Known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills', Rwanda offers breathtaking mountain landscapes, rare mountain gorilla encounters, and vibrant cultural experiences. This East African nation has transformed into one of Africa's safest and cleanest destinations, combining world-class wildlife safaris with moving historical sites and warm hospitality.
Rwanda is consistently rated one of Africa's safest countries for travelers. Kigali is exceptionally clean and well-governed with low violent crime rates. Petty theft exists in crowded markets but visitors rarely experience serious incidents.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal security precautions. Rwanda is generally very safe with strong rule of law and a highly visible, professional police presence.
Last updated: 2025-12
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Rwanda is safe for most travel. Monitor for demonstrations and avoid the DRC border regions if tensions rise.
Exercise Normal Precautions
Most visits to Rwanda are trouble-free. Be aware of the political sensitivity around the DRC border, particularly near Rubavu.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Register with your home country's embassy in Kigali before or shortly after arrival. Registration enables emergency contact in case of civil unrest or personal emergency.
Rwanda has a strict ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags. Do not bring plastic bags into the country; customs officers will confiscate them at the airport. Use reusable bags.
Photographing military installations, government buildings, parliament, or roadblocks is illegal without explicit permission. Violators can be detained and equipment confiscated.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from yellow-fever-endemic countries. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for visits to Akagera National Park.
Always insist on a helmet when riding motos; drivers are legally required to provide one. Use apps like SafeMotos or Yego for metered, rated rides. Agree on price before boarding.
Kigali is one of Africa's safest capitals, but petty theft can occur at Kimironko Market and busy bus stations. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or phones. Stick to well-lit streets after dark.
Only purchase gorilla trekking permits directly from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) website or authorised operators. Fraudulent agents sell fake permits. Permits cost USD $1,500 per person.
In rural areas and smaller towns dress modestly; women should cover shoulders and knees. Swimwear is acceptable only at lakeside resorts. Avoid public displays of affection.
Tap water in Kigali is treated but not reliably safe for visitors. Drink bottled or filtered water. Budget restaurants may use untreated water for cooking; ask if unsure.
On the last Saturday of each month from 8 AM to 11 AM, businesses close and traffic is restricted for Umuganda community clean-up. Plan travel around this nationwide event.
Rwanda emergency number: 112 (Police, Ambulance, Fire). Rwanda National Police: +250 788 311 155. Main Kigali Hospital (CHUK): +250 252 575 555. Save these before you travel.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Fake Gorilla Permit Sales
Fraudulent agents approach tourists in Kigali offering discounted gorilla trekking permits. These permits are either fake or duplicated and will be rejected at the park gate.
How to avoid: Only purchase gorilla permits directly from the Rwanda Development Board at rdb.rw or through RDB-licensed operators.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed taxis at Kigali airport or near tourist sites may quote inflated prices to unsuspecting visitors, sometimes 3-5x the fair rate.
How to avoid: Use Uber or Bolt apps for transparent pricing. Official airport taxis cost $15-20 to Kigali center.
Craft Village Price Inflation
Street vendors near the Kigali Genocide Memorial or in tourist areas may offer peace baskets and crafts at highly inflated prices, claiming items are 'one of a kind' or charity fundraisers.
How to avoid: Buy from Caplaki Craft Village where prices are fixed and fair, or from Kimironko Market where friendly negotiation is expected.
Moto-Taxi Overcharging
Informal moto-taxi drivers at night may quote foreigners inflated prices, especially around clubs and hotels after midnight.
How to avoid: Always use SafeMotos or Yego Moto apps for metered rides. Agree on price before boarding any moto not on an app.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Yellow fever required if arriving from endemic countries. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (if extended stay or working with animals). Malaria prophylaxis recommended for Akagera and lower altitude areas.
- Water
- Not safe to drink. Bottled water widely available and inexpensive (RWF 500-1,000/$0.35-0.70). Hotels and restaurants use filtered water. Ice in upscale establishments generally safe.
- Food
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Rwanda is one of Africa's best destinations for solo travelers. Kigali is extremely safe at night, with well-lit streets and regular police patrols. Solo women are generally treated with respect. Use app-based taxis and motos, avoid Nyabugogo bus station after 10PM, and you'll find Rwanda remarkably hassle-free compared to most destinations.
Female travellers
Rwanda is considered one of Africa's safest countries for solo female travelers. The strong rule of law, professional police presence, and cultural norms of respect make street harassment uncommon in Kigali. Dress modestly outside the city center (cover shoulders and knees in rural areas). The Nyamirambo Women's Center offers female-focused guided tours. Night travel by app-based transport is safe.
Families
Rwanda is very family-friendly. Kigali is safe, clean, and easy to navigate with children. National parks like Akagera offer excellent family safari experiences (Big Five without gorilla permits). Children under 15 cannot do gorilla trekking, but golden monkey tracking ($100) is suitable for children 12+. Medical facilities in Kigali are adequate for common issues; carry a comprehensive first aid kit for national park visits.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Rwanda — one of the few sub-Saharan African countries where this is the case. However, public LGBTQ+ expression is not widely accepted and can attract negative attention. Discretion is advised, especially outside Kigali. The expat community in Kigali is relatively open-minded. LGBTQ+ travelers are welcomed as tourists but should avoid public displays of affection.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112
- Medical
- 912
- Embassy
- Tourist Police