Budget & Tips

Rwanda's hotel infrastructure ranges from inexpensive establishments with spartan comforts to comfortable hotels and top-of-the-range luxury lodges. Top-class hotels in Rwanda are found in Kigali, Gisenyi, Kibuye, on the shores of Lake Kivu, in Akagera Park, in Nyungwe and in Kinigi, at the foot of the volcanoes. Medium-category establishments, along with guesthouses, are the most common throughout the country. The former are roughly equivalent to 2-star European establishments, with decent comfort and facilities that are normally in good working order. Church-related reception centers are also scattered throughout the country. Rwanda is also committed to responsible luxury tourism, and a number of exceptional eco-lodges have sprung up in recent years (Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Munazi Lodge in Nyungwe, Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Karenge Bush Camp, Magashi Akagera, The Retreat, to name but a few).

On a budget, you won't find a single room for less than US$30, in shared accommodation with shared bathroom facilities, with all the constraints that this implies. For hotel accommodation, expect to pay at least three times as much. Medium budgets can get by on US$50-100 a night. For more comfort, you should expect to pay between US$100 and US$350 per night. Top-of-the-range establishments can charge up to US$800 a night (and even more for some ultra-exclusive establishments).

To be booked

As a general rule, it's best to arrive in the country with your hotel reservations. A trip to Rwanda can't be improvised, especially if you want to visit the national parks. In Kigali, however, the hotel supply is sufficient to leave room for improvisation, and discounts on room rates may apply depending on the season and occupancy rate. A tourist permit to visit the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park must be purchased in advance, via the Visit Rwanda website (https://visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw/), as the number of daily visits is limited. Travel agencies can arrange this for you. In Kigali, during conference and congress periods, most hotels are fully booked, so it's best to find out in advance.

What's very local

Bed and breakfast. Accommodation in private homes is not very developed. This is due not only to the small size of the houses, but also to a whole series of cultural codes that make the home a very private space. On the other hand, 3 to 5-bedroom guesthouses are widespread, but these are often independent from the owner's house.

Youth hostels. Apart from a few youth hostels, such as the Red Rocks in Musanze, a growing number of guesthouses, which are not religious hostels (of which there are many in Rwanda), also offer dormitory beds for travellers on a budget (Yambi Guesthouse in Kigali, Palm Garden Resort in Gisenyi).

Campsites. Few camping possibilities, except in national parks, in the rare authorized places, and in the gardens of certain hotels or lodges.

Good deals. In most provinces, even in the most remote corners, it is possible to find accommodation in a parish, a "diocesan center" (Catholic) or a "hostel" (Presbyterian). But it's best to book in advance: many church-related groups may occupy the premises at weekends and during certain retreat or seminar weeks.

For food lovers

When guesthouses offer on-site catering, you can expect some marvels, if only for breakfast... This is the case, for example, at Bugesera Lodge, Rutete Eco Lodge, Umusambi, Maison Sifa or Jangwe Lodge. In the hotels, it's often a king's buffet that's served in the morning.

Smokers

Smoking is not a cultural habit. Hotels are generally non-smoking. Smoking is done outside.