Rwanda Malaria: Risks, Prevention, and Expert Travel Tips

Rwanda – home to magnificent scenery, mountain gorillas, and some of the friendliest people on the planet – is a traveller’s paradise. But let’s talk about one tiny, unwanted guest that you absolutely do not want to accompany you on your life-changing trip: malaria. 

Before you imagine a mosquito army plotting against you, relax. Malaria is preventable, and with the right precautions, you’ll be free to enjoy your gorilla trek, sip Rwandan coffee, and soak up those volcano views – without scratching mosquito bites all day. 

This guide breaks down the risks, the best malaria prevention strategies, and some expert-backed (and common-sense) tips to keep you bite-free. 

Malaria is a serious but totally avoidable disease spread by mosquitoes who clearly have no respect for personal space. They’re most active in the evening and early morning, especially near food and water sources or standing water – their favourite five-star breeding ground. If you’re travelling to an area where malaria transmission exists, it’s smart to take precautions. 

The good news? Malaria control efforts in Rwanda have made huge strides to fight the burden of malaria (WHO), and many tourist hotspots – like Kigali and Volcanoes National Park – see reduced malaria incidences. However, this does not imply that you should become complacent. A few easy habits, such as sleeping under a bed net, wearing long sleeves at nightfall, and taking an antimalarial drug as directed, will keep you safe. 

Bottom line? Malaria prevention is easier than you think. A little planning now means you can focus on the important stuff – like spotting gorillas in the wild or figuring out how many cups of Rwandan coffee are too many. (Spoiler: there’s no such thing.) 

If you’d rather spend your time in Rwanda trekking with gorillas than being a mosquito buffet, timing your visit matters. Mosquitoes like rainy seasons (March to May and October to December), when there is enough standing water to aid in their reproduction. More mosquitoes increase the danger of malaria, and let’s be honest – no one wants to add “caught malaria” to their travel history. 

For a bite-free adventure, aim for the dry seasons (June to September and January to February). Not only do mosquitoes hate dry weather, but you’ll also get Rwanda at its best—clear skies, drier trekking trails, and a much lower chance of slipping and sliding your way through the jungle. 

Of course, Rwanda malaria prevention is more than just selecting the proper season. If you want to visit an area where malaria is present, examine vaccination recommendations, including shots for Rwanda such as the yellow fever vaccination. With a little planning, you can focus on Rwanda’s beauty rather than its bugs. For more information on the ideal seasons, climate and travel times in Rwanda, read: Rwanda Weather.   

If you’re heading to Rwanda and planning to stay in places like Kigali or Volcanoes National Park, you can relax a bit – malaria risk is pretty low in these spots. These regions aren’t exactly mosquito hotspots, so you may enjoy your journey without worrying about malaria.  

However, if your plans entail trekking into rural or lowland regions, especially during the rainy season, the danger of malaria transmission tends to increase. These are the areas where malaria is more common, so it’s something you’ll want to be aware of. While it’s definitely something to keep in mind, avoiding malaria is easier than you think.  

Now, let’s get to the real talk – malaria tips to keep you safe and sound while you explore the beauty of Rwanda. 

 Malaria risk in Rwanda is manageable with a little preparation. To help you enjoy your trip without the worry of malaria transmission, here are five essential malaria tips that should be on your radar: 

Before you pack your bags, pay a visit to your doctor. A prescription for an antimalarial drug can go a long way in keeping you safe, especially if you’re heading to areas where malaria is a concern. Be sure to follow the instructions – take your meds before, during, and after your trip to keep the malaria burden at bay. The CDC covers this topic extensively.  

Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, and they’re on a mission to find exposed skin. To avoid mosquito bites, pack lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Oh, and try to stick to light-colored clothing – mosquitoes have a thing for darker colors. It’s like they have a personal preference for the night! 

When traveling to an area with malaria risk, a good mosquito repellent is your best friend. Choose one with at least 30% DEET. Apply generously to all exposed skin and reapply as needed, particularly in the evenings when mosquitoes are most active. Think of it as your “mosquito force field.” 

As you rest after a busy day of exploring, make sure you’re covered! A bed net or mosquito net is a must, especially in areas where malaria transmission is common. Many hotels and lodges in Rwanda provide these, but if you’re camping or staying somewhere a bit more rustic, it’s a good idea to bring your own. 

If you’re not into the idea of having a mosquito as your nighttime roommate, try to book accommodations with window screens or air conditioning. These will keep mosquitoes at bay, so you can sleep soundly without worrying about malaria prevention. 

With these malaria tips, you’ll be all set to explore Rwanda with confidence. Keep those shots for Rwanda in mind, and don’t forget to stay vigilant about food and water safety as well. 

For more tips on what to pack in Rwanda, check out this guide. 

While malaria is important to keep in mind, Rwanda is much more than just mosquito control.  From seeing Kigali's core to trekking through beautiful forests, here are five must-do activities: 

Get your hiking boots ready! Nyungwe is one of Africa's oldest rainforests, with abundant species, breathtaking scenery, and a canopy walk that you will never forget. The view from above is simply spectacular. 

A 10-day adventure featuring gorilla trekking, a Big Five safari, and plenty of culture. This Ultimate Rwanda Tour offers everything, from Lake Kivu to the monkeys of Nyungwe. What about banana beer-making and an Intore dancing performance? Yes, please. 

Kigali combines a modern atmosphere with a rich heritage. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda's extraordinary resilience, or look at the art at Inema Art Center. Don’t forget to hit the local markets for a taste of Rwandan life! 

Over seven days, trek through Rwanda’s best wildlife spots – mountain gorillas, Akagera National Park’s Big Five, plus chimps and golden monkeys. Plus, try your hand at banana beer-making (it’s a thing!). 

Rwanda is famous for its mountain gorilla tours, and Volcanoes National Park is the best site to see them up close. Trek through verdant woodlands to witness these wonderful species in their natural environment.  And, hey, an Intore dance performance will liven up the occasion! 

Malaria in Rwanda might sound a bit scary, but here’s the good news: it’s totally manageable if you take the right precautions. A little bit of planning goes a long way! By taking shots for Rwanda (don't skip that doctor's visit!), packing your trusty insect repellent, and following a few simple malaria tips, you'll be good to go. No malaria worries here – just pure adventure. 

And hey, visiting during the dry season not only helps you avoid the rain but also reduces malaria risks and pesky mosquitoes. So, whether you want to go gorilla trekking, take animal safaris, or simply explore the amazing scenery, you won't have to worry about mosquitos. If you're game to elevate your trip, check our Follow Alice's Rwanda tours. Ethical, eco-friendly and fun? All boxes checked. 

Ready to schedule your ideal trip to Rwanda? Safe travels and malaria-free memories ahead!