Rwanda packing list

Rwanda safari & gorilla trekking packing list

Rwanda safari & gorilla trekking: What to pack and wear

Rwanda is generally warm, usually with a pleasant touch of humidity, so pack light summer clothes for the middle of the day. However, even in summer it can become much cooler, even very cold, at night, especially in the more mountainous areas (including Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe), so warm clothing should also be included.

Sunglasses, suntan lotion, lipsalve, shady hats, insect repellent (mosquito spray), binoculars and a torch are essential. Don’t forget your swimming costume for the occasional swimming pool at the lodges. Please note plastic bags are banned in Rwanda.

Packing checklist

Passport
Visa (if required)
Insurance details (please see our travel insurance page for more information)
Credit card
Cash (US dollars are the most useful currency, though some Rwandan francs are useful for purchasing local souvenirs)
Warm clothes (possibly including hat and gloves)
Waterproof jacket (and possibly waterproof trousers)
Hiking clothing (long sleeves and lightweight trousers)
Footwear (good hiking boots or walking shoes are important)
Hiking gaiters and gloves (can sometimes be hired at your lodge): to protect from nettles, thorns and insects.
Hiking poles (a wooden stick will be offered at the start of the trek)
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Swimwear
Binoculars
Camera equipment, plenty of memory cards and spare batteries
A waterproof bag for your camera in case it rains during your trek
Mobile (cell) phone (see below)
Chargers and adapters (Rwanda uses European type C & J plugs)
Torch / flashlight
Antimalarial medication
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, antihistamine, etc.)
Prescription medicines & prescription (if needed)

Mobile (cell) phones on safari

It is a good idea to have a mobile with you on your trip in case of an emergency. If you have ‘global roaming’ enabled, your phone will probably work in most towns in Rwanda. This can be very useful - for calling home, or getting in touch with anyone in a hurry. Your phone can be set to include ‘global roaming’ by your network provider so contact them before you depart.

As an alternative to global roaming, which can be quite pricy, you can buy a local SIM card and some call minutes when you arrive.

Many of the lodges you will be staying at are likely to have Wi-Fi access and, for the most part, you are not likely to need to use ‘global-roaming’ or a local SIM card. The Wi-Fi signal varies in quality significantly, with high-end lodges invariably having a stronger and more reliable signal than the more economical options.

NB: Regardless of whether you use a local SIM card or not, it is unlikely that you will have a consistent signal throughout your trip: many areas are remote, sparsely populated and without cellphone coverage.

Our top picks for holidays to Rwanda

We'll always tailor-make your Safari for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.

Golden Monkey Safari

12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.

US$11,010 - US$12,170 per person

Mona Monkey Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.

US$13,790 - US$19,000 per person

L'Hoest's Monkey Safari

7 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.

US$6,320 - US$6,830 per person

Gorillas and Serengeti Safari

11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

US$14,310 - US$15,540 per person

Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.

US$11,130 - US$13,500 per person

Mountain Gorilla Safari

5 days • 2 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.

US$6,120 - US$6,120 per person

Gorillas and Migration Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.

US$19,360 - US$25,280 per person

The Highlights of Africa

17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.

US$16,320 - US$19,730 per person

Silverback Gorilla Safari

4 days • 1 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.

US$11,530 - US$14,080 per person

View all holidays in Rwanda

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