Step-by-Step Guide to Traveling Rwanda Without Breaking the Bank

Want to explore Rwanda on a budget? Discover cheap places to stay, transport tips, and free fun activities across Kigali, Lake Kivu, and more!

Travel Rwanda Without Breaking the Bank

Do you want to see Rwanda but don’t want to spend too much money? Good news—you can! Rwanda is a beautiful country full of green hills, kind people, and exciting places to visit. You don’t need to be rich to enjoy it. This blog will show you how to travel Rwanda on a budget and still have fun!

Budget Travel in Rwanda – Plan Ahead and Save Money

Best Time for Budget Travel Rwanda

The best time to save money when visiting Rwanda is during the rainy seasons (March–May and October–November). Things like hotels and tours cost less during these months. Yes, it may rain, but Rwanda is even more green and fresh!

Rainy season hills in Rwanda – perfect for budget travelers looking for nature and savings.

Affordable Places to Stay in Rwanda

You can find many cheap guesthouses and hostels in Rwanda. In Kigali, you can sleep for just $15–$20 a night, sometimes with free breakfast!Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel is great for young travelers.Village guesthouses let you live like a local and save money.

A cozy guesthouse in Kigali—ideal for affordable travel Rwanda.

How to Get Around Rwanda Cheaply

Traveling around Rwanda can be very cheap if you use local transport. Here’s how to move around Rwanda on a budget:

Buses and minibuses (matatus): Great for long trips between towns.

Motos (motorbike taxis): Quick and cheap for short rides.

Walking or biking: In cities like Kigali, it's fun and free!

A colorful bus and motorbikes in Kigali’s streets—budget transport Rwanda.

Cheap and Fun Things to Do in Rwanda

You can enjoy many fun things in Rwanda without spending lots of money.

Go to Kigali Genocide Memorial – free to visit and learn history.

Visit Lake Kivu – swim, relax, and watch the sunset.Go on a coffee farm tour or join free art shows.Visit parks like Akagera and do group safaris to save money.

People enjoying Lake Kivu—affordable things to do in Rwanda.

Real-Life Example – How I Traveled Rwanda on a Budget

I visited Rwanda with my best friend. We stayed in a guesthouse in Kigali for $20 per night. Every day, we ate local food for $2–$3. We used buses to go from Kigali to Lake Kivu. We also visited Niyo Art Gallery—free to enter! Instead of paying for a private safari, we joined a group tour in Nyungwe Forest and saw monkeys!We met cool people and shared rides. It was fun, safe, and cheap!

Group of travelers sharing a bus—real-life budget travel Rwanda.

Tips for Successful Budget Travel Rwanda

Want to save even more? Here are easy tips for traveling Rwanda on a budget:

Book your hotel or guesthouse early.

Bring clothes for sun and rain.

Use buses, motos, or walk.

Eat local food—it’s yummy and cheap!

Look for group tours or free activities.

Support local guides for real Rwanda stories.

Read more in our blog: How to Spend a Weekend in Kigali

Local Rwandan food in a small restaurant—cheap eats Rwanda.

Enjoy Rwanda Without Breaking the Bank

Rwanda is waiting for you! And guess what? You don’t need to spend too much money. Sleep in guesthouses, ride local buses, eat good food, and enjoy lakes, hills, and friendly faces. These tips will help you travel Rwanda without breaking the bank and have fun doing it!

Want more expert advice? Visit Go2Africa’s Rwanda Travel Guide for more tips!

If you're spending a weekend in Kigali and want to save money, check out our full guide on how to spend a weekend in Kigali without spending too much!

Budget Travel Rwanda