Complete Rwanda Trip Cost Breakdown for Travelers

In recent days, Rwanda has been a popular destination among travelers to spend their vacation here. The "Land of a Thousand Hills" is a famous name for Rwanda because this country has many mountain landscapes that can surprise travelers.

But before you embark on this journey, it is really important to estimate the costs associated with a trip to Rwanda. From there, you can imagine and create a budget effectively and make the most of your experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Rwanda trip costs you might expect when planning a trip to this country, covering flights, accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and more.

Is Rwanda Expensive to Visit?

Rwanda is a reasonably priced travel destination. In terms of affordability, it ranks among the top 10% of nations worldwide. Many low-budget tourists like to spend a lot of time thoroughly seeing this nation.

Your daily budget for your Rwandan holiday should be about $26 (RWF 34,770). Based on other guests' spending, this is the average daily cost.

On average, many visitors have spent one day:

• $8.54 for meals (RWF 11,567)
• $3.82 for local transit (RWF 5,177)
• Hotels cost $27 (RWF 36,750).

The average Rwanda trip cost of a two-person trip to Rwanda is $359 (RWF 486,780) for one week. This covers lodging, meals, local transit, and sightseeing.

To assist you in creating your personal travel budget, these average travel costs have all been compiled from other tourists.

Rwanda is not expensive for travelers to visit

Detail Rwanda Trip Cost

It's critical to have realistic expectations regarding your trip budget. Although it's simple to consider oneself a "budget" traveler who can see the world on a shoestring, most people find this type of travel to be too difficult. Consider your past travel experiences and what interests you. Now we will move to the breakdown of Rwanda trip costs that you will encounter when planning your trip.

Visa costs

Most travelers will need a visa to enter Rwanda, though requirements and fees vary by nationality.

• Single Entry Visa: This type of visa allows travelers to enter Rwanda one time only for tourism, conference, and transit purposes.
• East Africa Tourist Visa: Consider applying for this type of visa because you will have the chance to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda multiple times during the 90-day validity.

Rwanda Immigration Services is willing to help you get a Rwanda e-visa within a few days. In order to get your travel document, please check visa requirements and prepare enough documents to qualify for an e-visa. The application just takes a few minutes, and we will take care of the rest of the process for you.

Rwanda flight cost

The flights for a trip to Rwanda cost depending on your location, time of booking, and season. Kigali International Airport, located in Rwanda's capital, is the main entry point for most travelers. Here’s what you can expect:

• Average Round-Trip Flight: From North America, flights typically range from $800 to $1,500. European travelers may find flights from $600 to $1,200, while flights from other African countries are usually more affordable, ranging between $300 and $600 (according to 2024).
• Best Time to Book: If you want to find the best deals, you can consider booking at least two to three months in advance. Flights during peak tourism seasons (June to September and December) may be higher, so early bookings can help avoid the peak surge.

Read Further: Essential Guide to Rwanda's Airports For New Arrivals

There are many range of flights available to choose from

The cost of transportation in Rwanda

In terms of modes of transportation, travelers mostly took moto taxis, particularly in urban areas. Due to Rwanda's tiny size, there aren't many domestic flights available. To move from one place to another, it's better to use a bus, which is also rather quick, inexpensive, and easy.

The average cost of local transportation in Rwanda has been $3.82 (RWF5,177) per person per day for previous visitors. In Rwanda, using a cab or a ridesharing service (like Uber or Lyft) is far more expensive than using the bus.

• Taxis: Although they are not the most economical, taxis are a simple and secure way to travel across Rwanda. The Rwanda trip cost around the city using a taxi is about $15.25.
• Bus: Since every major city or town has a central bus station, using the bus is the best option once you leave Kigali. Whenever you need it, purchase your tickets at the bus company ticket offices located throughout the parking lot. All of the bus companies are generally trustworthy, but two of the best are Volcano Express and Virunga Express. The cost for 3 hours to drive around the city is about $2.54.

There are just a few options for public transportation in Rwanda. Renting a car or scheduling a mode of transportation, such as a guided tour, in advance is advised. But bear in mind that this may have an impact on your vacation budget as a whole.

Discover More: Weather and Climate in Rwanda for Your Upcoming Trip

Accommodation costs

There are many lodging alternatives in Rwanda to suit every budget, whether you're traveling the country on a backpacker's budget or looking for some incredibly upscale resorts. Rwanda offers some excellent discount lodging options.

From quaint B&Bs to lakeside paradise resorts, Rwanda offers amazing hospitality and service, so you won't ever feel like you're overpaying for the experience. More luxurious lodgings can start at $150 per night, while the majority of mid-range stays cost between $50 and $80. On a tight budget? There are hostels in Rwanda; in Kigali, a dorm room costs $9 per night, while inexpensive hotels typically cost about $30 per night.

For example:

• Umusambi B&B in Kigali costs $60 a night.
• Spa Shallum in Kibuye costs $35 a night.
• Kivu Paradis Resort in Gisenyi costs $98 a night.

Travelers can stay in hotels or resorts in Rwanda

Food budget in Rwanda

Rwandan cuisine is delicious and affordable, with options for every budget. Meals in local restaurants and street food stalls are economical, while upscale dining experiences in Kigali’s top restaurants are more expensive.

• Local Eateries and Street Food: You can enjoy traditional Rwandan meals like "ugali" (a maize porridge), "ibihaza" (pumpkin dish), or "brochettes" (grilled meat skewers) for as little as $1 to $3 per meal.
• Mid-Range Restaurants: Meals at mid-range restaurants in Kigali generally cost $5 to $15 per person.
• Fine Dining: High-end restaurants, often offering international cuisine, can cost $20 to $50 per person.

For those who prefer self-catering, grocery stores are widely available in Kigali. Expect to spend about $10 to $20 per day on groceries if you choose this route.

Activities and sightseeing in Rwanda trip costs

Rwanda’s main attraction is its wildlife and natural beauty, and the costs for activities like gorilla trekking and national park visits are worth considering.

Gorilla Trekking

Permit Cost: Gorilla trekking permits are among the priciest parts of a Rwandan trip, costing $1,500 per person. This fee may seem steep, but it funds conservation efforts and ensures that future generations can enjoy these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Other National Parks and Wildlife Tours

• Nyungwe Forest National Park: Home to chimpanzees and a vast array of bird species, a permit for chimpanzee trekking is around $90.
• Akagera National Park: Rwanda’s Savannah Park offers safaris with the chance to see the Big Five. Entry fees are around $50 per person, while a full-day game drive can cost $150 per vehicle.
• Canopy Walk: A canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest costs approximately $60, offering spectacular views and a thrilling experience for adventure seekers.

Travelers should remember to create a budget for each activity

Conclusion

A trip to Rwanda offers unforgettable encounters with nature, unique cultural insights, and breathtaking landscapes. While costs can vary, particularly for experiences like gorilla trekking, budgeting in advance allows you to create a travel plan that fits your preferences and financial goals. By understanding the various Rwanda trip costs involved, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy Rwanda to the fullest.