How safe is Rwanda? Whether you're experiencing the local culture or checking out the gorillas, here are 10 safe travel tips for Rwanda.
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- Plastic bags
- Travel insurance
- Crime in Rwanda
- Getting around
- Borders
- Local laws
- Gorilla trek safety
- LGBTQ+ safety
- Malaria
- Rwandan genocide
1. Plastic bags
One thing you will notice while traveling around is how clean Rwanda is; the government banned all non-biodegradable polyethylene plastic bags in 2008. There are large signs at the airport warning travelers that luggage searches can be conducted; those found with these bags may be fined 50,000 Rwandan Francs (US$61) or even jailed depending on the seriousness of the offense. Be a responsible traveler and ditch the plastic bags.
2. Travel insurance
By Rwandan law, anyone traveling in the country must have health insurance. If you arrive into the country without it, you have 30 days to sort it out. Rwanda's medical facilities and services are basic so it's vital that any traveler to Rwanda takes out a travel insurance policy with adequate medical coverage including air medical evacuation.
3. Crime in Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the safest destinations in Africa, particularly for solo travelers. Crime is relatively low, with visitors sometimes experiencing petty crime, and locals are welcoming, friendly and hospitable. Pickpockets are active in crowded places, such as markets, and hire cars may be broken into for valuables. Violent crimes against travelers are rare.
Women travelers are advised to dress modestly out of respect for the local culture.
4. Getting around safely
Rwanda has a well-established and reliable bus network between major cities, towns and neighboring countries. Make sure you buy your tickets from the bus company counters as scammers and touts hang around the transport terminals waiting for unsuspecting travelers. Minibusses are a common form of public transport around the capital, Kigali and to other major towns. They are cheaper however, the downside is that the bus won't leave unless it's full and there is no structured timetable. Plus they can be packed, rather uncomfortable for long trips and often end up in road vehicle incidents.
Licensed taxis can be found at Kigali International Airport, and around the capital and are easily identified by their white color, orange stripe and roof sign. While not as cheap as public transport, they are the safest mode of private transport however, you will need to either pick one up at a designated rank or get your hotel/restaurant to call for one. The taxi should have a meter; if it doesn't negotiate the fare before hopping in.
You can hire a car to explore Rwanda but driving at night is not advised, largely due to the poor road conditions and unlit roads in rural locations. Landslides and flooding can also present danger to drivers during the rainy seasons in autumn and late spring.
5. Border safety
Rwanda – Uganda
Rwanda reopened its border with Uganda in 2022, and relations beween the countries have continued to improve.
Rwanda – Burundi
Government travel advisories warn travelers to reconsider their need to travel within 6mi (10km) of the border due to crime and the ongoing conflict between the government and rebel groups. This area also includes the Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park.
The border between Rwanda and Burundi reopened in 2022, but relations between the two countries are strained, with Burundi banning public transport from Rwanda, and Rwanda implementing trade restrictions on food entering the country from Burundi. Border crossings can close at any time. Burundi is currently considered a "reconsider travel" destination due to the high security risk, with advisories against travel to certain areas. The country is experiencing high levels of violent crime, conflict and terrorism.
Rwanda – The Democratic Republic of the Congo
Government travel advisories indicate that the border crossings between Rwanda and the DRC can close without notice, so travelers are advised not to rely on them. There is also a heightened security risk near the border due to instability in eastern DRC and incidents of violent clashes. Kidnapping, robbery and sexual assaults have occurred.
6. Local laws
- Drug possession, use and trafficking is illegal in Rwanda, with offenders receiving heavy fines and potential jail time
- Photography of military, government buildings and border crossing points is prohibited
- Drink driving is illegal and punishable by a fine and jail time. Using a cell phone while driving is also illegal
- Inappropriate and divisive talk about the Rwandan genocide can result in financial penalties and imprisonment.
7. Gorilla trek safety
The mountain gorillas are one of Rwanda's main tourism drawcards and the government has taken measures to protect these animals and ensure that tourism is sustainable and safe. Travelers must book a guided tour to see the gorillas for safety reasons such as bandits, civil unrest, potential injury and for the safety of the animals themselves. Controlled tourism prevents any potential health risk to the gorillas as they are susceptible to diseases plus reduces the risk of human-gorilla interactions where people may be injured or killed.
8. LGBTQ+ safety
Homosexuality isn't illegal in Rwanda but it's not widely accepted and still considered a taboo. The country is still conservative, with local LGBTQ+ people experiencing prejudice however there are other African countries which are considered more homophobic. Kigali does have a few gay-friendly spots but it's best for safety reasons that LGBTQ+ travelers remain discreet at all times.
9. Malaria
Malaria is present all across Rwanda and the government has taken significant steps to try and eradicate this disease with various community initiatives such as mosquito nets, house spraying and rapid medical assessment and treatment.
10. Rwandan genocide
In 1994, the Rwandan government instigated the genocide during the civil war, which saw hundreds of thousands of Tutsi, moderate Hutus and Twa people murdered. More than two million Rwandans were displaced, with many people missing and families torn apart. With changes in government since the genocide, there has been considerable work done to move beyond this horrible and tragic event in order to create a more positive and safe future for all Rwandans.
Laws around the genocide are strictly enforced and the promotion of racist or divisive behavior is illegal and punishable by fines and jail time. Travelers are advised to keep any talk about the genocide respectful and it's advised to avoid talking about it. Many locals have been affected by the atrocity and still experience trauma. Travelers should also avoid referring to locals by their ethnicity. To learn more, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
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