Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Rwanda.
Rwanda is, in our opinion, a safe country to visit. This is even more so if your visit is primarily an organized safari. Several governments have advised against traveling to some remote border areas, but all the popular tourist destinations are considered safe. For more info, please see the travel advisory links below. Many travelers visit Rwanda every year, and the vast majority of visits are trouble-free.
Below are tips on staying safe in Rwanda.
Staying Safe on a Gorilla Trek
Gorilla trekking is a very safe activity. Mountain gorillas are gentle giants and conflict with people is almost unheard of. The gorilla groups are habituated, meaning they are used to the presence of humans. The park ranger will give you a briefing before your trek that outlines how to behave around the gorillas. Thousands of people go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda every year without any incidents. For more detailed tips regarding gorilla trekking:
Staying Safe on a Chimp Trek
Chimp trekking is very safe. You will be taken to a habituated chimpanzee community. The chimps continue with their daily routines irrespective of any human presence. Before your trek, you’ll be briefed by a park ranger on how to behave around the chimps. For more detailed tips regarding chimp trekking:
Staying Safe on Wildlife Viewing Activities
Your safari guide will ensure your safety at all times – all you have to do is follow his or her instructions. When on a self-drive safari, only leave your car where it has been designated as safe to do so, and don’t drive too close to animals. For additional tips:
Staying Safe in Cities & Towns
As is the case throughout the world, most crime occurs in cities. Petty theft and pickpocketing are quite common, but violent crime is very rare in Rwanda. You are unlikely to encounter any problems on guided activities. Venturing out in the city unguided is fine as long as you follow a few simple safety precautions: seek advice from your hotel about the area; don’t wear valuables and only take the money you need with you; and don’t walk after dark, rather take a taxi. For more safety tips that apply to African cities in general:
Other Tips on Staying Safe
Please read the pages below regarding malaria and vaccination information for Rwanda and general travel safety precautions.
Governments' Travel Advice
Please use the links below for governments' travel advice on Rwanda.
- Australia
– www.smartraveller.gov.au - Canada
– travel.gc.ca - EU member states
– ec.europa.eu - Ireland
– www.dfa.ie - New Zealand
– www.safetravel.govt.nz - United Kingdom
– www.gov.uk - United States – travel.state.gov
