Here is another momentous announcement out of Rwanda; all African citizens visiting Rwanda no longer require a visa. In other words, Rwanda is visa free for all Africans. The announcement was made by President of Rwanda H.E. Paul Kagame on Thursday, 2nd November 2023 at the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Summit held in Kigali. This effectively opens up Rwanda to all of Africa, from Nigeria to Egypt to South Africa, all citizens will not need to pay for a visa to enter Rwanda. Previously only citizens in the East Africa community to which Rwanda belongs were exempted from visa payment.
This is another landmark announcement after recently Rwanda opened up for all travelers from the whole world to be able to acquire visas on arrival. Now, with this new announcement it even gets better for African citizens as they do not need to pay for visas at all. As an African citizen you just have to pack your bags, check the next flight to Rwanda and off to Rwanda, and arriving into one of the cleanest cities on the continent.
With the doors now wide open for African citizens, here is an opportunity for you as an African to experience the “land of thousands hills”.
As an African citizen, what do you know or have you heard about Rwanda? It is the clean streets, her beautiful ladies, the gorillas, the rolling landscape and volcanic mountains or her dark past of the genocide?
What interesting things can Africans do in Rwanda?
Here are some of the interesting things you can do as an African
City tour – experience an utopia in Africa
I have to say Kigali City is a must visit for any African, if not for anything but just to see that modern, clean and safe cities can be built by Africans. At least this may restore hope in you and make you feel good as an African because African cities are synonymous with dirt, crime, slums, bad infrastructure and all that.
Kigali City also has plenty of things to do and see, from wildlife reserves such as Umusambi Villaage Wildlife Reserve, historical places such as the museums about the genocide and history of Rwanda, car-free zones with free internet, amazing art galleries & crafts shops, nice building such as the iconic convention center, amazing nightlife with no worry about your safety anywhere, vibrant suburbs such as Nyamirambo, etc…
Visit Gorillas on special African rates
When it comes to wildlife, Rwanda is known for the gorillas and the gorilla trekking adventure, however the gorilla trek is also known as a very expensive activity that is largely left to the international travelers who can afford. Indeed the gorilla trek is quite pricy with international travelers having to pay $1500 for a gorilla tracking ticket/permit. However, at the moment Rwanda has given Africans a special discounted price of $500. So, visit Rwanda and enjoy the once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Silverback gorilla in the mountains.
Take a safari trip to Akagera National Park
Rwanda is perhaps not popular as a safari country but the country’s only savannah region protected in the Akagera National Park is fast developing into a credible big game destination having all the big five (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo) and plenty of other wildlife. This in addition to amazing scenery with diverse habitats and landscapes of large wetlands and lakes, savannah, grassy hills and forests, create an amazing safari experience with more than just animals.
The park is also just 2.5 hours’ drive from Kigali City making it so accessible that you can do a day trip and have a chance to see all the big five.
How about a beautiful getaway to Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s biggest lake located along the western border with the Congo, is an excellent place for a getaway and spend relaxation time in resort along the beautiful lake shore from where you can take a boat ride and enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the shore and across the lake visiting the islands. There are also exciting water adventures you can do in Lake Kivu such as paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, etc…
Here are ideas on short trips you can do in Rwanda