F1 Is Coming to Rwanda: Why You Should Visit Before the African Grand Prix

Formula 1 has just picked Rwanda for the African Grand Prix, and travellers across the continent are already asking the same thing: should I visit now, or wait for the race? Honestly, you should not wait. The race is years away, but the “Land of a Thousand Hills” is ready for you today, with mountain gorillas, Kigali’s café and art scene, safaris and a lake you can swim in.

So, here is your adventure guide to Rwanda, with the F1 news, the visa rules and the places worth your money. Let’s get into it.

The F1 News in One Minute

On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Formula 1 announced a 10-year deal to host the African Grand Prix in Rwanda. The race is expected in the early 2030s and will be held at a new purpose-built circuit near Bugesera, about 40 km south of Kigali. It will be Africa’s first F1 race since 1993. For the full race details, read our sport desk breakdown.

However, no calendar date has been confirmed and the track has not been built yet. That is actually good news for you, because it gives you time to see Rwanda before the crowds arrive.

Why Rwanda Is Worth the Trip Right Now

Rwanda is small, safe-feeling and easy to move around, so you can fit a lot into one trip. Moreover, the country keeps investing in big events, which usually means better roads, hotels and flights over time. Yet you do not need a race weekend to enjoy it. Here is where to start.

Kigali: Coffee, Art and Night Life

Most trips begin in the capital. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the most important stop, because it honours more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, and the audio guide helps you understand the story. Allow about one to one and a half hours.

After that, lighten the day. Visit Kimironko Market for fruit, baskets and kitenge fabric (tailors can turn it into an outfit within hours, and you should bring cash), then stop at Inema Arts Center for contemporary African art. Coffee lovers can book a tasting at Question Coffee Café, and at night Nyamirambo is where the bars and clubs come alive. One day is enough for the main sights, but two is more relaxed.

Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla Trekking

This is the headline experience, and it is not cheap. The international permit costs US$1,500 per person, and it covers park entry, a ranger-guided trek and one hour with a habituated gorilla family. Transport, lodging, porters and tips are extra.

There are some discounts worth knowing. Foreign residents in Africa and African citizens outside the East African Community can pay US$500 with proof of citizenship or residency, while Rwandan and East African Community citizens pay US$200. A 30% low-season rate of US$1,050 is also listed for November to May, but it requires at least two nights in Akagera or Nyungwe. Permits can be booked through the Rwanda Development Board or a licensed operator at the same price, and the same source advises booking four to six months ahead for peak season. Prices are set by the RDB and can change, so confirm before you pay.

Nyungwe Forest: A Walk Above the Trees

If you prefer forest to gorillas, head to Nyungwe. Its canopy walk is a suspended bridge about 70 metres above the forest floor, and one traveller on Next Level of Travel paid about US$80 for it. The air is cool here, so pack a jacket.

Akagera and Lake Kivu: Safari, Then Chill

Akagera National Park offers lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes and hippos, plus boat trips on Lake Ihema. Give it two to three days and fuel up before you enter. Afterwards, relax at Lake Kivu, where the stretch around Karongi (Kibuye) is the most scenic and Gisenyi has more hotels and night life.

Do Nigerians Need a Visa for Rwanda?

Good news. Citizens of African Union and Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, receive a visa on arrival with no fee for 30 days, at Kigali airport or a land border. You will typically need a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and, depending on where you fly from, a yellow fever certificate.

Because immigration rules can change, confirm with Rwanda’s immigration office or your airline before you travel. If you are comparing destinations, our guide to the Tanzania visa for Nigerians will help.

How to Get There (and Why the New Airport Matters)

At the moment, you fly into Kigali International Airport. A new airport is being built at Bugesera, the same area as the F1 circuit. Per Tourism Update, the first phase is scheduled to open in 2028, with space for about 7 to 8.2 million passengers a year. Qatar Airways holds a 60% stake, so better connections and possibly lower fares are expected, though that is not guaranteed.

For now, flights from Lagos are not cheap. Legit.ng reported in August that fares had risen about 50% to roughly ₦1.2 million, so compare dates and book early. Once you land, you can reach Volcanoes National Park by road in roughly two and a half to three hours from Kigali.

A Simple 7-Day Plan

• Days 1–2: Kigali, memorial, markets, art and coffee

• Days 3–4: Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking

• Day 5: Lake Kivu for rest and views

• Days 6–7: Nyungwe or Akagera, then back to Kigali

If budget is tight, skip the gorilla permit for now and spend on Kigali, Lake Kivu and a day safari. You can always return for the race.

Will Rwanda Be Busy When F1 Arrives?

Probably. A circuit built for about 100,000 spectators, according to ABC’s report, suggests big crowds, and race weekends tend to push up hotel prices. That is why visiting earlier may give you a calmer and cheaper trip. Critics have also questioned the deal, so it helps to read different views, which we cover on our adventure desk.

The F1 race will put Rwanda on more bucket lists, but you do not need to wait for it. Start planning now, set your budget and tell the friend who always says “let’s go somewhere different”. For more trip ideas and sport stories, explore our On The Sport page.

Quick FAQs

1. When is the F1 race in Rwanda?

F1 says the African Grand Prix will join the calendar in the early 2030s. No exact date has been announced.

2. How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda?

The international price is US$1,500, with a US$500 rate for African citizens and residents outside the East African Community, according to one operator’s 2026 guide.

3. Can Nigerians get a visa on arrival in Rwanda?

Yes, Legit.ng reports a free 30-day visa on arrival for Nigerians. Check official sources before you go.

4. When will the new Bugesera airport open?

The first phase is scheduled for 2028, according to Tourism Update.