How would you like to plan your Rwanda vacation more colorful? Rwanda is known as the Land of thousand Hills due to its stunning mountain scenery. Rwanda, officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley. While, it shares its borders with Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Whereas, with 12 million inhabitants, It is one of the most populous countries in Africa.
Indeed, the stunning scenery of the Land of Thousand Hills makes Rwanda a perfect vacation place for tourists. Furthermore, its friendly people and unique experiences make it one of the most remarkable countries in the world. Travelers come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Mountain Gorillas. However, there is so much more to see and experience too.
Rwanda is one of the safest destinations in the whole of Africa, particularly for solo travelers. Thousands of tourists visit Rwanda each year, mainly for Gorilla Trekking. Furthermore, this number is ever-increasing from previous years. The local Rwandans are very welcoming, friendly, and hospitable. Although, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can happen in crowded places like markets and bus stations. However, violent crimes are rare, especially against travelers. I visited Rwanda after visiting Kenya and Uganda. Indeed there is no comparison of safety in Rwanda than with other East African countries of the region.
Regarding health safety, travelers have to be extra careful, especially against Malaria. So, Mosquito lotion and usage of Mosquito nets are essential in Rwanda.
Transportation in Rwanda centers primarily around the road network. You can find paved roads that connect the capital Kigali to other major cities and towns in the country. Whereas tourists can get to Rwanda by Air and by land borders. Furthermore, Buses, Matatus, Minibuses, Taxis, and Moto Taxis are the main means of transport within Rwanda.
Rwanda’s capital Kigali is well connected with many international as well as East African destinations through Kigali International Airport. Rwandair is Rwanda’s national airline that operates on many routes.
We can get to Kigali from Uganda(Kibale), Tanzania, Brundi, and DRC . In this connection, several bus companies operate on these routes. While it includes Capital, Horizon Express, International, and volcano express. Whereas, Nyabugogo is the main bus station in Kigali.
It is the main form of city transportation in Rwanda. Matatus not only runs within the cities but to the other cities too. In most cases, drivers will pick the passengers up from the roadside to fill the empty seats of their Matatus.
The buses provide a means of transport between Kigali and other cities of Rwanda. Local buses make a to and from travel among Kigali, Musanze, Gisenyi, Kibuye, Cyangugu, and Butare, to each neighborhood throughout the day. The key bus companies are Virunga, Jaguar Executive Coaches, Regional Coach Services, Ritco, and Onatracom.
Taxi is a convenient way but it comes at a cost. It is rather a bit expensive option. However, you can get a city ride for 3000/5000 RFr. For the airport, you expect to pay around 10000Rfr.
Moto taxi is a swift way to get around Kigali. These can go everywhere even in very narrow streets. Moto taxi drivers wear green jackets with a specific ID number and a mandatory helmet. It is safe as the passenger is also provided with a helmet while on a ride. Moreover, it is cheap too. You can expect a one ride cost from 300/500 RFr
There are very few hostels with dormitory beds with them. However, wherever applicable the bed starts from 10~25$. Alternatively, you can get a budget hostel in the range of 20~30$ and midrange from 40~80$.
I have stayed at different properties throughout my stay in Kenya. While booking, I always make a combination of cost, location, and review scores.
In Kigali, I stayed at Silver Motel Rwanda that was a designated hotel for compulsory one-day quarantine. Here is their Website too. Furthermore, I stayed a couple of nights in Mamba Rwanda Youth Hostel. This hostel is an ideal place for backpackers in Kigali. It was a nice clean and tidy hostel to spend quality time there.
I booked these properties by a combination of Booking.com and Hostelworld.
In Gisenyi, I booked my stay at Inzu Lodge Gisenyi. It was a spectacular place in front of Lake Kivu. You can easily spend a couple of days while relaxing and enjoying your stay here. I booked this property by Booking.com.
In Kibuye I stayed at Home Saint-Jean. It was a great location with Lake Kivu. You can find lake Kivu on its three sides. Home Saint Jean also has some budget dormitories room for backpackers too.
Most of my bookings were from Booking.com or directly booked at the property. However, When you’re looking for a stay, do your research first. Also, read the reviews to get a feel for the place. Finally, book somewhere that makes your stay a perfect vacation place in Rwanda.
Rwandan cuisine is an exciting mix of local delicacies and regional delights of East Africa. Anywho you must taste a few of Rwandan local dishes while on your vacation in Rwanda. Although, many of the dishes are common in neighboring East African countries too. Here is our short selective list of Rwandan Food items.
Suggested daily budget –  For Backpacking, there is a suggested budget of around 50$ per day. Whereas, it includes a bed in a dorm (10~25$), a portion of basic food(10~15$), and public transport with a couple of sightseeing (10$). However, If you are interested in Mountain Gorilla trekking then you need a separate and big pocket other than your daily budget.
Visiting Kigali is a great experience for me in Rwanda. I was happy to see the cleanest capital city of Africa. In 1962, Rwanda gained its independence from Belgium. So, Kigali became its capital after independence. Now it is not a surprise that Kigali is the cleanest city in the...
Read moreKibuye is surely a beautiful lake-side town on the shores of Lake Kivu in Rwanda. It is the capital city of the Western Province in Rwanda. This lake city is located on the eastern shore of Lake Kivu. There are three important towns on the Rwandan side of Lake Kivu....
Read moreGisenyi is a lake city on the shore of Lake Kivu in Rwanda. It is about a 4-hour drive from the capital Kigali and is well connected by carpeted roads. Gisenyi is a border town and is connected with Goma DRC too. So, the culture here is like a blend...
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