Travelling Rwanda with kids is easy and rewarding. Distances are short, the country is safe, and there’s plenty to excite children, from zebras and giraffes to beaches and boat trips. Here’s how to plan a family road trip.
The best of Rwanda with kids
- Game drives in Akagera: children love spotting animals from the car, and the boat trip on Lake Ihema is a highlight.
- Beaches on Lake Kivu: swimming, boat trips and lazy afternoons.
- The canopy walk in Nyungwe: an adventure high above the rainforest.
- Golden monkeys: shorter and easier than gorilla treks. See golden monkey tracking.
Age limits
Gorilla trekking is only for visitors aged 15 and over. Families with younger children often split up for the day, or choose golden monkeys and Akagera instead.
Choosing a family car
- Up to five people: the Land Cruiser Prado
- Bigger families: the 7-seat extended safari Land Cruiser or the 8-seat Hiace
If you need child seats, ask whether they are available when you book.
Tips for driving with children
- Keep daily drives short and plan stops every hour or two.
- Pack snacks, water and entertainment for the winding roads.
- Arrive before dark.
- Bring sun cream, hats and insect repellent.
Rwanda with kids: a sample family week
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kigali; rest and a short city walk |
| 2 | Drive to Akagera; afternoon boat trip on Lake Ihema |
| 3 | Morning game drive; return to Kigali |
| 4 | Drive to Musanze; twin lakes |
| 5 | Golden monkeys (older children) or a gorilla trek for those 15 and over |
| 6 | Drive to Rubavu; afternoon on the beach |
| 7 | Beach morning; drive back to Kigali |
Keeping children happy on the road
- Break long drives with stops every hour or so.
- Play “spot the animal”: goats, cows, birds and, in Akagera, zebras and giraffes.
- Download films, audiobooks and games before you leave.
- Keep motion-sickness remedies handy for winding mountain roads.
- Pack plenty of water and snacks.
Health tips for families
- Speak to your doctor about vaccinations and malaria prevention for children.
- Use insect repellent in the evenings, especially near lakes.
- Protect children from the strong sun at altitude.
- Carry a small first-aid kit.
Family-friendly accommodation
Many hotels and lodges offer family rooms or connecting rooms. Lakeside hotels in Rubavu and Kibuye, with gardens running down to the water, are especially popular with families. Read where to stay on Lake Kivu.
Child seats
If you need child seats, ask us when you book whether they are available, or bring your own.
Rwanda with kids: ideas by age
Toddlers and young children
Keep drives short and build days around one activity. Lake Kivu’s beaches, a gentle boat trip and game drives in Akagera, where children can stay in their seats, work well. Choose accommodation with gardens and space to play.
Primary-school age
Children this age love spotting animals and asking questions. Add the canopy walk in Nyungwe for adventurous families, markets in Kigali, and a visit to a traditional palace at Nyanza on the way south.
Teenagers
Teenagers aged 15 and over can join gorilla treks, which are often the highlight of a family trip. They’ll also appreciate hikes, the history at the King’s Palace and, for older teenagers, the memorials, with preparation beforehand.
Learning on the road
A road trip in Rwanda is a great education. Children can learn about mountain gorillas and conservation, how tea and coffee are grown, how communities come together on Umuganda, and how Rwanda has rebuilt since 1994. Encourage them to keep a travel journal or a list of the animals they spot.
Packing for a family trip
- Layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
- Rain jackets and sturdy shoes
- Swimwear for Lake Kivu
- Binoculars children can use themselves
- Travel games, books and downloaded entertainment
- A small first-aid kit and any medicines
Eating with children
Rwandan food is usually mild and child-friendly: rice, potatoes, chips, beans, grilled meat and fresh fruit. Hotels and lodges often prepare simple meals on request. Carry snacks for long drives, as roadside options can be limited.
Safety tips for families
- Use seat belts, and suitable child seats, on every journey.
- Keep children close near the lake and on viewpoints.
- In Akagera, stay in the car except at official viewpoints.
- Agree a meeting point in busy markets.
Rwanda with kids: our top five family experiences
- A boat trip among the hippos on Lake Ihema in Akagera
- Spotting giraffes and zebras on a game drive
- Beach days on Lake Kivu
- The canopy walk in Nyungwe
- Golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
Frequently asked questions
Is Rwanda safe for children?
Yes. Rwanda is safe, clean and welcoming to families.
What can younger children do while others trek?
Some lodges offer activities, and the twin lakes and Musanze town are easy outings. Plan with your accommodation.
Can children go on game drives?
Yes. Game drives in Akagera from the car are ideal for children of all ages.
What’s the best age to take children to Rwanda?
Any age works, but children from about six upwards get the most from game drives, boat trips and forest walks.
Can children do the canopy walk?
Yes, with adult supervision. Check the current minimum age when you book.
Related reading
- Akagera National Park: the family favourite for game drives.
- Lake Kivu: beaches and boat trips.
- Which car to hire in Rwanda: family-sized cars.
A family itinerary
Try Gorillas & Lake Kivu with golden monkeys instead of gorillas for younger children, or the Akagera self-drive safari.
By Kigali Luxe Car Rental
