Rwanda might be best known for its incredible gorilla trekking, but there’s so much more to discover, and yes, it’s entirely possible to explore this beautiful country on a backpacker budget.
Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly African adventure or slow traveling through East Africa, Rwanda is clean, safe, scenic, and welcoming. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what it costs to travel around Rwanda as a backpacker in 2025.
Accommodation
Budget hostels & guesthouses:
Rwanda doesn’t have as many hostels as countries like Kenya or Uganda, but you can still find affordable options in most towns.
- Kigali hostels: $10–$20/night (dorm)
- Budget guesthouses in towns like Musanze, Huye, or Nyamata: $10–$25/night (private rooms)
- Camping: Some places offer tent camping for as low as $5–$8/night
💡 Tip: Use platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb for hidden guesthouse gems.
👉 Check out 7 Budget Hotels in Rwanda for Backpackers & Solo Travelers for specific options and recommendations.
🥘 Food & Drinks
Rwandan food is simple, filling, and cheap if you eat local.
- Local meals (chapati, beans, rice, plantains): $1–$3
- Mid-range restaurant meal: $5–$8
- Street food (sambaza, brochettes, boiled eggs): $0.50–$2
- Coffee or tea: $0.50–$1.50
- Beer (local brands like Primus or Skol): ~$1
💡 Tip: Try “milk bars” in the countryside, they’re a unique Rwandan experience!
Transportation
Getting around Rwanda is easy and budget-friendly, especially with the well-organized public transport system.
- City buses in Kigali: $0.20–$0.50
- Moto-taxis: $0.50–$3 depending on distance
- Minibuses (between towns): $2–$5 for 2–3 hour rides
- Kigali to Musanze (near Volcanoes NP): ~$3 by minibus
- Car rentals (not backpacker-budget friendly): $60+/day
💡 Tip: Always agree on moto-taxi fares before the ride, or use the Yego app in Kigali for fair pricing.
Activities & Sightseeing
While some activities in Rwanda are pricey (looking at you, gorilla trekking 🦍), there are also plenty of affordable or free things to do.
Budget-friendly activities:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial: Free (donations encouraged)
- Walking tours or cultural visits: $5–$10
- Hiking in Nyungwe or Volcanoes (without gorillas): $30–$50
- Lake Kivu (boat rides, beach time): $5–$20
- Biking through the Congo Nile Trail: Free (self-guided) or ~$30/day with guide
High-cost but optional:
- Gorilla trekking permit: $1,500
- Golden Monkey permit: $100
- Chimp trekking (Nyungwe): $150
💡 Tip: If you’re on a strict budget, skip the gorillas and opt for community-based tourism or scenic hikes instead.
SIM Cards & Internet
- SIM card (MTN or Airtel): $1
- 1GB data package: ~$1–$2
Wi-Fi is available in most guesthouses and cafés in cities.
Daily Budget Summary
| Category | Daily Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10–$20 |
| Food & Drink | $5–$10 |
| Transportation | $2–$5 |
| Activities | $5–$15 (avg) |
| Misc (data, tips) | $1–$3 |
| Total/day | $20–$45 |
Sample Weekly Budget (7 Days in Rwanda)
- Accommodation: $105 (private budget room)
- Food & drinks: $56
- Transport (local + intercity): $20
- Activities: $70 (museums, hiking, cultural visits)
- Miscellaneous: $15
Total: ~$266 USD/week
That’s less than $40/day for a rewarding backpacking experience!
👉 Want to stretch your budget further? Read How to Travel Rwanda on a $20 a Day Budget.
Final Thoughts: Is Rwanda Good for Budget Travel?
Yes, if you’re a flexible, culturally curious traveler, Rwanda can absolutely be done on a backpacker’s budget. While some tourist activities are expensive, the basics (food, transport, and accommodation) are affordable and reliable.
Backpacking Rwanda gives you the chance to truly connect with locals, explore untouched landscapes, and experience the country beyond the luxury safari lens.
✅ Quick Backpacker Tips for Rwanda:
- Carry a reusable water bottle with a filter (tap water isn’t safe)
- Learn a few Kinyarwanda greetings, it goes a long way
- Respect photography rules, especially in villages
- Travel with cash for rural areas (MTN Mobile Money is also popular)
For more tips and resources, explore our full backpacker guides at RwandaTrip.com