When I first told friends I was traveling solo to Rwanda, the reactions were… mixed. Some looked impressed, others worried, and a few asked, “Wait, isn’t that dangerous?”
I get it. Rwanda isn’t usually the first place people think of for solo female travel. But after spending time here, I can honestly say: Rwanda is one of the safest, most welcoming countries I’ve traveled to.
Let me share what I actually experienced, so you can decide for yourself.
Safety in Kigali
Photo: Natalia
Kigali, the capital, surprised me right away. It’s clean, organized, and feels incredibly safe to walk around, even after dark. One night, I walked back from a café in Kiyovu around 9:30 pm, and instead of feeling on edge like in other cities, I got friendly waves from people and even had a boda driver slow down just to check if I needed a ride.
I did get lost once while trying to find my way to Nyamirambo (Google Maps was confused). A woman carrying groceries literally walked me ten minutes out of her way just to make sure I got to the right bus stop. That moment pretty much sums up Rwandan hospitality.
Getting Around
Moto-taxis are everywhere, and yes, I took them, even solo. At first, I was nervous (and nearly dropped my helmet the first time, which the driver found hilarious), but it quickly became my favorite way to get around. The drivers were polite, prices are fixed by distance, and helmets are always provided.
For longer trips, I used local buses. At Nyabugogo bus station, I was initially overwhelmed by the noise and crowds, but staff and passengers pointed me in the right direction without me even asking. Not once did I feel unsafe.
Interactions as a Woman Alone
This was the part I was most curious about. In some countries, solo female travel means constant stares or unwanted attention. In Rwanda, I got the opposite: lots of smiles, polite greetings, and a few curious questions.
A funny moment? At Question Coffee in Kigali, the barista asked if I was “studying Rwanda” because I had my notebook out while sipping a cappuccino. I laughed and told him, “I guess I am!” It turned into a half-hour chat about the best weekend hikes outside the city.
Outside Kigali
I also traveled to Musanze and Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking. On the road, people were welcoming, sometimes kids waved from the roadside shouting “Mzungu!” (foreigner), but it was always playful.
Photo: Natalia
Even when I went hiking near Lake Kivu with a local guide, I felt comfortable the whole time. The guide explained how tourism directly helps the communities here, which made me feel like I wasn’t just a visitor, but part of something bigger.
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My Takeaway
So, is Rwanda safe for solo female travelers? From my experience: absolutely, yes.
Of course, the usual solo travel advice applies: don’t flash valuables, trust your instincts, and avoid poorly lit areas at night. But honestly? I felt safer in Kigali than I have in some big European cities.
If you’re dreaming of seeing gorillas, exploring Kigali’s cafés, or just experiencing a country that’s forward-looking yet deeply connected to its traditions, do it. Rwanda is an incredible place for solo female travelers.
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