What are the must-have apps for traveling in Rwanda?

The essential apps for Rwanda are Move, MTN MoMo, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Irembo.

How many travel apps does Rwanda have?

We've curated 7 apps across 5 categories for traveling in Rwanda, including 5 essential apps.

🇷🇼

Rwanda

Q: What is the best ride hailing app in Rwanda?

Move is the top-rated ride hailing app in Rwanda. A Rwandan-built ride-hailing app that operates across Kigali. Supports both car and moto bookings and is often favored by locals for its competitive pricing.

Clean streets, gorilla treks, and cashless vibes

Curated by travelers, verified by locals

Heads up

Rwanda is remarkably organized and safe for a country its size. Kigali is one of Africa's cleanest and most walkable capitals, and the entire country has invested heavily in technology infrastructure. Mobile money (MTN MoMo) is the standard way to pay, and many businesses prefer it over cash. The Rwandan Franc (RWF) is the local currency. English, French, and Kinyarwanda are all spoken. Gorilla trekking permits in Volcanoes National Park sell out months in advance and cost $1,500 per person, so book early through the Rwanda Development Board. Ride-hailing works in Kigali, and motos (motorcycle taxis) are a fun and fast way to zip around the hilly city.

7 apps5 essentialAfrica

Last updated: March 2026

Move

Essential

A Rwandan-built ride-hailing app that operates across Kigali. Supports both car and moto bookings and is often favored by locals for its competitive pricing.

Pro tip: Move tends to have better driver availability in neighborhoods outside the city center. If Uber cannot find you a ride, try Move next.

Uber

Nice to have

Available in Kigali only. A safe and comfortable way to get around the capital, especially useful for navigating the city's steep hills without relying on moto taxis.

Pro tip: Uber in Kigali includes both car and moto (motorcycle) options. The moto option is cheaper and faster for short trips, and helmets are always provided.

Bolt

Nice to have

Also present in Kigali with car and motorcycle options. Competes closely with Uber and Move on price and availability.

View Ride Hailing guide →

MTN MoMo

Essential

The dominant mobile money platform in Rwanda. Used for everything from paying restaurant bills to buying bus tickets. Rwanda's push toward a cashless economy means MoMo is accepted almost universally.

Pro tip: Register at any MTN store with your passport and load money through an agent. Even market vendors in Kigali accept MoMo payments via a simple code dial.

View Payments guide →

Essential

The primary messaging app in Rwanda. Hotels, tour operators, and gorilla trekking guides all coordinate through WhatsApp.

Pro tip: If you are arranging a gorilla trek or safari, your guide will likely add you to a WhatsApp group with all logistics, meeting points, and last-minute updates.

View Messaging guide →

View Navigation guide →

View Super Apps guide →

See something wrong? Suggest an edit

Need data to use these apps? Get an eSIM before you go.