How much does a trip to Rwanda cost? The answer depends largely on what you want to do, how long you plan to stay, where you stay, and how you travel. A Rwanda trip can be relatively affordable for travelers using budget accommodation and public transportation, but the cost can rise significantly if you include activities such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, private transportation and luxury safari lodges.
For many international visitors, gorilla trekking is the biggest single expense. A gorilla permit in Rwanda currently costs $1,500 per person, before adding accommodation, transportation, meals and other safari expenses. Other major costs include national park fees, chimpanzee permits, accommodation, car hire, food and international flights.
So, is Rwanda an expensive destination? It can be, but it does not have to be. Your total Rwanda trip cost depends on the type of trip you are planning.
Before calculating how much money you will need, it is important to determine the purpose of your visit. Are you visiting Rwanda as a tourist, visiting family or friends, or coming for a conference or short stay? The purpose of your visit determines how long you need to stay and, consequently, how much you are likely to spend.
In this guide, we will concentrate mainly on the cost of visiting Rwanda as a tourist, while also providing useful information for travelers visiting Rwanda for other purposes.
We will break down the main expenses, including gorilla permits, chimpanzee permits, national park fees, accommodation, transportation, food and flights, so you can understand the different costs involved and plan your Rwanda travel budget accordingly.
Cost Breakdown
| Rwanda trip expense | Estimated cost | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla permit | $1,500 per person | Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park |
| Golden Monkey trekking | $100 per person | Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park |
| Dian Fossey Trek | $75 per person | Dian Fossey research center and hike |
| Chimpanzee permit | $150 per person | Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest |
| Nyungwe park entry | $100 | Park entrance fee |
| Nyungwe canopy walk | $60 per person | Canopy walkway experience |
| Nyungwe nature walks/hikes | $30–$60 per person | Different forest trails |
| Akagera park fees | $100–$200 per person | 1–3 night park visit |
| Akagera boat safari | $35–$45 per person | Morning/day or sunset boat trip |
| Kigali budget accommodation | $25–$60 per room/night | Bed and breakfast |
| Kigali mid-range accommodation | $70–$180 per room/night | Bed and breakfast |
| Kigali luxury accommodation | $200+ per room/night | Luxury facilities |
| Accommodation near parks | $60–$300+ per room/night | Budget, mid-range and luxury options |
| Camping | $15–$25 per person/night | Own tent |
| Car hire | $60–$300 per day | Vehicle only; fuel and driver excluded |
| Public transport | Around RWF800 ($1) | Transport between major towns |
| Food | $2–$45 per meal | Local restaurants to comfortable hotels/lodges |
| International flights | Varies | Depends on departure country, airline and travel dates |
The major factors that determine the price of your trip to Rwanda include:
1. Price of the Gorilla Permit
A gorilla permit in Rwanda currently costs $1,500 for a foreign visitor. This is close to double the price in Uganda at $800 and $400 for DR Congo, although trekking in Congo can only be done at Kahuzi-Biega National Park to see the Lowland Gorillas.
The current Rwanda Development Board booking portal confirms the $1,500 gorilla permit price for foreign visitors. It also lists separate rates for qualifying East African citizens, African citizens and residents, although promotional rates have specific conditions and seasonal restrictions.
Therefore, if the purpose of your trip to Rwanda is to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Volcanoes National Park, prepare to part with $1,500 for the gorilla permit before anything else.
Other popular tourist activities in Volcanoes National Park include Golden Monkey trekking at $100 per person and the Dian Fossey Trek at $75 per person.
Gorilla trekking is one of the biggest expenses to consider when calculating your Rwanda trip cost, especially for international visitors. The permit covers the regulated gorilla tracking experience, which is limited in terms of visitor numbers and is designed around the conservation of the mountain gorillas.
2. Cost of the Chimpanzee Permit in Nyungwe
The cost of a Chimpanzee permit in Nyungwe Forest National Park currently is $150, and that is on top of the $100 entry fee.
Other activities in Nyungwe Forest include the canopy walk at $60 and nature walks and hikes, which range between $30 to $60 per person for the different trails.
Therefore, travelers planning to combine gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest need to budget for both permits and the associated park entrance fees.
3. Park Entrance Fees and Activities
Park entrance fees are another important part of your Rwanda trip cost, particularly when visiting Akagera National Park.
Akagera is the major destination for wildlife safaris and tours in Rwanda for game viewing and boat safaris.
The entrance fee is $100 per person for 1 night, $150 for 2 nights, and $200 for 3 nights. Children aged 6 to 12 years pay $50 for 1 night, $75 for 2 nights, and $100 for 3 nights, respectively. These rates are reflected in Akagera Management Company’s published pricing.
The scheduled one-hour boat trip costs $35 per person for the morning/day trip and $45 for the sunset boat cruise. Children pay $20 and $30, respectively.
These are the popular activities for many visitors to Akagera Park, but there are several other activities that can be done here, including behind-the-scenes experiences, Walking the Line (fence), game drives, fishing and community cultural experiences, among others.
Akagera has continued to develop as an important wildlife tourism destination, with tourism revenue contributing to conservation and local economic development.
