Is Rwanda Safe to Visit?

Is Rwanda safe to visit for tourists? This question always pops up when discussing travel to Rwanda. 30 years on from the 1994 genocide, people are still uncertain about this small East African country. The overwhelming answer is that yes, Rwanda is a safe African safari destination.

More than that, Rwanda has gained a reputation as being one of the safest African countries to visit. Now, it would be remiss not to mention that there is crime in Rwanda and that there are certain areas that tourists should not travel to, as well as a few political issues, and we will look at these one by one below. However, most travellers to Rwanda find it safe, the people friendly, and the safari experiences breathtaking. So, what makes Rwanda one of the safest safari destinations in Africa? read on...

Why is Rwanda safe to visit?

In the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda’s government embarked on a program of nation-building. Aided by a stable political climate, this included building a national identity around being a Rwandan, stiff fines for racist or divisive talk or behaviour, and the implementation of nationwide community service known as Umuganda, or contribution made by the community. As a result, Rwanda is safe and clean, with a culture of care that permeates the society.

Tourism to the region has had a positive impact on many Rwandans. The boom in the gorilla trekking industry has had positive knock-on effects for both the communities that surround the national parks as well as the gorillas themselves. As a result, tourists are welcomed for the economic upliftment that they bring, and for this reason, tourists are welcomed.

Rwanda is not perfect. The country is still poor, and the geopolitical situation with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Burundi sometimes results in border tensions. However, for the vast majority of visitors to the country, Rwanda is a safe safari destination.

Is there crime in Rwanda?

While Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa to visit, especially for solo travellers, there is crime. Mostly, crime in Rwanda is limited to pickpocketing, petty theft, fraud, credit card scams, and car break-ins. Needless to say, these incidents are more common in Kigali (big city), around busy markets, stations, and shops. Violent crimes against tourists are rare.

As with any destination, there are a few street-smart rules to follow. Talk to the locals about dos and don’ts, be aware of your surroundings, avoid flashing expensive phones, cameras, watches, or jewellery, and never leave valuables in your car. In addition to these, try to stay in a group, and do not walk around alone after dark. If you are a victim of a crime, report it at the nearest police station. The Rwandan National Police are pleasantly reliable and efficient.

Being aware that crime does happen is an important part of any trip, but do not let it ruin your vacation. Rwandan people are famously friendly, welcoming, and hospitable.

Is Kigali safe for tourists?

Kigali is safe for tourists, but you should keep your wits about you and observe the necessary precautions. Bag snatching, smash and grabs in traffic, and pickpocketing around bus stations, and busy markets do occur, but being sensible and exercising a little caution should help you to avoid any unwanted attention.

Do not flash cash or expensive jewellery, watches, phones, or cameras. Leave your valuables at your hotel, and only carry a small amount of cash. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone, especially at night. If you are out at night, have a reliable lift to get you home.

Is Rwanda gorilla trekking safe?

Mountain gorilla trekking is one of Rwanda’s most important tourist attractions. The government has implemented measures aimed at protecting gorillas and promoting sustainable, secure tourism. To ensure the safety of both visitors and the gorillas, travellers are required to buy permits and take part in a guided tour. This precautionary measure helps mitigate risks for tourists who travel with an experienced guide to areas that are safe from militants, and importantly, safeguards the well-being of the gorillas themselves.

Because of the close genetic makeup between humans and gorillas, gorillas are highly susceptible to human bacteria and diseases. A safe 7m distance is the norm, but gorillas sometimes transgress this limit. Controlled tourism plays a vital role in minimizing the potential transmission of diseases to the gorilla population, and reduces the likelihood of dangerous human-gorilla encounters.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is widely viewed as one of the safest East African safari activities.

Are there areas that I should avoid travelling to in Rwanda?

Yes, While Rwanda is seen as a safe destination for tourists, certain areas should be avoided. The border areas between Rwanda and Burundi, and Rwanda and the DRC are a risk due to ongoing political tension and conflict.

