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Trip highlights
- Nyungwe chimp trek
- Canopy walkway
- Colobus tracking
- Tea plantation stop
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali →Transfer and drive south to Nyungwe.
Full day details →Day 2
Nyungwe chimp trek →Early chimp trek; afternoon canopy walkway.
Full day details →Day 3
Nyungwe to Kigali & depart →Drive back via tea country; airport transfer.
Full day details →
Before you book
What to know about travelling in Rwanda
Visas, permits, health requirements, seasons, money and tipping — everything specific to this destination.
Before you book · Rwanda
Travelling in Rwanda
- Visas & entry
- Visa on arrival for all nationalities (USD 50, 30 days) or apply via Irembo in advance; many African and Commonwealth passports enter visa-free. The East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country.
- Arrival gateway
- Kigali International Airport (KGL) — most parks are a 2–4 hour drive on excellent tarmac.
- Permits
- Rwanda gorilla permits are USD 1,500 per person (golden monkey USD 100, Nyungwe chimpanzee USD 150). Only 8 trekkers per gorilla family per day; permits are non-refundable and sell out for June–September, so book early.
- Best time to travel
- June–September (long dry season) and mid-December–February are best for trekking and game drives. March–May is the long rains — lush, atmospheric and quieter.
- Health & vaccinations
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended, particularly for Akagera and Lake Kivu. Rwanda has excellent private clinics in Kigali. Trekkers must be symptom-free of respiratory illness on the day of the trek.
- Money & payments
- Rwandan Franc (RWF). Cards and mobile money are widely used in Kigali; carry USD or RWF cash for rural markets, tips and community visits.
- Weather & climate
- Temperate 'land of a thousand hills' climate: 22–27°C by day in Kigali, 10–15°C nights at Volcanoes National Park (2,500 m+), regular afternoon showers in the green seasons.
- Connectivity
- One of the best-connected countries in Africa — fast 4G nationwide and Wi-Fi in nearly every lodge.
- Tipping guideline
- USD 15–20 per guest for the tracking team after a gorilla trek, USD 15–20 for a porter, USD 10–15 per day for your driver-guide, and 5–10% in Kigali restaurants.
- What to pack
- Waterproof hiking boots, long trousers and sleeves, gaiters, gloves, rain shell, warm layer for the volcano slopes, daypack, and 2 litres of water for trekking days.
- Local etiquette
- Plastic bags are banned nationwide. Rwanda is exceptionally clean and orderly — photography of government buildings, airports and military sites is not permitted. Genocide memorials require quiet, respectful dress.
Requirements and fees change. We reconfirm current visa, permit and health rules in writing before you pay any balance.