What to Pack for Rwanda and What to Wear for Each Adventure

Rwanda is a place of contrasts so when you’re figure out what to pack for Rwanda, you’ll have a bit of everything. One day you’ll be navigating Kigali on the back of a motorcycle, and the next you’re trekking through the misty rainforests of Nyungwe, on the volcanic slopes of Musanze, or picking tea in the rain.

After moving here and learning the hard way (ask me about my motorcycle scar!), I’ve put together this essential guide for What to Pack for Rwanda and What to Wear depending on your destination. Whether you’re here for the mountain gorillas, Akagera safari, forests, or the city life, here is exactly what you need to pack to stay comfortable. Check out my 10-day Rwanda itinerary for help planning!

Quick Summary: Prioritize long hiking pants and shirt (required for trekking), a jacket for cooler nights (especially on motos), and sturdy rain jacket and a dry bag for hikes. Bring effective mosquito spray with DEET and sunscreen.

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Packing for the Weather in Rwanda

The best times to visit Rwanda are in the dry seasons: December to February, and June to mid-September. During the rainy season, there are short bursts of rain just once a day so you can still manage to do some adventure but hiking conditions for primates are poor and muddy.

Weather Apps in Rwanda

I learned quickly that weather apps have no place in Rwandan culture. In the dry season, it will be warm in the afternoons with temperatures reaching 28°C. The hottest time of day is usually between 2-4 p.m.

As Rwanda is near the equator, the sun sets at a consistent time of 6:30 p.m. year-round.

It generally gets cooler at night; you may need a jacket, especially if you are planning to ride a moto at night, as the wind can be chilly.

What to Pack for Rwanda

Here is packing list for everyone with suggestions on what I own (or similar products).

Bottoms

Hiking pants are a must. You must wear long pants for all official trekking and hiking in Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park.

Gals, I have the basic hiking pants from REI, but I think these with the zipper would have been more convenient for both lake and nature adventures. I also have these blue pants in a small (I’m 5 ft 6 in/167 cm and my mom is 5ft 8 in/172 cm, she’s wearing the medium). I also have a selection of hiking leggings.

Hiking shorts are good for hikes around the Twin Lakes, too. That’s why a zip off pair would work well to pack light.

Read about the Twin Lakes Hike

For guys, I got my brother these prana hiking pants and he wears them all the time. They will be great when he comes to visit me. Wilhelm is wearing an active pant like this. If you want a zip version, this Columbia option is good.

Prana pants on my brother Jafar at Hobbiton

Dry pants are a “want” not a “need” in the rainy season. If you can survive getting cold and wet while hiking and have a backup pair of pants at home, that’s fine. Once it starts raining on a trail, you’ll get so wet it won’t even matter. That said, I wore mine on the Bisoke Volcano Hike and I was glad I had them.

In my rain pants from REI at the top of Bisoke Volcano

Footwear

Hiking shoes are a must when deciding what to pack for Rwanda. I have hiked in both low-cut and mid-cut here in Rwanda. Most of the hikes I’ve managed in low-cut hiking shoes and if you’re comfortable hiking, that will be fine. If you’re prone to twisting your ankle, then bring a mid-cut. I can’t find the online versions of my hiking shoes as they are 5+ years old.

For gals I recommend the Keen low-cut and the Columbia mid-cut for a cute and functional pair.

For guys, the Keen low-cut and the mid-cut are popular options.

Do I waterproof hiking shoes? Honestly, if it really rains on your trek or hike, nothing is going to save your shoes.  You’ll be ankle deep in mud.

Wilhelm and I in our low-cuts on the Twin Lake Hike

Adventure Sandals: A pair of teva/chacos-style sandals will be useful for lake adventures and general wandering around town.  These Chacos look good for women, and this option for men. If you want closed-toe shoes, then try Keen (women and men).

For a little more style, you can bring a pair of sneakers to wear around Kigali. However, when I came to Rwanda for vacation, I only brought my hiking shoes and my tevas to cut down on packing space.

Socks that cover the gap between your boots and pant legs (for fire ants) are a must. I have a few of these Smartwool socks for warmer climates (guys version here) Crew length is best. The Darn Tough brand is also reliable. Wilhelm and I (and my siblings) have a nice little collection of Smartwool socks gifted from my grandparents over the years so that’s why I mostly have that brand.

