Rwanda travel guide

Visitors of every nationality can get a visa on arrival, or apply online in advance. The standard single-entry visa is $50. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie countries get 30 days with the fee waived, and some nationalities can visit visa-free. Check the official Rwanda immigration site before you travel.

The long dry season from June to September and the short dry season from December to February are the most popular, with easier forest trails. Gorilla trekking runs all year, and the green seasons are lush and quieter.

A trek can take from under an hour to several hours over steep, muddy ground at altitude. You don't need to be an athlete, but some walking practice helps. Porters can carry your bag, and at the briefing we ask for a gorilla family that suits your fitness.

Trekkers must be at least 15 years old. Each gorilla family is visited by a group of up to 8 people for one hour, keeping about 7 metres away. Please don't trek if you are ill, because gorillas can catch human illnesses.

The local currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF). Permits and most tourism services are priced in US dollars, and cards work in many Kigali hotels and restaurants. Carry some cash for smaller towns. With us, you pay a deposit or the full price when booking, and any balance on arrival.

No. Rwanda has banned plastic bags since 2008, and bags may be removed from your luggage on arrival. Pack with reusable or paper bags instead.

On the last Saturday of each month, Rwandans take part in Umuganda, a morning of community work. Some roads are quiet and some places open later that day, so we plan travel around it.

Talk to a travel clinic before you go. You may be asked for a yellow fever certificate depending on where you are travelling from, and malaria precautions are advised for some areas.