Rwanda and Burundi are uneasy neighbors and tensions between these two minnows are ongoing. The border between the two lies in Nyungwe Forest National Park. For this reason, access is controlled by permits only, and tourists must be accompanied by trained guides to take part in chimpanzee trekking.

The border between Rwanda and the DRC runs through the Virunga mountains and lies in Volcanoes National Park. Ongoing conflict between the government of the DRC, M23 rebels, and the Rwandan government in the eastern DRC has resulted in an unstable climate. Virunga National Park in the DRC monitors the conflict and only allows tourists when the situation is stable. Similarly, both the border between Rwanda and DRC, and the border area that runs through Volcanoes National Park are closely monitored. The areas with gorillas visited by tourists are not affected by these conflicts. Visitors doing gorilla trekking safaris must abide by permits and are accompanied by experienced guides which helps ensure visitors' safety.

Travel companies like African Budget Safaris have a vested interest in delivering excellent safari experiences. As a result, they stay informed and up-to-date with travel information. If you would like to talk to an experienced consultant about the safety aspect of going gorilla trekking in Rwanda, contact African Budget Safaris. 

Are there any travel advisories issued for Rwanda?

Yes. There are travel advisories issued for Rwanda.

The governments of Canada, the USA, and the UK all warn against crime in Kigali, ongoing border tensions between Rwanda and Burundi, and Rwanda and the DRC. They advise that border areas are avoided and that tourists exercise caution when visiting Rwanda’s capital city Kigali.

This is a changing landscape. For up-to-date travel advisories, you can check in on government websites at the below links

Canada Travel Advisory 

USA Travel Advisory 

UK Travel Advisory  

10 Safety tips for staying safe on Rwanda safaris

1. Stay street smart when visiting Kigali and exercise caution. Do not walk alone at night, avoid dimly lit areas, remove valuables from your car, and do not flash cash, expensive phones, cameras, or jewellery.
2. Rwanda’s tap water is not safe to drink. Travellers should take reusable water bottles that can be topped up at hotels with boiled water. Alternatively, bottled water is widely available.
3. Rwanda is a malaria area. Get malaria prophylactics and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to mitigate the risk. Insect repellent is also a good idea.
4. Anyone travelling to Rwanda is required by law to have travel insurance. Find out more about getting travel insurance for African safaris.
5. Rwanda has banned the use of single-use plastics and it is illegal to bring these into the country. This can result in hefty fines. Make sure that you abide by local rules and regulations.
6. LGBQT travellers are advised that Rwanda does not recognize LGBQT rights and should avoid public shows of affection, and exercise discretion.
7. Rwanda is a conservative country and as such, visitors should dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Solo female travellers should wear skirts that fall below the knee, and men should avoid taking off their shirts in public.
8. Do not openly engage in conversations about the 1994 genocide. Many people lost family members and trauma is still widespread. Be respectful and avoid referring to people by their ethnicity. To have all your questions answered, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial which is excellent.
9. If doing a self-drive in Rwanda, avoid driving at night. Road conditions can be bad and poorly lit, pedestrians are common, and animals are a common hazard. Do not drink and drive, and stick to the speed limit as fines can be hefty.
10. Stay informed by reading up-to-date travel advisories and talking to experienced travel consultants about current travel trends.

Is Rwanda safe to visit as a travel destination?

Things can go wrong while travelling in Rwanda. However, for most travellers to this gorgeous East African safari gem, nothing will. These travel advisories are meant to prepare you for the worst. Expect the best.

View our range of affordable Rwanda safaris and gorilla trekking tours, or talk to one of African Budget Safaris experienced travel consultants and start planning your Rwanda safari today.

Andrew Hofmeyr Naturalist, Artist & Writer

On the outskirts of Marloth Nature Reserve, Andrew can be found walking and swimming in the beautiful Langeburg Mountains. He is passionate about animals, birds, reptiles, and plants and loves nothing more than an adventure in nature. An established artist with a master's in English literature, Andrew has traveled far and wide but South Africa still has his heart.