good service. On treks, guides, trackers and porters work hard on your behalf, and hiring a porter is both a kindness to your knees and welcome local income.

Carry small notes in local currency for guides, drivers, porters and lodge staff. There's no need to overthink the amounts; tip according to the service you receive, and your Wildtouch team can offer guidance if you'd like a steer.

Safety & etiquette

Rwanda is widely regarded as one of the safest, cleanest and most welcoming countries in the region. The usual sensible precautions apply: watch your belongings in busy areas and follow your guide's instructions at all times around wildlife.

Note that single-use plastic bags are banned and may be removed on arrival, so pack with reusable bags instead. Always ask before photographing people, dress modestly in towns and villages, and on gorilla and chimp treks keep the required distance, stay quiet and follow the ranger's rules, which protect both you and the animals.