Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Volunteering in Rwanda and Female Lone Traveller

Country forums / Africa / Rwanda

I wonder if anyone can help me.
I am looking at doing some travelling i Africa starting around October, would also love to do some volunteer work, either with children or adults, I do not mind getting my hands dirty, have looked into going with a company but I think they charge a large amount and would rather spend that towards where I am volunteering.
Was also wondering how safe do people think it is to travel around Rwanda as a lone female, have some travel experience already on my own.
Thanks in advance.

Hi,
I backpacked from Kenya to South Africa last year for three months mainly on my own (and I'm female as well). I was in Rwanda for about a week and it was my favourite country. I never felt unsafe. Make sure you feel comfortable in the place you're staying in though.

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Whilst I travelled alone as a male, I didn't find anything unsafe about Rwanda. In fact, I found the people to be lovely and always welcoming, and I liked the fact that things seemed to have a price rather than the more usual practice in Africa of haggling for everything. It's also worth bearing in mind that Rwanda isn't the cheapest country to travel around.
Cheers.

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Pandorables,

I sent you a message with my contact info as I'd love to hear more about your trip. Thanks!

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Rwanda is safe,

you can go and volunteer there in gisenyi town at Give hope to children for only 15USD per day. the price includes bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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Rwanda is safe. Just bear in mind that living in Kigali might be very very expensive.

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A few thoughts. I volunteered in Kenya in November 2010 through WInrock International. They pay expenses. I will be applying to more NGO's like Winrock where they look to match skills to the jobs at hand, much of which is farmer to farmer USAID funded work. I too want to get to Rwanda but safely. Women for Women International hosts a donor trip in June which I am considering although it will be expensive. Good luck!

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