Rwanda is a tiny yet exceedingly beautiful country in East Africa—with Congo bordering the west, Uganda in the north, Tanzania in the east, and Burundi in the south. A honeymoon in Rwanda means spending days adventuring in national parks and basking in unspoiled natural beauty.
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Is Rwanda a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
When newlyweds think of East Africa, the safari images of Kenya and Tanzania come to mind first. However, if you’re a couple who isn’t afraid to try a new adventure and kickstart your married journey in a more exotic place, having a Rwanda honeymoon is one of the best decisions you’ll make.
Rwanda is home to African primates like chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and mountain gorillas. Apart from its abundant wildlife, it has stunning mountains and bodies of water where you relax or engage in adrenaline-pumping activities with your new spouse.
What Activities Can You Do on a Rwanda Honeymoon?
- Explore the wildlife. Want to enjoy a honeymoon safari? A Rwanda safari is as exciting and unforgettable as other more popular African safaris. You have several places to choose from: Virunga National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Go gorilla trekking. A gorilla trek is a bucket-list item for many outdoorsy couples. Going on one will allow you to meet a Rwanda gorilla. Apart from this excursion, you should also consider chimpanzee trekking.
- Relax and have fun at Lake Kivu. Kayaking, boat cruises, sport fishing, and swimming. These are just some of the activities to do when you visit Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu is hailed as one of the African Great Lakes and is the largest source of fish in the country.
- Challenge yourselves with a hike. The majestic Mount Bisoke and Virunga Volcanoes aren’t just great for sightseeing; they also have hiking trails that will help you stay fit even while on a romantic holiday.
- Learn more about Rwanda’s tea culture. Rwanda has local breweries and coffee plantations, but you shouldn’t ignore its affinity for tea. Book a tour of a tea plantation (major ones in Gisovu and Gisakura), learn about tea production, and admire scenic views of the rolling hills.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Rwanda?
Famed for outdoor treks and hikes, Rwanda is a glorious country to visit from June to September. These months are the dry season, which allows you to explore its mountainous landscapes, rolling hills, and verdant forests and minimizes your risk of malaria. You can also go there from December to early February, which still falls outside the rainy season.
Is a Honeymoon in Rwanda Expensive?
For a one-week stay in Rwanda, newly married couples can expect to spend around $1,700 to $4,000, depending on whether they want a mid-range or luxury trip.
How To Plan a Budget Rwanda Honeymoon
- Opt for budget accommodation such as guest houses.
- Get around in a boda boda, which refers to bicycle or motorcycle taxis.
- Dine at local restaurants.
- Make a tailor-made itinerary and prioritize free or low-cost attraction sites.
- Brave the rainy season since rates at that time are incredibly lower.
5 Best Places to Visit In Rwanda
Kigali
Kigali isn’t only Rwanda’s capital city but also its largest. For your dose of arts, the Inema Arts Center is a must-visit. If you’re into craft distilleries, go to 1,000 Hills Distillery, the first small-batch craft distillery in East Africa.
Though the city played a central part in the Rwandan genocide in the ‘90s, it’s currently a safe destination where tourists can learn about the country. You can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and see Rwanda as a strong and healed nation.
Where to stay: Kiyovu
Musanze District
Musanze is located in Rwanda’s northern part. It’s the place to stay if you want easy access to Volcanoes National Park, famed for sheltering mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Other activities include canoe riding, hiking Mount Karisimbi, exploring Musanze caves, and guided forest walks. You can also visit the Iby’iwacu village for a unique cultural experience.
Where to stay: Ruhungeri
Rubavu District
Rubavu calls the shores of Lake Kivu home. This destination is the best spot to visit if you’re into swimming, kayaking, jet-skiing, or simply sunbathing.
Beyond these water adventures, you can enjoy a bike ride along the Congo Nile trail. If you’re big seafood lovers, try the area’s local fish delicacies.
Where to stay: Gisenyi
Karongi
This is a resort town set in the scenic hills of Western Rwanda. It’s also located on the shores of Lake Kivu and is a beautiful place to spend your honeymoon if you want to enjoy the lake’s tranquility.
