Rwanda is a diverse destination famed for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Rwanda?
You should plan to spend around $25 (RWF34,770) per day on your vacation in Rwanda. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $8.39 (RWF11,567) on meals
- $3.75 (RWF5,177) on local transportation
- $27 (RWF36,750) on hotels
A one week trip to Rwanda for two people costs, on average, $353 (RWF486,780). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$176
RWF243,390
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$353
RWF486,780
-
One Month
Per person
$756
RWF1,043,100
-
One Week
For a couple
$353
RWF486,780
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$706
RWF973,560
-
One Month
For a couple
$1,512
RWF2,086,200
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Rwanda cost?
A one week trip to Rwanda usually costs around $176 (RWF243,390) for one person and $353 (RWF486,780) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Rwanda on average costs around $353 (RWF486,780) for one person and $706 (RWF973,560) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Rwanda will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Rwanda on average costs around $756 (RWF1,043,100) for one person and $1,512 (RWF2,086,200) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Rwanda expensive to visit?
Rwanda is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.
Within Africa, Rwanda is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Africa for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Rwanda.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Rwanda has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. Budget-friendly hotel options are available, but there are also luxury hotels that cater to the more affluent customer, along with mid-range hotels for families or couples.
If you're worried about costs in Rwanda, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $19 (RWF26,199) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $26 (RWF34,770) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $42 (RWF56,522) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Rwanda.
For more details, see Is Rwanda Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Rwanda?
The average Rwanda trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Rwanda travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Rwanda cost?
Rwanda on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$13
(RWF18,375)
|
$13
(RWF18,375)
|
$13
(RWF18,375)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$1.39
(RWF1,922)
|
$3.75
(RWF5,177)
|
$11
(RWF14,882)
|
|
Food 2
|
$3.35
(RWF4,624)
|
$8.39
(RWF11,567)
|
$21
(RWF28,467)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-4
(RWF1,884-5,652)
|
$4-11
(RWF4,831-14,492)
|
$9-27
(RWF12,571-37,712)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Rwanda for around $19 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $26 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $42. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like the major cities and resort areas. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Experience & Safari - offered by New Horizon Africa Safaris.
Accommodation Budget in Rwanda
The range of hotel prices in Rwanda can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Rwanda for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $27 (RWF36,750). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $13 (RWF18,375) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Rwanda? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Rwanda
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $3.75 (RWF5,177) per person, per day, on local transportation in Rwanda. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Rwanda is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$3.75
RWF5,177
In Rwanda, public transit options are often limited. It's advisable to rent a car or arrange for a form of transportation in advance, such as a guided tour. However, keep in mind that this might affect your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in Rwanda
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Rwanda can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Rwanda is $8.39 (RWF11,567) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$8.39
RWF11,567
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Rwanda is around $9 (RWF11567) per person, with previous travelers spending from $3 to $21. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Rwanda are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $3
- Lunch: $1 to $4
- Dinner: $3 to $7
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $1
Rwandan cuisine usually includes ingredients such as plantains, potatoes, beans, rice, and cassava. The most common meats are fish, goat, and chicken. Dishes are often heavy on the starches and light on the meats. In the capital city of Kigali you'll find the greatest diversity of restaurants with some western options such as Chinese, Indian or Italian. Western restaurants are generally substantially more expensive than local options, but can provide a little diversity.
Brochettes: Brochettes are local goat kebabs that are quite good and found in most restaurants and bars. The goat meat, which comes exclusively from male goats, is served grilled on skewers with no vegetables. You have your choice of meat type including muscle, liver, intestine, heart, and testicle. The meat is brushed with oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper for taste.
Frites-banane: Fried plantains are quite common throughout the country. They are served alone or as a side dish in many restaurants. It's a light but filling snack at any time of the day.
Melange: Melange is a common lunch buffet that includes beans, rice, potatoes, bananas, a few vegetables and some light meats. They are most common in restaurants found in the city. Do take note that these buffets are not all you can eat. You have one trip to the buffet bar during which you can fill your plate as high as you desire for a set price. They're a great, low cost but filling food option for those who are traveling on a budget.
When dining out with children, be sure to look for a restaurant that features a kids' menu. This can help you save a lot, as these meals tend to be more affordable. Also, since some places don't advertise their kids' options, it's good to ask the waiter before ordering.