Tops

Rain jackets are a must not just for potential rain but its great for a quick wind breaker and for trekking. I own this Colombia rain jacket (in small and has lasted 5+ years) and Wilhelm has this Marmot rain jacket (in medium).

Long-sleeved shirts, even if it’s hot. You’re required to have long shirts for trekking primates. Wear a T-shirt underneath for later but it’ll be chilly in the morning anyway when you start.

Gals: I have some REI and Eddie Bauer sun shirts that come in handy for layers. I also like the Ice Breaker merino line as I feel like I can wear it a few times before washing. I have a v-neck in green.

Guys: This is the guy’s sun shirt version of what I have, and Wilhelm likes the Patagonia capilene cool dry line.

Sweater, something cozy or layers (essential for Musanze mornings + nights). Or a combo of merino base, sun shirt, and rain jacket will be fine in the forest mornings.

Extras

• Hat:  I have this simple hat that I have (that I use for all hikes and adventures).
• Water bladder or bottle: You’ll need 1 to 1.5 liters per person while hiking. This is the one I have, and it’s lasted over 5 years.
• Swim gear: Bring bathing suits for lakes and pools.

What to Wear in Rwanda

What to Wear in the City

When considering what to pack for Rwanda, remember that Kigali is quite modern, but comfortable pants are still your best friend for moto rides.

My dinner, drinks, and exploring fits. Find the jacket at Deo Made and the moto shirt at Concept Art Studio

For gals, pants, leggings, skirts, and midi or long dresses/skirts are good options. I mostly recommend pants. If you are traversing the country on buses and motorcycles, pants are much more comfortable. Short shorts are not common. While the culture is modern, a woman in a short dress may get a few stares.

For guys, pants, shorts, and shirts are perfectly fine.

Burn Warning: It is unfortunately common for foreigners (and some locals) to get “moto burns” on their legs from accidentally touching the exhaust pipe when getting on or off the bikes. On my third day after moving to Rwanda, this happened to me while I was wearing a dress. A year later, I still have a large scar. Please wear pants.

What to Wear on Safari

Akagera National Park is among the warmer parts of Rwanda. Neutral colors are the way to go for Akagera, so keep that in mind when deciding what to pack for Rwanda for your safari days. This is recommended so you don’t startle the wildlife.

However, the last time I went, my mom, sister, and I dressed up in colorful dresses (haha) and the animals still showed up! Most of your photos will be from inside the car, though there are specific campsites and lunch spots where you can get out.

We went bold!

• Mantis Lodge: Bring a swimsuit if you are staying here as it’s the only lodging with a pool inside the park.
• Layers: It can be chilly at dawn, but the heat sets in by 10:00 AM.
• Essentials: Hat, sunscreen, and binoculars.

Read about going on safari.

Gorilla & Chimpanzee & Golden Monkey Trekking (and Hiking)

Trekking takes place rain or shine!

Gorilla trekking is the most intense primate trek. The hike can take anywhere from 1 hour to up to 4 hours, depending on how far the gorilla family is from the trails. You’ll be walking through freshly macheted forest so you can get to see the gorillas. Branches and leaves will be all over you so long, protective clothing is required.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is generally less intense than gorilla trekking but still requires good footwear. The hike in the Cyamudongo section of the park is a steep descent. When I did it, everyone of all ages were slipping and falling. Good shoes are helpful but you may want a porter/guide to help you choose the best path.

My sister with low-cuts, long sleeve shirt, and rain jacket on the chimpanzee trek

Golden Money trekking is the most chill hiking experience as most of the trail is through potato farms. The hike is usually around 40 minutes and is mostly flat. You can wear running shoes for this, but still wear crew socks.

Golden Monkey Trekking

For hiking, you’ll need the same gear.

• Clothing: Long pants, shirt, and a rain jacket (rain or shine, either for the chilling morning or walking through the bush) are non-negotiable.
• Gaiters: You can rent these, but I personally find them more annoying than useful as they tend to slide off. Gaiters are typically available to rent from the trail starts for around 5000 RWF. Your hotel may offer them as well.
• Day pack: With all your stuff.

