Rwanda Budget Safari Options for Backpackers

While Rwanda is often associated with luxury, it is surprisingly accessible for backpackers and budget travelers, especially if you’re willing to embrace local transport and simpler accommodations. The key is strategic planning and prioritizing experiences.

How to Do Rwanda on a Budget

Manage Gorilla Permit Costs: The $1,500 gorilla permit is the largest expense. If it’s outside your budget, consider chimpanzee trekking ($150-250) or golden monkey trekking ($100) as incredible alternatives. If gorilla trekking is a must, consider combining a Rwanda trip with a cheaper permit in Uganda ($800) and travelling between the two.
Travel in Low Season: March-May and October-November are the rainy seasons, but also offer lower prices on accommodation and fewer crowds.
Use Public Transport: Minibuses (matatus) are cheap and efficient for inter-city travel. They are slower but significantly cut costs.
Choose Budget Accommodation: Opt for guesthouses, hostels, and basic lodges rather than luxury camps. Many towns near national parks have affordable options.
Self-Cater/Local Eateries: Eat at local restaurants (restaurants/cafeterias) for authentic and very affordable meals. Stock up on snacks and drinks at local markets.
Join Group Tours (or find travel buddies): Shared costs for transportation, guides, and activities can significantly reduce individual expenses. Look for group tour departures or connect with other travelers to share costs.
Focus on Free/Low-Cost Activities: Kigali city tours, cultural village visits, nature walks, and exploring local markets are often very affordable or free.

Budget-Friendly Itinerary Ideas for Backpackers

A. East & West Rwanda Explorer (6-7 Days) – Excluding Gorilla Trekking

This itinerary prioritizes diverse wildlife and cultural experiences without the high cost of gorilla permits.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & City Immersion
- Arrive at KGL, take a local taxi or moto-taxi to your hostel/budget guesthouse in Kigali (e.g., Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel, Mamba Hostel).
- Afternoon: Explore Kigali. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial (free entry, donations welcome), wander through Kimironko Market for a local experience, or walk around the clean streets.
- Evening: Enjoy affordable local food at a bustling eatery.
Day 2: Akagera National Park – Affordable Safari
- Morning: Take a public bus from Kigali to Kayonza, then a moto-taxi to Akagera National Park (or arrange shared transport with other travelers).
- Stay at a budget campsite or guesthouse near the park entrance (e.g., Akagera Game Lodge, or park campsites if available).
- Afternoon: Arrange a shared game drive (either with a lodge vehicle or by finding other tourists to split the cost of a car and guide) or a boat trip on Lake Ihema (less expensive than game drives, great for hippos and birds). Self-drive is an option if you rent a 4×4, but guide is mandatory for tracking.
Day 3: Akagera & Journey to Lake Kivu
- Morning: Option for another shared game drive or a walk around the lodge area.
- Late morning/early afternoon: Take public transport from Akagera towards Lake Kivu (Kibuye or Gisenyi). This will be a longer travel day.
- Check into a budget guesthouse or simple hotel in Kibuye (Karongi) or Gisenyi (Rubavu) (e.g., Bethanie Guest House in Kibuye, various local hotels in Gisenyi).
Day 4: Lake Kivu Relaxation & Local Life
- Enjoy the beautiful Lake Kivu. Activities include:
  - Swimming in the lake (free and safe in designated areas).
  - Renting a kayak or hiring a local boatman for a short, affordable tour to nearby islands.
  - Walking along the shores, visiting local fishing villages, or exploring the town.
- Evening: Try fresh fish at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Nyungwe Forest National Park – Chimpanzees & Canopy
- Morning: Take a public bus from Lake Kivu (from either Kibuye or Gisenyi) to Nyungwe Forest National Park’s Gisakura area (approx. 4-6 hours, depending on starting point).
- Check into a budget guesthouse near the park (e.g., Gisakura Guest House, various local hotels).
- Afternoon: Prepare for the next day’s activities.
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking or Canopy Walk
- Early morning: Go for chimpanzee trekking (pre-book permits, still a significant cost but much less than gorillas).
- Alternatively, do the Canopy Walkway for fantastic aerial views (a lower-cost alternative to chimp trekking if budget is very tight, but book in advance).
- Afternoon: Relax or do a shorter, free nature walk around your accommodation.
Day 7: Return to Kigali & Departure
- Morning: Take a public bus back to Kigali (approx. 5-6 hours).
- Depending on flight time, enjoy a final stroll or souvenir shopping before heading to KGL for departure.

B. Gorilla Trekking on a Shoestring (3-4 Days, if gorilla trekking is a must)

This focuses on the gorilla experience while cutting costs elsewhere. This is only viable if you are comfortable with the $1,500 permit fee, as this is non-negotiable.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Musanze
- Arrive at KGL. Take a public bus to Musanze (approx. 2.5-3 hours).
- Check into a budget guesthouse in Musanze (e.g., Hotel Muhabura, Kinigi Guesthouse, La Paillotte Hotel).
- Afternoon: Explore Musanze town, visit local markets.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking!
- Early morning: Head to the park headquarters for your pre-booked gorilla trek. This is the highlight and the main expense.
- Afternoon: Return to your guesthouse. Relax and reflect on the incredible experience.
Day 3: Golden Monkeys or Musanze Caves & Return to Kigali
- Morning: Option for golden monkey trekking (much cheaper than gorillas) or explore the Musanze Caves (entry fee applies, but lower than primate treks).
- Afternoon: Take a public bus back to Kigali.
- Check into your budget accommodation in Kigali.
Day 4: Departure
- Morning: Final city exploration or souvenir shopping.
- Transfer to KGL for departure.

Cost-Saving Tips for Backpackers

Accommodation: Look for “guest houses,” “hostels,” or “basic hotels” on booking sites. Always read reviews for cleanliness and safety.
Food: Embrace local eateries (called “restaurants” or “cafeterias”) that serve Rwandan staples like ugali, brochettes (skewers), and isombe (cassava leaves) with rice or plantain.
Water: Carry a reusable water bottle and purification tablets or a filter. Buying bottled water adds up.
Negotiate: For moto-taxis and market purchases, polite negotiation is common.
Pack Light: Avoid extra baggage fees.
DIY: Plan your own itinerary using public transport rather than relying on expensive tour operators for all transfers.