Rwanda

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Musanze

Gateway to Rwanda's mountain gorillas

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Musanze Plan a trip around Rwanda

Best time to visit: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Currency: RWF
Time zone: UTC+2
Country: Rwanda

Photo: Maxime Ishmax, CC BY-SA 4.0

Musanze (also called Ruhengeri) is Rwanda's second-largest city and the base for Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Visitors come for gorilla trekking, volcano hikes and the lively small-town markets.

Largest cities

Kigali
Gisenyi
Butare
Musanze
Rwamagana

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Rwanda
Capital: Kigali
City population: 153,368
Population of Rwanda: 14.6M
Country area: 26,338 km²
Official language: Kinyarwanda, Swahili, English, and French
Currency: Rwandan Franc (RWF) · 1 USD ≈ 1,476 RWF
Time zone: UTC+2
Calling code: +250
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 1,849 m
Plugs: C / J · 230V
Emergency numbers: 112 · 113 · 114
Best time to visit: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	23°	24°	23°	22°	22°	22°	23°	24°	24°	23°	22°	23°
Low	13°	14°	14°	14°	14°	13°	13°	13°	14°	14°	14°	13°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$19
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$58
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$195

Plan a trip to Musanze

Top things to do

≈ $750
Gorilla Trekking
Spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family after a guided hike; permits must be booked months ahead and cost US$750 for foreign visitors.
- Full day
- Volcanoes National Park
≈ $100
Golden Monkey Trek
A shorter, easier trek to see playful golden monkeys in the bamboo forest; book through the park office or a tour operator.
- Half day
- Volcanoes National Park
- Good for kids
≈ $75
Mount Bisoke Hike
A 4–7 hour round-trip climb to a crater lake at 3,711 m; the permit costs US$75 and starts early from the park headquarters.
- Full day
- Volcanoes National Park
≈ $75
Dian Fossey Tomb
Hike to the grave of the famous primatologist and visit the former Karisoke Research Center; a guide is required.
- Half day
- Volcanoes National Park
- Good for kids
≈ $400
Mount Karisimbi Trek
A two-day trek with overnight camping at 3,800 m on Rwanda's highest volcano; arrange permits and gear in advance.
- Full day
- Volcanoes National Park
≈ $30
Lakes Burera and Ruhondo
Take a boat trip or lakeside walk with views of the Virunga volcanoes; a good afternoon or sunset outing.
- Half day
- Lakes Burera and Ruhondo
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $100
Muhabura Volcano Hike
Climb Rwanda's third-highest peak (4,127 m) for panoramic views; a full-day hike requiring good fitness and a guide.
- Full day
- Muhabura Volcano
Free
Town Markets and Cathedral
Stroll the lively markets and visit the 2016 cathedral that seats 2,000; a relaxed way to see local life.
- Half day
- Town Centre
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening

Before you go

Entry and visas

Most visitors need a visa for Rwanda; citizens of Commonwealth countries and many other nationalities can get a free 30-day visa on arrival, while others can apply online for an e-visa before travel. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival and have one blank page, and a yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a country with transmission risk. Check the latest rules on Rwanda's official immigration website before you travel.

Official website

From the airport

Most travellers arrive by bus from Kigali (2 hours, about FRw 3,000) or from Gisenyi (1 hour 20 minutes). The nearest international airport is Kigali International Airport, about 2.5 hours by road.

Getting around

The town is small enough to walk end to end in 30–40 minutes; moto-taxis cost FRw 500–1,000 for a cross-town ride.

Local tips

Book gorilla permits months in advance through the Rwanda Development Board or a tour operator; they often sell out.
Bring layers and rain gear: mornings are cool and the rainy months are March, April, October, November and December.
Carry cash in Rwandan francs; ATMs exist but can be unreliable, and some only dispense US dollars.
Dress modestly in town and villages, and always ask before photographing people.

Areas worth knowing

Kinigi
Muhabura Volcano
Town Centre
Lakes Burera and Ruhondo
Volcanoes National Park

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on September 4, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK