Spring
Mar–May
Average temperature:
22˚C
Rainfall:
100–150mm/month
One of Rwanda’s main rainy seasons. Gorilla trekking is possible, but trails can be muddy.
Summer
Jun–Aug
Average temperature:
23˚C
Rainfall:
10–30mm/month
Dry and sunny, with cool mornings and clear skies, summer is ideal for gorilla trekking.
Autumn
Sep–Nov
Average temperature:
22˚C
Rainfall:
80–120mm/month
The short rainy season brings fewer tourists. Rain typically falls in short bursts, leaving time for exploration.
Winter
Dec–Feb
Average temperature:
24˚C
Rainfall:
20–50mm/month
A mild dry season with warm days and occasional showers. Great for hiking and safaris.
Country dialing code
+250
Capital city
Kigali
Official language
Kinyarwanda, English, French, Swahili
Currency
Rwandan Franc (RWF)
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons from mid-December to February and June to September. These months offer the most comfortable conditions for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, with less mud and clearer trails. The rainy seasons (March–May and October–mid-December) bring lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but trekking can be more challenging due to muddy trails.
Akagera offers classic Big Five safaris in a lush savannah-meets-wetland setting. Cruise Lake Ihema, spot lions and elephants, and enjoy Rwanda’s only traditional game drives.
Explore Nyungwe’s ancient rainforest, home to chimpanzees, rare monkeys and over 300 bird species. Don’t miss the thrilling canopy walk above the treetops for epic views.
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clear searchCountry Code for Rwanda: +250
Official Travel advice visit:
Rwanda Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia)
Rwanda | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand)
Emergency Services: 112 Ambulance: 112 Fire: 112 Police: 112
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Rwanda. The Canadian High Commission in Kigali provides limited consular assistance to Australians in Rwanda.
Canadian High Commission to Rwanda
59, KN16 Ave, Kiyovu, Kigali, Rwanda
Phone: (+250) 252 554 800
Email: kgali@international.gc.ca
Full consular help is available from:
Australian High Commission, Kenya
Limuru Road, Rosslyn, Nairobi, Kenya PO Box 3008 - 00621
Phone: +254 20 4277 100
Website: https://kenya.highcommission.gov.au
Email: australia.hc.kenya@dfat.gov.au
New Zealand Embassy Addis Ababa
Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, House No 111, Behind Atlas Hotel/close to Shala Park, (Namibia Street), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Telephone: +251-11-515-1269
Email: aue@mfat.govt.nz
Website: www.mfat.govt.nz/ethiopia
Rwandans are known for their politeness, humility, and keen sense of community. Greetings are formal and respectful by handshake and in rural areas, a slight bow or nod. Silence is often a sign of respect, not discomfort, and conversations tend to be calm and measured. Travellers should learn a few words of Kinyarwanda.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or government buildings. Ask permission before taking photographs, particularly of people or memorial sites. Rwandans value cleanliness and order, with littering frowned upon. Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda.
Plug types: Type C, Type J (and occasionally Type G in some areas)
Voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz
Malaria occurs widely throughout the country, including in Kigali.
Other insect-borne diseases also occur, including dengue, chikungunya, African tick-bite fever. To protect yourself from disease, ensure your accommodation is mosquito-proof, use insect repellent, wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing and consider taking medication to prevent malaria.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. To protect yourself from illness: drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids, avoid ice cubes, avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads and avoid contact with dogs and other mammals. Don't swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to waterborne diseases, such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis).
Official Travel advice visit:
Rwanda Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia)
Rwanda | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand)
In Rwanda, the main language spoken is Kinyarwanda. Rwanda recognises four official languages: Kinyarwanda, English, French and Swahili.
The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice
Citizens of Commonwealth countries receive free 30-day tourist visas on arrival. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the High Commission of Rwanda in Singapore or the Consulate General of the Republic of Rwanda in Australia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
For those planning to visit neighbouring countries like Uganda or Kenya, the East African Tourist Visa is a convenient option that allows multiple entries across the three countries.
Official Travel advice visit:
Rwanda Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia)
Rwanda | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand)
