Important Tips and Advice when Travelling to Rwanda : The popularity of Rwanda as a travel destination is rising, but before you go, it’s always a good idea to understand more about the nation and pertinent details about visas, health, and safety. Our specialists have compiled all the information in our Rwanda Travel Tips and advice to help you get the most out of your Rwanda wildlife Safaris. Discover all the necessary information from specialists in our Rwanda travel guide, including visa requirements, health information, language, and currency. Here are our advice, tips and other important information to help you have unforgettable and enjoyable safari tour to Rwanda:
Mountain gorillas in Rwanda
Although tracking the renowned mountain gorillas is the main reason people travel to Rwanda, there is much more to the nation, and it is well worth staying a few extra days to explore it all. The best time to do gorilla tracking is over a couple of days, which can be combined with time in Kigali, lounging by Lake Kivu, or chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest. Gorilla tracking can be combined with a longer safari or some beach time thanks to Rwanda’s good aircraft connections to Kenya.
Currency used and required in Rwanda
The Rwandan franc is the country’s official currency. Larger hotels and lodges frequently accept both US currency (USD) and Rwandan francs. Both US dollars and Rwandan francs are accepted as tips in the tourism industry, but Rwandan francs are preferred whenever possible.
Please be aware that US currency older than 2009 may not be accepted, and damaged or ripped currency will not be accepted. In Kigali and other bigger towns in Rwanda, currency can be exchanged at foreign exchange bureaus. The exchange rates for large notes (such as EUR, USD 50 and 100) are better than those for lesser denominations.
In and around Kigali, there are ATMs that accept international cards but also give out Rwandan francs. While there are occasionally ATMs upcountry, they are not always accessible, so it is not a good idea to rely on them while on safari, particularly when moving through the bush. It’s also a good idea to let your bank and credit card companies know in advance that you’ll be visiting Africa to avoid having a transaction declined.
In a lot of hotels and inns, you can pay with a credit or debit card (Visa or MasterCard) (usually with an additional surcharge). It is advised to have extra cash on hand, though, in case a card is declined or the network is down.
Travel Insurance in Rwanda
It is imperative to purchase enough travel insurance prior to leaving. Any medical emergency, including hospitalization, as well as cancellation, modification, and baggage should be covered by this, Important Tips and Advice when Travelling to Rwanda
Language used in Rwanda
Although Kinyarwanda is the official language, most Rwandese are able to communicate in at least one other language. Most people working in the tourism sector are bilingual in French and English.
Food and beverages in Rwanda
In all centers, restaurants and hotels catering to tourists serve delicious Western cuisine with a Belgian flavor. Goat kebabs, grilled tilapia (a lake fish), ugali (maize porridge), matoke (cooked banana), and potatoes are popular dishes in Rwanda.
Getting to Rwanda
Kanombe International Airport serves as Kigali’s primary airport. It lies 10 kilometers east of Kigali, the city center. Currently, Nairobi, Entebbe, Bujumbura, Addis Ababa, Kilimanjaro, Brussels, Amsterdam, Dar es Salaam, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Juba, Lagos, and Dubai offer direct flights to Kigali, Rwanda. You can even take a bus from a nearby nation such as from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
Getting around Rwanda
Within cities, short distances can be covered on foot or by taxi-velo (bicycle taxi). These are reasonably priced. In Kigali, taxis on motorcycles, or taxi motos, are the most common. These cabs can be recognized by their uniforms, and an extra helmet is always present. Most drivers can communicate in Basic English or French. Rwandans adhere to the laws requiring the use of helmets when riding motorbikes.
Taxis are widely used, available at taxi stands in both Kigali and the regions, and have designated bus stops. You can book a special cab by calling them, or the front desk of any hotel can make the call for you to a recommended driver. These cost more than other types of public transportation, including motorcycle taxis.
The white minibuses with green or yellow accents are known as “matatus” and are seen all around the nation. For interregional communication, Rwanda has an excellent local transportation infrastructure, good roads, and a large number of well-kept, contemporary minibuses. From Kigali, one can hire cars and drivers, and the majority of the roads are in good condition, Important Tips and Advice when Travelling to Rwanda
To make your trip more interesting, if you’re thinking of driving from Kigali to other provinces of Rwanda, like along Lake Kivu, it’s advised that you get a 4×4 and travel with someone who knows the area or use public transportation (Matatus), as there are buses from various transport agencies linking Kigali to other cities of the country every 30 minutes from the regional car park at Nyabugogo.
