Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills, and most visitors come for the mountain gorillas. The list below keeps to what official and primary pages say, each read on 11 November 2026.
A Thousand Hills
Visit Rwanda's own welcome line is "Known as the land of a thousand hills."
Mountain Gorillas
Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park is the best-known reason to visit. A permit costs US $1,500 per person per day, eight permits are issued per troop per day, and the minimum age is 15. Our gorilla booking guide has the details.
The Big Five Return to Akagera
Visit Rwanda says Akagera National Park is once again home to the Big Five. Seven lions were reintroduced in 2015, and 18 eastern black rhinos in 2017. The park has been a joint venture with African Parks since 2010.
Coffee
Visit Rwanda says missionaries brought coffee trees to Rwanda in 1904, and that about 95% of the beans are Arabica Bourbon. Around 450,000 small growers produce it, and the harvest runs mostly from February to May.
Umuganda
On the last Saturday of every month Rwandans take part in Umuganda, community work such as litter clean-ups and tree planting. Visit Rwanda says shops close and buses stop while it takes place, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial opens only from 1pm that day.
The Plastic Ban
Plastic bags have been banned by law since 2008. Visit Rwanda says any found in your luggage are confiscated at the airport or other point of entry, so pack without them.
A Safe Reputation
Visit Rwanda says on its home page that Rwanda was ranked the 9th safest country in the world by the World Economic Forum. The page gives no year for the ranking, so treat it as Visit Rwanda's claim and check the latest report if it matters to your plans.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu lies in western Rwanda, in the Great Rift Valley. It covers 2,700 km², which makes it Rwanda's largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa. The Congo Nile Trail runs 227 km along it in 6 stages.
Dance and Craft
Intore dancers, whose name Visit Rwanda translates as "The Chosen Ones", once performed for the Royal Court and wear grass wigs and carry spears. Imigongo, geometric paintings in black, brown and white, comes from a cooperative in Nyakarambi.
Remembrance
The Kigali Genocide Memorial holds the remains of 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. It is free to enter, and the Memorial asks visitors to dress and behave respectfully.
A Note on Visas
Since 1 January 2018, citizens of all countries can get a visa on arrival without a prior application, according to the immigration directorate. Its page says the fee must not exceed 50 USD for a single entry visa or 70 USD for multiple entry, and some nationalities are exempt. Check the current amount on the Irembo portal before you pay. The hotel agrees with USD 50 and USD 70.
Stay in Kigali
Step Town Hotel is a small hotel in Kigali. The rooms page lists a single room from $50 a night, with breakfast included. For ideas on how to spend a day in the city, read things to do in Kigali.
Plan Your Rwanda Trip
Pick your dates on the reserve page, and we will have a room ready.