Travel Guide for Rwanda – Don’t wait for the perfect moment, just take the moment and make it perfect!
Rwanda is fast growing as one of the continent’s travel destinations. This is due to the rapid development taking place in the country as well as the favorable policies geared towards drawing more visitors to this country.
Traveling is pretty simple. But people normally do not plan adequately in advance something that increases ones expenses and at other times it ruins the overall experience. And in some worse cases, it doesn’t even let you get out there into the world of travel.
So this section is intended to provide some of the ways through which one can travel safely in this country for a memorable experience. These travel tips are based on the writer’s wide experience and expertise in organizing mouthwatering safaris for a couple of years now. This article is prepared with an aim to simplify your holiday. The idea is to reduce your cost burden while improving your holiday experience.
These tips have been categorized under different headers to make it easier for you to find what you are looking for. You will find answers to many of your travel questions as well as the top things to do, top things to see, top things to eat, top things to experience, etc.
You shouldn’t be nervous about travelling, but you should definitely be careful to help avoid problems as best as possible. Here are some of the important tips for a safe travel in Rwanda;
This section provides some of the important tips to enable you have a memorable time in Rwanda. Are you planning to take a tour to Rwanda? Here are some of the most important things you should know when planning your next trip to Rwanda.
Travel Information for Rwanda Visitors
Here you will find lots of great information and tips on visiting Rwanda. We’ve done the research for you so you can just enjoy your trip. Being prepared early and knowing what to expect will help you ease your travels within Rwa.
No two trips are alike, so you will find information in this section for a variety of trip types. Whether you prefer staying in a resort or camping under the stars, we’ve included the details you need to be safe and happy on your USA trip.
- About Rwanda
- Visa & Entry Requirements
- Getting Here
- Getting Around
- Travel & Activity Planning
- Accommodation
- Shopping & Spending Money
- Communications & Media
- Health & Safety
- Travel Tips
VISAS
Nationals from the East African Community, Democratic Republic of Congo, Canada, South Africa, United States of America, Germany, Mauritius, Great Britain, Sweden, and Hong Kong may visit Rwanda without a visa for a period of up to 90 days.
If there is no Rwandan Embassy or Mission in your vicinity, an entry facility can be requested online on http://www.migration.gov.rw this facility can be used to obtain a visa at any official point of entry into Rwanda.
WHEN PACKING
Do not forget a windbreaker or a light raincoat. When tracking for gorillas you will be in a rain forest, so it will more likely than not rain, and you will also need good hiking boots, and a hat. Garden gloves, to avoid stinging nettles, and gators, are recommended. A light sweater for the evenings is recommended.
If you swim, bring your swimming costume, the main hotels in Kigali all have swimming pools. If your itinerary includes Lake Kivu at either Kibuye or Gisenyi you will have the opportunity to swim in the lake.
VOLTAGE
Voltage is 220V.
DRINKING WATER
It is NOT advisable to drink water from the taps. You will be able to get bottled water
wherever you go. Also make sure you carry bottled water on the actual tracks.
CREDIT CARDS
The unit of currency is the Rwanda franc. However the US dollar is the hard currency of preference. Very few places in Rwanda accept either credit cards or traveler’s checks. Only the major hotels in Kigali and Kivu Sun Hotel in Gisenyi plus a few airlines accept them, so make sure you have sufficient cash on you at all times.
CAMERA AND FILM
Don’t forget your camera and bring loads of film if you’re still using analogue. Also bring plenty of batteries for all your equipment. There is no charge for private filming in the Parks but there is a fee for commercial filming and prior arrangements have to be made.
VACCINATIONS
The only one you need for Rwanda is Yellow Fever. We strongly suggest that you see your doctor at home about malaria precautions.
SECURITY
Rwanda is considered the safest travel destination in the region.
COMMUNICATION
Rwanda has an excellent cell phone network covering almost the entire country. International phone calls can be made easily. Appropriate SIM cards for the network are readily available everywhere, even in remote towns, and cell phones can be purchased or rented from major shops in Kigali. Most towns of any size will have several internet cafes and computer centers.
UMUGANDA (COMMUNITY WORK DAY)
Every last Saturday of the month, from 08h00 to 12h30, all Rwandans from all walks of life take a break from their everyday chores and come together within the neighborhoods and villages to do communal work together, for the benefit of the whole society. Work often includes general cleaning and other activities like breaking fallow ground for farming, unblocking trenches and roadside drains, sweeping the streets, etc. After the work, communities have a short meeting [Inama] to discuss general societal issues and then go back home.
The afternoon is free to revert to personal engagements.
HOW TO GET TO RWANDA;
Kigali International Airport connects the world to Rwanda with flights to and from:
Addis Ababa, Accra, Amsterdam, Arusha, Brazzaville, Brussels, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Doha, Dubai, Entebbe, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Juba, Kilimanjaro, Lagos, Libreville, Mombasa and Nairobi.
Rwanda is a polythene-free country. For environmental reasons, plastic bags have been banned, the customary plastic duty-free bags included.