Like Rubavu, it’s where you can enjoy swimming and water sports. Go island hopping and visit Napoleon’s Island for the fruit bats and Amahoro Island for fish-centric dishes. Karongi is also home to the Bisesero Genocide Memorial Site.
Where to stay: Near Lake Kivu
Butare
Butare lies in southern Rwanda and was previously the country’s colonial capital. It’s also dubbed as the educational capital since it’s where several universities are built. You can marvel at East Africa’s finest ethnographic collection at the Butare National Museum.
You can also take a day trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park to enjoy thrilling game drives or embark on a canopy walk.
Where to stay: City center
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Rwanda?
Couples looking to have a Rwandan getaway should book a flight to the Kigali International Airport (KGL). From the Kigali Airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or ride a shuttle or bus to your accommodation.
Traveling Within Rwanda
To get around Rwanda, the cheapest way is to ride a boda boda, but you can also take the bus or hail a taxi for a safer and more comfortable ride. If you prefer to self-drive, note that their vehicles are left-hand drives. While roads in major towns and cities are paved, rural areas often have dirt tracks.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Rwanda?
Rwanda boasts various luxury lodges that welcome tourists from across the globe. The Virunga Lodge and the Nyungwe House are the most popular. Hidden at the foot of Virunga Mountains is the community-owned Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. Common luxury lodge perks include private balconies, sun terraces, cozy fireplaces, complimentary massages, and hiking and trekking excursions.
If you’re looking for something unique, you must check out Bisate Lodge, composed of modern treehouses situated in an eroded volcanic cone.
3 Local Foods to Try in Rwanda
- Ugali. A staple in Eastern African kitchens, this is a hearty porridge made of a paste that combines maize and water.
- Isombe. Isombe is a Rwandan stew whose key ingredients are mashed cassava leaves, tomatoes, garlic, coriander, and onions.
- Matoke. Spotlighting one of Rwanda’s best agricultural products, matoke is made from green bananas. The bananas are fried with onions and seasoned with salt.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Rwandan Honeymoon?
Rwanda is a top honeymoon destination for those who want to get acquainted with the unique African culture. If you book a cultural tour, your and your loved one will have the chance to meet the country’s hospitable natives and their ethnic tribes. You will also experience making crafts, learning traditional dances, and cooking local delicacies.
If you want something more steeped in history, don’t forget to visit genocide memorial sites and ethnographic museums.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Rwanda
It’s best to dress conservatively when visiting Rwanda. Think of polos, t-shirts, and blouses. Long-sleeved tops and lightweight pants are also essential since the country can be buggy and a haven for mosquitoes. On that note, you must also bring an insect repellant.
Since a Rwanda honeymoon leans toward outdoor hikes and treks, bring reliable shoes. Layers will also come in handy since the highlands experience a drop in temperature. If your lodging has a pool, don’t forget swimwear.
Is Rwanda Safe to Visit?
A honeymoon in this tiny African nation offers newlyweds a safe, once-in-a-lifetime experience. But when traveling in Rwanda or any other honeymoon destination, you must exercise heightened precautions. Keep these tips in mind:
- Though petty crimes are rare, thefts from hotel rooms and vehicles remain. Make sure to keep your valuables in a safe place.
- Note that the Rwandan border in Congo has a volatile security situation. It’s one of the places you should avoid.
- When visiting Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest, only do so as part of a tour group. There’s a risk of rebel attacks in these areas.
- Stay updated about demonstrations and avoid areas where those events occur.
- If you’re driving, be extra cautious when passing through dirt roads, as they are often in poor condition.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Rwanda?
As a US citizen, you can purchase a Rwandan visa upon arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months past your arrival date and half at least one blank page.
Bonus Rwanda Honeymoon Travel Tips
- Tap water in Rwanda isn’t safe to drink or brush your teeth with. Drink and use bottled water.
- While there are several ATMs in the capital city of Kigali, it’s best to bring some USD with you. You can exchange those in banks and credit unions.
- The currency in Rwanda is Rwandan Franc. As of writing, $1 is about R₣1,106.
- Most Rwandan locals can speak English and French, apart from Swahili.
- Tipping in Rwanda is not mandatory, but it is always appreciated.
- It is illegal to discuss ethnicity in Rwanda.