How Safe Are Rwanda and Uganda in 2025?
Do you believe Rwanda and Uganda are a danger zone right now? They’re not. At all.
Yes, the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), fuelled by the M23 insurrection, has raised concerns. And recent reports of Ebola in Uganda’s capital have added to the fear. But despite the headlines, life in Rwanda and Uganda continues undisturbed: safe, stable, and welcoming to travellers.
We reside in Musanze, Rwanda, 1.5 hours away from the rebel territory, but it might as well be another continent, as no effects are felt here. Our life is a mix of: tour cancellations, worried messages from friends, and — unsurprisingly — dozens of happy guests on the ground!
After M23 occupied Bukavu, there is now a buffer zone between Rwanda and DRC. The Congolese military has proven rather toothless and the mercenaries have laid down their arms. Rwanda is safe.
Meanwhile, Uganda has swiftly contained its Ebola outbreak, as expected. Decades of experience handling highly contagious diseases have made Ugandan medical teams some of the best in the world. If a virus emerges anywhere in the world, you’d want them on the frontlines. Uganda is safe.
Take our guest Catherina, for example. She was about to cancel the Congo Nile Trail (CNT) segment of her tour, but we advised her to first come to Rwanda and discuss things on the ground. Once you are here, in this remarkably well-organised country, fears melt away. In the end, Catherina hiked along Lake Kivu’s gorgeous shores and had an unforgettable time.
Yesterday we welcomed 14 Slovenians (ages 10 to 75) for lunch at our home in Musanze, just a day after they cycled the CNT. Their morning started in Gisenyi — the very border town that made headlines weeks ago — where they explored on foot. Contrary to what some might expect, Gisenyi is lively and safe. They watched people crossing the border freely and saw businesses running as usual. By sunset they were in Uganda, preparing for their gorilla trek.
Life goes on. Travel goes on. This is one of the most spectacular regions of the planet and you can indeed visit it right now — don’t let fearmongers on your screen convince you otherwise.
