Rwanda Safari Guide- Everything you need to know about Rwanda
The Republic of Rwanda is a landlocked country in Central Africa’s Great Rift Valley, where Africa’s Great Lakes region intersects with Southeast Africa. Bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda’s geography is dominated by mountains, savanna and numerous lakes. Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda’s quilt-like topography and highly elevated position have given it the nickname, ‘land of a thousand hills.
Health information
Visitors to East Africa arriving from any country with risk of yellow fever are required to carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. There is risk of malaria throughout the year so we advise that carry a good mosquito repellent and wear clothes that cover most parts of your body, especially if you are traveling during the rainy months.
Visitors to Rwanda and Uganda who are going gorilla trekking should be aware that gorillas are susceptible to most human diseases. If you are suffering from a contagious disease, you must inform your guide and not join the trek for the safety of these endangered gorillas. A standard trek is a strenuous and can last between one to four hours each way. Please note that children below 15 years of age are not permitted to go gorilla trekking.
Visas
Most travelers can get a visa on arrival in Rwanda, and citizens of African countries can enter visa-free. A 30-day tourist visa is available at entry points for all nationalities, with other options like the 90-day East Africa Tourist Visa also available. Visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their stay and may need a visa-exempt status.
The Vaccines needed
The Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Rwanda and proof of vaccination is required. It is recommended to get the vaccine at least 10 days before your travel. Other recommended vaccines for Rwanda include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations like DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus). It is also recommended to have up-to-date immunizations for Meningitis and Rabies.
Language and religion
The official languages in Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French and English. Kinyarwanda is a Bantu language and is spoken widely. Kirundi is spoken in the neighboring country Burundi. Kirundi and Kinyarwanda, are similar languages and have formed a wider dialect continuum called Rwanda–Rundi. Other languages like Swahili are also spoken in Rwanda. The use of English is most common in larger cities and in popular tourist destinations only. The further you travel into the interiors, the lesser the chances of finding locals who can converse in English.
The majority of Rwandans (about 65%) are Roman Catholic and another 9% are Protestant. Only about 1% of the population is Muslim. About a fourth of Rwandans adhere to indigenous beliefs. Many Rwandans practice both their traditional religion and Christianity at the same time.
WiFi and cell service
Rwanda has good Wi-Fi and cell service, especially in urban areas and tourist spots, which is mostly reliable thanks to a strong 4G LTE network. For connectivity, you can find free Wi-Fi in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants, and for mobile data, getting a local SIM card is the most cost-effective and reliable option, with major operators including MTN and Airtel.
Most mid-range to high-end hotels, lodges, and guesthouses offer free Wi-Fi to guests. Connection can vary, especially at more remote safari Lodges but is generally good in cities.
Currency and Cards
In Rwanda, US dollars are the most accepted currency in larger cities although smaller shops will only accept local currency. If you are carrying dollar bills, do make sure that they were printed in 2017 or later or you may be refused service. International credit cards, mainly Visa and Mastercard, are accepted at most establishments. Amex cards however, are not accepted in most areas.
Food in Rwanda
The local food is delicious, fresh, largely meat-based and locally sourced. Plenty of options for vegetarians – while there aren’t any vegan restaurants, most places have vegetarian option that could easily be modified to suit your need. Fruits can be found in plenty.
Dress code
Rwanda’s dress code is modest, especially in rural areas and places of worship, where shoulders and knees should be covered. In the capital, Kigali, Western-style dress is common, but it is best to dress smartly and respectfully. For activities like gorilla trekking, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect against insects and vegetation, and in the evenings, light sweaters are recommended due to cooler temperatures.
Try a cup of Rwandan coffee or tea
Tea is Rwanda’s largest export. The fertile volcanic soil and temperate climate are perfect for growing the plants that create this popular drink. Tea leaves can be seen covering the mountains – creating a stunning contrast to the blue skies, dirt roads and sunshine. Visitors can discover how tea is harvested, processed, and even get to taste the results. Tea may be Rwanda’s number one export, but the lush, rolling hills of the Rwandan countryside are equally suited to coffee production, and the beans coming out of Rwanda today are in serious demand all around the world.
Track Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world where the critically endangered mountain gorillas live. They make their homes in and amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is often described as “life changing” and with good reason. With only an estimated 880 Gorillas left in the world, to see these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment. Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours + depending on the family allocated to your group and their location.
Spend a day with the chimps of Nyungwe Forest
These cousins to humans can be found and tracked in Nyungwe National Forest. A beautiful guided hike through the forest will lead you to these fascinating creatures where you can watch them play and interact up close. Chimpanzee tracking can be done year-round in Nyungwe Forest, rain or shine, and while it is never guaranteed that you will see them, sightings are very common and guides are skillful in tracking them. The experience differs from gorilla tracking as the chimps are running around, so the sightings are a bit more sporadic and rushed, but worthwhile nonetheless.
Spot hippos, elephants and giraffes in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is located in the northeast of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. It is named after the Akagera River that flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into a labyrinth of lakes of which the largest is Lake Ihema. The forest fringed lakes, papyrus swamps, savannah plains and rolling highlands combine to make Akagera amongst the most scenic of reserves anywhere in Africa. It has exceptional levels of biodiversity and forms the largest protected wetland in central Africa. Akagera combines well with Nyungwe and the Volcanoes National Park to offer a great safari element as it is home to many large plains game species like elephants, giraffes and lions as well as species restricted to the papyrus swamps such as the Sitatunga and the sought-after Shoebill Stork.
Dip your toes into Lake Kivu
One of the African Great Lakes, Lake Kivu is stunningly beautiful and an incredible place to visit on your Rwandan adventure. The water in the lake has a cool temperature and there are beautiful beaches along the lakeshores with fine sand where one can relax in the sun after having a paddle or indulging in some water sports like kayaking or wind surfing. At only an hour away from Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu is also a great place to unwind after your gorilla trekking adventures.
The best time to visit Rwanda
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons, from June to mid-September and December to February, for optimal wildlife viewing, especially gorilla trekking. These periods offer the best hiking conditions and lower risk of malaria. The dry seasons are also when you’ll find clearer skies and more comfortable temperatures.
Accommodation in Rwanda
Rwanda offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury safari lodges near national parks to boutique hotels in the capital city of Kigali. Lodging options are available to fit a variety of budgets and travel styles. Camping spots are available in most of the destinations and regions of Rwanda. You can always book your accommodation through a local tour operator or online booking platforms like booking.com.
In conclusion
For most people, Rwanda is infamous for its tragic social collapse of the 1994 genocide. But while this tragic epoch is a big part of the country’s modern history, Rwanda has evolved into a united, proud and optimistic nation. Visiting Rwanda will leave you with an overwhelming sense of admiration for its people’s hope and determination, and the remarkable way the country has unified.
