Rwanda has a reputation as an expensive destination, mainly because of gorilla permits. But travelling Rwanda on a budget is very possible, especially if you drive yourself. Here’s how to make your money go further.
Rwanda on a budget: transport
- Choose a Toyota RAV4, our most affordable car, if you’re mainly on paved roads.
- Share the car with friends or family to split the cost.
- Plan efficient routes to save fuel; see driving times and distances.
Accommodation
- Stay in towns such as Musanze, Kibuye and Huye, which have good-value guesthouses.
- Camp in Akagera with a rooftop tent.
- Travel in the quieter rainy months, when some lodges lower their rates.
Free and low-cost things to do
- The lakeshore drive and beaches of Lake Kivu
- Markets and neighbourhoods in Kigali; see top places to visit in Kigali
- The views from the twin lakes near Musanze
- The museums of Huye
Is the gorilla permit worth it on a budget?
For many travellers it is the reason for the trip, so it’s worth saving elsewhere to afford it. Alternatives include golden monkey tracking, which costs much less, or gorillas in Uganda. Read Rwanda gorilla permit prices.
A budget-friendly week
| Day | Plan | Budget tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kigali: memorial and markets | Eat at local restaurants |
| 2 | Drive to Musanze; twin lakes | Stay in a town guesthouse |
| 3 | Golden monkeys or gorillas | Golden monkeys cost much less |
| 4 | Musanze → Rubavu | Free afternoon on the beach |
| 5 | Lakeshore road to Kibuye | Scenery is free |
| 6 | Kibuye islands | Share a boat with other travellers |
| 7 | Back to Kigali via Ndaba Rock | Return the car with the right fuel level |
Rwanda on a budget: eating well for less
Local restaurants serve generous buffets at lunchtime, with rice, beans, plantain, vegetables and meat, at a fraction of hotel prices. Try brochettes (grilled skewers) and fresh fish by Lake Kivu. Fruit from markets and roadside stalls makes great road-trip snacks.
Free and cheap experiences
- Walking through Kigali’s neighbourhoods and markets
- Viewpoints over the hills and lakes along your drive
- Swimming at Lake Kivu’s beaches
- Watching the fishing boats leave at dusk in Kibuye
- Coffee and tea country drives along the lake
Save on car hire
- Book early for the dry seasons, when cars are in demand.
- Choose the smallest car that suits your route.
- Return the car with the agreed fuel level.
- Ask whether a one-way hire is possible, to avoid driving back unnecessarily.
Where not to cut corners
- Travel insurance: essential for any trip.
- A 4×4 in the rainy season if you’re heading into the parks.
- Arriving before dark: a cheaper hotel further away isn’t worth a night drive.
Rwanda on a budget: getting around
Self-drive is the most flexible way to see Rwanda on a budget, especially for two or more travellers sharing costs. A small car like the RAV4 keeps hire and fuel costs down, and you avoid paying for tours and transfers. Plan a logical route to avoid doubling back.
Cheaper alternatives to big-ticket activities
- Golden monkey tracking instead of gorillas for a primate experience at a fraction of the price.
- Self-drive game drives in Akagera instead of guided safaris.
- Forest walks in Gishwati or Nyungwe, which cost less than chimpanzee tracking.
- Scenic drives such as the Lake Kivu shore road, which are free.
Sample daily spending
Daily costs depend on your style, but on a budget trip most of your spending goes on the car, fuel, a simple room and local meals. Permits and park fees are the main extra costs. Read the cost of a self-drive trip for a full breakdown.
Booking tips
- Travel in the rainy months, when lodges are quieter.
- Book guesthouses directly, and ask about longer-stay rates.
- Fix your gorilla permit date first, then build the rest of your trip around it.
- Ask us for a quote that combines car, permits and accommodation.
Money-saving mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a car that is too small for rough park roads, and getting stuck.
- Staying far from the park to save money, then driving in the dark.
- Skipping travel insurance.
Rwanda on a budget: sample costs to plan for
When you plan a budget trip, list your fixed costs first: car hire for the number of days you need, any permits, and the nights you must book in advance, such as Musanze before a gorilla trek. Then add flexible costs: fuel, food, activities and tips. Seeing it written down makes it easier to decide where to save and where to spend.
Is a budget trip still a good trip?
Absolutely. Many of Rwanda’s best experiences cost little: the views from its hills, the lakeshore road, markets and village life, and the friendliness of the people. With a car and a sensible plan, you’ll see far more than on a rushed, expensive tour.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rwanda expensive?
Gorilla permits are expensive, but everyday costs such as food, local transport and guesthouses are moderate.
Can I visit Rwanda without seeing the gorillas?
Absolutely. Akagera, Nyungwe, Lake Kivu and Kigali make a wonderful trip on their own.
What’s the cheapest car?
The Toyota RAV4, from $50 a day.
Can I camp in Rwanda?
Yes, at official campsites, including in Akagera. Ask us about rooftop tents.
Is public transport an option?
Buses connect the main towns, but they don’t reach park trailheads. A hire car gives you far more freedom.
Related reading
- Cost of a self-drive trip: a full breakdown.
- Golden monkey tracking: a cheaper primate trek.
Build your budget
See our cost of a self-drive trip guide and ask us for a quote that fits your budget.
By Kigali Luxe Car Rental
