Rwanda is a beautiful and culturally rich country in East Africa known for its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant culture. If you’re looking for budget-friendly tour options in Rwanda, you have several choices for exploring this fascinating destination without breaking the bank. Here are some budget tour ideas for Rwanda:

1. Gorilla Trekking: While gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda can be quite expensive, it’s an experience of a lifetime. To make it more budget-friendly, consider booking your trek during the low season (November to May), when permit prices are reduced. You can also join a group trek to share costs with other travelers.

The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable, some even say life changing. Encounters with gorillas as they go about their daily lives are carefully managed, with expert trackers and guides leading small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures.

The largest living primate, gorillas are spread across much of the equatorial African rainforest. Broadly speaking, the species is split into lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas.

The volcanic range which spans Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the endangered mountain gorilla. Tracking gorillas in Rwanda is safe and relatively accessible.

At the latest count, there are approximately 1,000 mountain gorillas in the wild, with 604 in the Virunga Massif. The population is slowly increasing, thanks to concerted efforts between our governments, communities and NGOs.

There are twelve gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park, which are fully habituated, with a few others habituated solely for scientific research. The groups, or troops, consist of at least one silverback along with several females and youngsters.

2. Volcano Hiking: Rwanda is home to several volcanoes, and hiking them is a popular activity. Volcanoes like Mount Bisoke and Mount Muhabura offer relatively affordable guided hikes. The scenery and wildlife you’ll encounter during these hikes are well worth the cost.

3. Nyungwe Forest National Park: Nyungwe Forest is a biodiversity hotspot with a variety of primates, birds, and unique flora. Guided forest walks and canopy tours are available at reasonable prices, allowing you to explore this natural wonder without overspending.

Akagera National Park: Akagera is Rwanda’s largest national park and offers affordable safaris. You can go on game drives to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos. Camping options are available within the park, which can help you save on accommodation.

4. Cultural Tours: Explore Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage by visiting local villages and experiencing traditional dance and music performances. Many cultural experiences are reasonably priced and provide insights into the country’s history and traditions.

5. Lake Kivu: Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes, offers affordable opportunities for relaxation and water-based activities. You can swim, kayak, or take a boat ride on the lake while enjoying the stunning scenery. The 100,000-hectare Akagera National Park is situated in eastern Rwanda, bordering Tanzania, and has been managed by African Parks in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board since 2010. It comprises some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low mountains. Akagera has undergone an incredible transformation in the last eight years where poaching has essentially been eliminated and wildlife is now thriving. African Parks reintroduced lions in 2015 after a 20-year absence and reintroduced the black rhinoceros in 2017.

6. Self-Guided Tours: Consider exploring cities like Kigali on your own. You can visit museums, markets, and historical sites independently, which can help control costs. Kigali Genocide Memorial and Kimironko Market are among the popular places to visit.

Budget Accommodation: Look for budget-friendly guesthouses, hostels, and lodges in Rwanda. These options often provide comfortable stays at a fraction of the cost of luxury accommodations.

7. Local Food: Eating at local restaurants and street food stalls can be more budget-friendly than dining at upscale restaurants. Don’t miss trying Rwandan staples like brochettes (grilled meat skewers) and ibirayi (fried plantains).

Rwandan cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and ingredients, reflecting the country’s agricultural heritage and cultural diversity. Here are some traditional Rwandan dishes and foods you should try when visiting Rwanda:

• Ugali (Ibihaza): Ugali is a staple food made from maize flour and water, similar to a thick porridge or stiff dough. It’s often served as an accompaniment to other dishes, such as stews and grilled meat.
• Brochettes: Brochettes are skewered and grilled pieces of meat, typically goat, beef, or pork. They are seasoned with spices and served with a spicy sauce. Brochettes are a popular street food and can be found at local markets and restaurants.
• Isombe (Ubushera): Isombe is a sauce made from cassava leaves, groundnuts (peanuts), and palm oil. It’s often served with plantains, rice, or cassava.
• Ibihaza: Ibihaza is a dish made from pumpkin leaves that are cooked with groundnut sauce. It’s a nutritious and tasty vegetarian option.
• Sambaza: Sambaza are small, fried fish often served as a snack or appetizer. They are usually seasoned with spices and lemon juice.
• Matoke: Matoke is a dish made from steamed or boiled green bananas. It’s usually cooked with onions, garlic, and spices and can be served as a side dish or as a main course.
• Akabenz: Akabenz is a popular Rwandan stew made with chicken and vegetables, often served with rice or ugali.
• Isombe: Isombe is a dish made from cassava leaves, groundnuts (peanuts), and palm oil. It’s often served with plantains, rice, or cassava.
• Agatogo: Agatogo is a dish made from cassava, beans, and vegetables. It’s a hearty and filling dish commonly enjoyed in Rwanda.
• Fruits: Rwanda is known for its delicious tropical fruits, including bananas, pineapple, papaya, mangoes, and passion fruit. These fruits are often eaten fresh or used to make fruit juices and smoothies.
• Akaburo: Akaburo is a traditional Rwandan porridge made from sorghum or millet. It’s usually served for breakfast and is a nutritious way to start the day.
• Ibihaza: Ibihaza is a dish made from pumpkin leaves that are cooked with groundnut sauce. It’s a nutritious and tasty vegetarian option.
• Inyama y’ibigori: Inyama y’ibigori is grilled rabbit meat, a delicacy in Rwanda. It’s often marinated and seasoned with spices before grilling.
• Ibihaza: Ibihaza is a dish made from pumpkin leaves that are cooked with groundnut sauce. It’s a nutritious and tasty vegetarian option.
• Urwagwa: Urwagwa is a traditional Rwandan banana beer. It’s a fermented beverage made from ripe bananas and is often enjoyed during celebrations and ceremonies.

8. Public Transportation: Utilize public buses or shared taxis (known as matatus) for intercity travel to save money on transportation costs.

Here is a sample of trips in Rwanda.