The above are the key destinations for tourists visiting Rwanda, and the prices above are levied by the Government or those in charge of the parks. They are therefore fixed and non-negotiable.
We will now dive into the other factors that affect the cost of a trip to Rwanda for both tourists and non-tourists alike!
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Rwanda varies depending on the location.
It is easier to get clean and affordable accommodation in Kigali compared to farther destinations like Akagera, Nyungwe and Musanze.
Budget accommodation in Kigali ranges between $25 to $60 per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis, $70 to $180 for mid-range, and $200 onwards for luxury facilities.
Outside Kigali, accommodation is a challenge as it is hard to find a decent facility on a low-end budget.
Accommodation near the National Parks ranges between $60 to $100 for budget, $150 to $250 for mid-range, and $300 plus for luxury accommodation.
Most facilities inside the parks are luxury facilities. The other option inside the park is to camp. Camping ranges between $15 to $25 per person with your own tent.
Your choice of accommodation can therefore make a significant difference to your overall Rwanda trip cost. A traveler staying in budget accommodation will have a very different budget from someone staying in a luxury safari lodge.
Transportation
The cost of hiring a car in Rwanda ranges between $60 and $300 per day, depending on the type of vehicle, without fuel and the driver.
Fuel is relatively more costly but still less than what it costs in the US and many other places in Europe. The advantage is that, being a small country, the distance between destinations is shorter, and you do not need a lot of fuel.
When on a budget, public transport is the best option.
Public transport in Rwanda is quite organized, but do not expect a lot of comfort as the vehicles are usually crowded with both humans and animals. So, you have to keep an open mind when using public transport.
The average cost of public transportation between major towns is RWF800 ($1).
For tourists visiting several national parks, however, private transportation can be more convenient, particularly when traveling with luggage and moving between Kigali, Musanze, Akagera and Nyungwe.
Cost of Food in Rwanda
When booking accommodation in Rwanda, you will notice that most hotels and lodges do offer bed and breakfast only and not half-board or full-board options.
This is because most menus are à la carte and food is charged separately.
Food at comfortable hotels and lodges costs $15 to $45, but for the frugal ones, you can find decent meals at city restaurants for $2 to $10.
Therefore, the amount you spend on food will depend largely on where you choose to eat. Travelers using local restaurants can keep their food budget relatively low, while those eating at hotels and safari lodges will spend considerably more.
Flights to Rwanda
Different carriers are flying into Rwanda from the US, UK and Europe, which gives you the advantage to compare and get a fair rate.
RwandAir operates direct flights from London and other destinations in Europe to Kigali.
Other popular carriers include KLM, Brussels Airlines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways, among others.
The cost of your flight will depend on your country of departure, airline, travel dates, booking time and class of travel. International flights can therefore make a significant difference to the overall Rwanda trip cost.
How Much Does a Trip to Rwanda Cost?
There is no single amount that applies to every traveler because the cost of a trip to Rwanda depends on the type of experience you want.
A traveler visiting Kigali for a few days and staying in budget accommodation will spend much less than someone planning a week-long safari that combines gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and wildlife viewing.
For an international visitor whose primary reason for visiting Rwanda is gorilla trekking, the $1,500 gorilla permit alone represents a substantial part of the trip budget.
Your total Rwanda trip cost will therefore depend on:
- The number of days you spend in Rwanda
- Whether you trek mountain gorillas
- Whether you track chimpanzees
- The national parks you visit
- Your accommodation category
- Your transportation arrangements
- Food and drinks
- Additional activities
- International or regional flights
- The time of year you travel
Is Rwanda Safe to Visit? Is It Safe for Tourists?
The answer is generally yes, Rwanda is a popular destination for tourists, business travelers, diplomats and other international visitors.
However, travelers should always check current travel advice before visiting because security conditions can vary by location, particularly around Rwanda’s borders.
For tourists following the popular routes through Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park, it is important to follow local guidance and stay informed about current travel conditions.
Why Is the Gorilla Permit So Expensive in Rwanda?
It is important to note that Gorilla trekking is the most sought-after activity for most visitors to Rwanda, and Volcanoes National Park, where the Mountain Gorillas live, is a small park.
The high permit price is therefore also part of Rwanda’s conservation-focused tourism model. The Rwanda Development Board introduced the $1,500 permit as part of efforts to support gorilla conservation and communities around Volcanoes National Park.
Gorillas are highly endangered, and the park needs to be protected from mass tourism, which can affect it in the end.
The high cost of the permit also means that travelers should plan their gorilla trekking experience carefully and book their permits in advance.
Plan Your Trip to Rwanda
There are several other activities that can be done in Rwanda, including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey trekking, wildlife safaris, boat trips, nature walks, hiking and cultural experiences.
Your Rwanda trip cost will ultimately depend on the destinations you visit, the number of days you spend in the country, your preferred accommodation, transportation and the activities you choose.
If you are planning to visit Rwanda, you can contact us for guidance and travel tips and to help you plan a trip that matches your interests and budget.
Experienced webmaster and copywriter with 16 years of experience in the East African tourism industry. Jerome possess excellent knowledge about gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and accommodations across major destinations in East Africa.