For the Rain

Most activity in Rwanda stops when it pours. I keep a small umbrella in my purse at all times during the rainy season, even if the sky looks clear as it can rain even while sunny!

The view from my apartment while it’s pouring rain

Packing Pharmacy & Health Items

Mosquito Spray: There is a presence of malaria in Rwanda and I know a few people who have gotten it. Health professionals recommend taking malaria tablets. I personally choose not to take them (I am not a medical professional, please seek official advice), but I spray myself with bug spray constantly. For me, the “eco” brands do not work; I suggest using something with DEET to be effective. I LOVE these OFF wipes that I buy in bulk which is perfect if you only have a carryon. Otherwise, I suggest OFF spray bottles. Deep woods in the best version to get.  

• Sunscreen: Bring plenty as you can easily get burned walking around.
• Contact Lenses: If you wear contacts, note that only opticians carry solution. I searched several pharmacies with my sister before realizing you have to go to an eye care center to find it.
• Specific Meds: Pharmacies will have all your basic meds, but if you need specific ingredients or compositions then you should bring them with you.
• Toiletries: Almost every bathroom in tourist areas and restaurants provide toilet paper and soap, but bring what you’re used to.

Luggage Options

Since you’ll likely be hopping on and off buses, keep what to pack for Rwanda limited to a sturdy backpack and day pack.  

I have this North Face Borealis Sling Bag that I absolutely love. Both Wilhelm and I use it for biking and day hikes. I can handle a 1 L water bladder, snacks, and all your basics,

Wilhelm wearing the sling bag with my rain jacket attached

If you need to carry more stuff or want to pack all your stuff in a backpack for your trip, then I suggest a 25L daypack. Mine is from REI from 10 years ago (this is the updated version) but this North Face is a good option or this . This is also what I’d suggest for your entire trip. Buy a backpack with a rain cover. Wilhelm and I both use it.

Wilhelm carrying all our snacks and extra jackets to hike Bisoke

Bring a dry bag for your electronics during hikes in case of a downpour on a hike. I use this small dry bag for daily items (pictured below), and a Sea Summit dry bags for clothes.

Keeping my phone in my dry bag during our tea picking experience which was totally in the rain

Electronic Gear

Don’t forget the tech if you plan on capturing the primates on camera! Adaptors are a huge part of what to pack for Rwanda to make your life easier.

• GoPro: Great for capturing photos in the rain if you’re coming in the rainy season. I used it capture most of the pictures while hiking Bisoke. I have the Hero 13 Black (and I got the same one for my sister’s birthday) with this simple grip.
• Camera: If you don’t want to splurge on a massive setup, I have a Canon EOS M200 but I found that getting lenses is annoying because you need to buy an adaptor. I did end up getting a longer lens and I’ll keep using it until it breaks. However, the M6 is supposed the better version now. It’s on the cheaper side for photography (at $1000 lol) but you’ll need a lens with a 200mm range for wildlife.
• Adaptor: Kigali uses both the three-prong (UK) and two-prong (European) plugs. A lot of hotels have “combo” sockets that handle Euro and American plugs, but it is safer to bring a universal adaptor.
• Power Bank: An extra battery pack is helpful for long travel days.
• Headlamp: Not a must, but if you’re planning to any of the multi-day Volcano national park hikes, this headlamp I have would be good. I haven’t used a headlamp in Rwanda though if you’re camping in Akagera or other areas around the country, you’ll need it.

Vaccinations Needed for Rwanda

• Typhoid:  Typhoid can be contracted through contaminated food or water though I haven’t heard of anyone getting it. However, a vaccination is recommended.
• Yellow Fever: The US CDC recommends this for many travelers. To enter Rwanda, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is generally not required for those coming from non-endemic countries without an active outbreak. Check current requirements before you fly.

Other Things to Know

Plastic Bag Ban: Rwanda has banned plastic bags. Travelers can get their luggage searched at the airport, and non-biodegradable plastic bags (even Ziplocs) are sometimes confiscated. This hasn’t happened to anyone I know though.

I hope this helps take the stress out of what to pack for Rwanda so you can focus on the incredible views and the coffee.