Rwanda is thought to be making very fast headway as one of the most desirable places to visit in Africa, with much more on offer than the world-renowned mountain gorillas. It is a master class in sustainability and conservation to trail Rwanda with its stunning Lake Kivu coastlines to the elevated canopy of the Nyungwe Forest in a 10-day trip across this emerald-green country.
You can be a culture tourist or a wildlife lover but this guide provides you with the ideal roadmap and the necessary Rwanda e- Visa information that you require to get there.
What are the best places to visit in Rwanda for a 10-day trip?
A balanced 10 day itinerary will generally take the form of a circular route. Begin in the vibrant capital, Kigali, and then move east to Akagera National Park and have a Big Five Safari. Then go south to Nyungwe Forest to go trekking with the primates, west to the beaches of Lake Kivu before finally ending up in the north at Volcanoes National Park, where the final gorilla viewing adventure will be experienced.
Experience the Transformation of Kigali
You start with Kigali, which is reputed to be the cleanest and safest city in Africa. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a crucial starting point in the history of the nation and the remarkable cohesion of its people, present-day. Then go to the colorful Kimino Market or the Inema Arts Center to observe the vibrant contemporary art scene in the city.
Safari in Akagera: Home of the Big Five
Just a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali, Akagera National Park offers a classic savannah experience. It is the only place in Rwanda where you can spot lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and buffalo. A sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema is a highlight, allowing you to see hippos and crocodiles up close while African fish eagles soar overhead.
Walk Above the Trees in Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. The main draw here is the Canopy Walkway, a suspension bridge hanging 70 meters above the forest floor, offering a bird’s-eye view of the ancient trees. It is also a primate paradise; you can trek to see playful Chimpanzees or the beautiful L’Hoest’s monkeys.
Relax by the Sparkling Waters of Lake Kivu
After days of trekking, the resort towns of Kibuye or Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu provide the perfect rest. You can go kayaking, take a boat ride to Napoleon Island to see the fruit bat colony, or simply enjoy a fresh “Sambaza” fish dinner while watching the “singing fishermen” paddle out into the sunset.
Meet the Mountain Gorillas of Volcanoes National Park
No Rwanda trip is complete without visiting Volcanoes National Park. This is the sanctuary made famous by Dian Fossey. Trekking through the bamboo forests to spend an hour with a family of mountain gorillas is often described as a spiritual experience. For a different perspective, you can also trek to see the rare and energetic Golden Monkeys.
Rwanda e-Visa Guide
The visa policy is one of the most traveler-friendly in the world. Although most nationalities get a visa on arrival, it is always better to apply for your Rwanda e-Visa and do it online, as it is the most convenient way to enter the country and be easy and stress-free.
Rwanda e-Visa Types
-
Tourist e-Visa: Valid for 30 days, single entry.
-
Conference e-Visa: For those attending summits or business events in Kigali.
-
East Africa Tourist Visa: A special joint visa that allows you to travel between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda on a single permit for 90 days.
Document Requirements
The online application is simple. You will need:
-
Passport: A clear scan of the bio-data page (must be valid for at least 6 months).
-
Photo: A digital passport-style photograph.
-
Accommodation Proof: Details of your hotel or host in Rwanda.
-
Yellow Fever Certificate: While not always required for the application, you should carry it if traveling from an endemic zone.
Processing Times & Fees
We offer three processing tiers to match your urgency:
-
Standard Processing: 3 - 5 Days.
-
Rush Processing: 2 - 3 Days.
-
Super Rush Processing: 1 - 2 Days.
Why Choose the US?
-
Guaranteed Approval: Our experts review every document to eliminate errors that could lead to rejection.
-
Refund Guarantee: We offer a refund of our service and processing fees if your visa is denied (subject to terms).
-
24/7 Assistance: Reach out to us via live chat or WhatsApp at any time for support.
-
Superior Security: Your data is protected by the highest level of encryption across our global data centers.
Is Rwanda safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Rwanda is always ranked as the safest country in Africa because of solo and female tourists. It is through the culture of Umuganda (community work) that there exists high trust and security of the community. Nevertheless, common sense should be considered always, particularly in busy markets, and rely on reliable taxi services or applications such as Move by Volkswagen.
What is the best time for a Rwanda safari?
The best seasons of trekking are the Dry Seasons (June to September and December to February). The paths are not so muddy, and the climate is ideal to take photographs. The wet season (March to May) is however ideal to the birdwatcher and people seeking discounted rates in the lodges.
Willing to travel to the Land of a Thousand Hills? Would you have me assist you to verify your eligibility to the East Africa Tourist Visa today?