Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Tours in 2026

Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our [Entry Requirements tool](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-and-visa-requirements/). Alternatively, check the Rwandan embassy website in your country of departure.

Even though it’s located just below the equator, Rwanda’s relatively high altitude means that the country has a tropical highland climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The ‘long’ wet season falls between March and May, when there is a significant amount of persistent rainfall, and some roads may become impassable. June to September sees the arrival of the ‘long’ dry season, when the days are often sunny with just some light cloud cover. A shorter rainy season runs from October to November, with a shorter dry season running from December to February. Temperature-wise, expect highs of around 27°C (80.6°F) and lows of around 19°C (66.2°F) on average.

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February respectively. The weather is at its best, meaning you can enjoy activities like gorilla trekking, and there are less mosquitos too. June also sees the arrival of the annual Kwita Izina Ceremony — when the gorillas newly born for the year in the Volcanoes National Park are given their official names.

Tipping isn’t expected in Rwanda, though it is very much appreciated and is an important source of income for those within the tourism industry. The usual ballpark figure is around 10% for good service in restaurants and other hospitality venues. If the service is exceptional, then go for 15-20% instead. You can use this guideline for staff on your tour if you'd like to show appreciation: * CEO: USD $5 per person, per day * Driver: USD $5 per person, per day * Gorilla trekking guides: USD $3-5 per person, per trek * Local guides: USD $1 per person, per couple of hours

Internet access in Rwanda has been improving in recent years, and you’ll find ok internet in larger towns and cities like Kigali. However, it’s still not great, and in rural areas like Akagera National Park, expect it to be much slower and less reliable.

Yes — there are plenty of ATMs in Rwanda, particularly within towns and cities and tourist areas too. Most tend to accept Visa more than Mastercard, so plan accordingly, and check with your bank to find out whether you’ll be charged withdrawal fees. If you’re heading out into rural areas like game reserves or Lake Kivu, it’s a good idea to carry cash with you in case you can’t locate an ATM.

Rwanda has made some real progress in LGBTQ+ rights, and same-sex sexual activity is legal here. However, challenges still remain, and same-sex marriages or civil unions are not recognised. Attitudes may still be conservative, so it pays to be discreet. As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment. While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our [LGBTQ+ travel page](https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/lgbtq-travel/).

Kinyarwanda is the official language of Rwanda, and pretty much all of the population speaks it. French is also widely spoken here, as is English, and Swahili is also spoken by pockets of the population too.

No — the tap water here isn’t safe to drink. We’d recommend only drinking bottled water wherever you are within the country, which is cheap and readily available for purchase. Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.

Rwanda is now considered one of the safest countries in Africa — a real change from when the country was experiencing the tragic events of 1994\. That being said, petty crime does exist here, just like everywhere else in the word. Pay attention to your valuables. Please also be aware that malaria does exist here — bring antimalarials. G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our [travel safety page](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/). ### Malawi