While a lot of hotels come with breakfast included in the price, others might charge extra. The quality and price can vary significantly between hotels. Understanding this beforehand can guide your decision on whether to splurge on the hotel buffet or seek a cheaper meal at a local bakery or café.
Bring your own water bottle instead of buying drinks at every turn. It's also a sustainable choice for the environment.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you understand which meals are included. If you end up paying for some meals yourself, it could have an impact on your travel budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Rwanda. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Rwanda Half-Day Walking Food Tour for $71 details
- Walking Food Tour in Remera and Kigali for $79 details
- Private cooking class making cheese in Kigali for $89 details
- Half-Day Traditional Rwanda Cooking, Arts and Language for $90 details
Nightlife Budget in Rwanda
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.00 (RWF9,661) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Rwanda per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.00
RWF9,661
Enjoying nightlife is great, but being mindful of your drinking can help keep your budget in check.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Rwanda. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Banana beer brewery for $90 details
Traveling in Rwanda
Rwanda is a landlocked East African country that shares borders with Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Both Kenya and Uganda provide access into the country. While most travelers do not think of visiting Rwanda, it is easier to visit than you might expect. A popular draw in the country is the Silverback Mountain Gorillas, but there are plenty of other things to see and experience. Rwanda has both diverse wildlife and beautiful landscape that is made up of rolling, green hills. The Nyungwe Tropical Forest is a great place for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Most people still associate Rwanda with the shocking and devastating war that took place in 1994. While the memories are sketched deep in the hearts and minds of the residents, the country has come a long way toward creating a more peaceful and tolerant country. While you will probably never separate this country from the war in its past, do look beyond that and you'll likely have a unique experience in a less visited, but culturally rich African country.
There are very few places in Rwanda that accept credit cards, particularly outside of Kigali. For this reason travelers will have to carry larger sums of money. This is particularly true when traveling outside of the capital city where ATMs are almost nonexistent. It is good to travel with some US Dollars in addition to Rwandan Francs. You will get the best exchange rate for newer (after 2006), fifty dollar bills.
Hotel costs in Rwanda are slightly higher than the nearby Uganda or Kenyan options. The accommodation is generally quite basic and minimal. There are some nicer hotels in the capital city with the current, best option being the Serana. The nearby hotel, Hotel des Milles Collines, was featured in the movie "Hotel Rwanda." The actual movie was shot in South Africa though so very little will be recognizable to movie buffs.
At A Glance
- Although the thought of Rwanda often brings scary memories into the minds of most people, the country today is actually quite stable and safe. It has a lot to offer travelers who take the time to visit, from diverse wildlife to beautiful countryside. It's easier to travel around than you might expect and can make for a very interesting travel destination.
- There are three different national parks in the country. Akagera National Park is on the border with Tanzania. It has an extensive lake system and several interesting ecosystems. Volcanoes National Park is the place to go to see the mountain gorillas. It crosses the border into both Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nyungwe National Park is in the southwestern part of the country and is a great place to visit the mountain rainforest.
- If you're flying into Kigali from outside of Africa there are several international cities with connecting flights. The most common options are Brussels, Amsterdam, and Istanbul. Look into Turkish Airlines and KLM. More recently RwandAir has started flying to Dubai.
- You'll find plenty of ATMs in Kigali. ATMs usually offer the best exchange rate, depending on your bank. Once you're outside of the capital city there are very few ATMs so make sure you have plenty of money. It's good to have small bills as well.
- Trips within Rwanda are often made by Matatu. These are white minibuses, similar to what you can find elsewhere in East Africa. They are usually packed very full of people and animals so don't expect a comfortable journey.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in Marrakesh, Cape Town, Nairobi, or Zanzibar?
Top Tourist Attractions
Lake Kivu: Lake Kivu is a large lake in western Rwanda that's a nice place to relax and spend a few days. The lake, which is on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, flows into the Ruzizi River which travels south towards Lake Tanganyika.
The Genocide Memorial: This is an emotional memorial to one of the world's most horrific events which took place in 1994. The memorial itself is free of charge but you can pick up an audio guide for $10 at the entrance. If you spend any time in Rwanda, you should definitely make a point of visiting this memorial.
Parc National des Volcans: Parc National des Volcans is the place to see Silverback Mountain Gorillas. It is probably the most popular travel destination in Rwanda. It's possible to visit as a day trip from Kigali, but if time and money allows, you should spend more time there. At the time of writing (July, 2012) the entrance fee was $750 per person. You are also required to make the trip with an official taxi, which should cost you about $50.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.