Tipping in Rwanda
Although it is not mandatory, tips are always accepted if you are pleased with the service. At the conclusion of your time in camp, we advise you to tip your guide directly; as a general rule, you might want to tip between US$5 and $10 per day. Giving a tip to the general camp workers is also a pleasant gesture; we advise giving about $5 to $10 per visitor every day. You should put this in the group tip jar. Obviously, this is only very general guidance, and you are free to provide whatever you deem fit.
Safety in Rwanda
It is wise to ask your guide first because they will be aware of any potentially dangerous spots you should stay away from. Stay away from deserted regions, especially at night. When exploring the city, dress casually and avoid wearing too much jewelry. It is advised to use a concealed travel wallet.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help at any moment; Rwandans are highly friendly and welcoming people. Avoid shooting photos of anything related to the government or the military, including government buildings, post offices, banks, ports, train stations, airports, or the land or people nearby army installations.
Health
For guidance on malaria prevention measures before traveling to Africa, please speak with your doctor. The region of Africa with yellow fever includes Uganda and Rwanda. You must get vaccinated against yellow fever at least 10 days before your trip. Your home country and other African countries may forbid re-entry if you do not have the yellow fever vaccine. Anyone who needs to take a specific prescription should bring enough for the entire visit.
Photography
In order to avoid running out of memory cards or batteries, make sure you pack several with you to Rwanda. Please get someone’s consent before taking their picture. Please be aware that until their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching measures can be evaluated, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) is not permitted in any of the conservation areas.
Passport and Visa Requirements
All foreign visitors need to have a passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the anticipated stay. Please make sure your passport has at least 2 consecutive blank visa pages (not endorsement pages). If you’re traveling through several nations, we advise leaving three or even four blank pages. Entry could be refused if the passport doesn’t have enough room. It is essential to confirm the Rwandan embassies’ visa policies because they may change depending on your nationality.
Where visas may be obtained at the port of entry, fees must be paid in USD cash only, and we advise using tiny bills because officials are unable to provide change. It is advised that visitors secure their visas in advance because there may be lengthy lines at all airports, Important Tips and Advice when Travelling to Rwanda
The weather and climate in Rwanda
Rwanda Safari offers visitors a comfortable tropical highland climate, although it does occasionally rain. There are two wet seasons (February to April and November to January), which are mild in the highlands with the possibility of frost and snow.
Except for the higher mountains, which make up much of the country, where the range is 10 °C to 15 °C, the average daily temperature is around 24 °C. Any time of the year is a good time to visit Rwanda. Mountain gorilla tracking is easier during the dry season, which lasts from mid-May to mid-October, but the unending slopes are barren in contrast to the lush greenery of the wet season.
The best months to visit Rwanda for gorilla tracking are July and August; visiting outside of these months makes obtaining a permit easier. In the northeast, where rainforest covers the volcanoes, it rains more regularly and strongly. The highest peak in Rwanda, Karisimbi (4507m), frequently has snow or sleet on its summit, Important Tips and Advice when Travelling to Rwanda
Rwanda Packing list: What should I bring with me?
As a general rule, it is advised to wear relaxed, comfortable clothing. Early in the morning and late in the day, when game drives are done, can be very chilly, particularly in the winter. The most practical items to pack for your Rwanda safari are:
- Green, beige, khaki, and other neutral colors should be avoided (dark blue and black clothing should be avoided, as they attract Tsetse flies).
- Long-sleeved shirts (even in summer, as protection from the sun, mosquitoes and Tsetse flies).
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- For milder days and evenings, wear jeans or safari pants.
- For early morning and late-night game drives, a jacket and a sweater are advised.
- A lightweight jacket that is waterproof.
- Sturdy pants
- An umbrella
- Beachwear and swimwear while at camp.
- Walking shoes that are comfortable.
- Sturdy walking boots that are waterproof (comfortable for going up steep hills). While trekking, pants should be tucked into socks and boots.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, lip balm, and a moisturizer are all necessities.
- Strong repellant for insects.
- Binoculars and photographic gear.
- Water and a packed lunch can be carried in a small backpack.
“In order to enjoy the most Rwanda wildlife safari in and potentially all of Africa this coming vacation, you will need to take the best Rwanda Travel Guide into consideration or for more information about your unforgettable safari trip in any East Africa Country do not forget to get in touch with us”
