Important Travel Information for Travelers to Rwanda.
Important Travel Information for Travelers to Rwanda: Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills is a spectacularly rich and culturally rewarding safari destination in East-Central Africa. This small and land-locked country boasts of stunning and towering hills and mountains, pristine Lake Shores, dense rainforests, rugged cliffs, beautiful savannah plains, vibrant Cities and Towns, rich histories, exciting culture and a whole lot more that will blow your mind.
Rwandans are generally warm, friendly and welcoming while their food is organic and delicious while their adventures are countless and breathtaking. In this country you have opportunities of gorilla trekking, mountain/volcano climbing, bird watching, chimpanzee and golden monkey tracking, game viewing, boat rides, sport fishing, City tours, coffee/tea tours, canopy walks, historical and cultural tours, and so much more. There is undoubtedly so much to see and do in Uganda, and for this reason, you would want to know the important travel information, advice and guideline when exploring this beautiful land of a thousand hills.
In anticipation and preparation for your Rwanda safari, you might want to brush some important travel information for this remarkable Country, so that you can feel safe, secure, confident and excited in exploring and having unforgettable experiences.
Visa requirements for Rwanda. Important Travel Information for Travelers to Rwanda
You will have to first check whether you need a visa prior for visiting Rwanda and these requirements vary from country to country. Citizens of some countries require visas for at least 30 days while others up to 90 days. Interestingly, Citizens of some countries don’t require visas at all and for this reason, you will need to first check the visa requirements for your country to be sure that you are allowed to get into Rwanda.
Pack right.
The weather of Rwanda is mostly humid, although temperatures usually drop in the high altitude areas especially around/within the Virunga Volcanoes in the Northern Province. For this reason, you will need to carry long sleeved shirts, safari pants, comfortable and breathable warm sweater, rain jacket, gardening gloves, rain jacket and a backpack. Also pack for the hot weather by carrying a wide brimmed hat, short sleeved shirts, pair of shorts, sandals, sunglasses and sunscreen as well as toiletries and first aid kit.
Currency and payment method. Important Travel Information for Travelers to Rwanda
Franc is the currency in Rwanda. While in the land of a thousand hills, get ready to pay with cash (whether local or foreign currency) because it is considered the more convenient means than it is with payment by credit/debit card. Most restaurants, street food stalls, tourist sites, local markets and other places in Rwanda only take cash as a payment method but worry not because there are many ATM points across the country.
Religious and cultural tips for Rwanda.
There are a number of religious and cultural tips that you might want to know before/when traveling to Rwanda and these include dressing decently and respectfully while visiting cultural and historical sites. Whatever you wear must cover your chest, shoulders, knees, stomach and breasts. Additionally, also ask for permission before taking photos of locals as they go about their daily routines. Always apply respect and dignity when bargaining for products and services.
Safety tips for Rwanda.
Staying safe during Rwanda safari doesn’t mean the country is unsafe. Rwanda is actually one of the safest safari destinations you will ever visit in Africa. However, always stick within the group and avoid moving alone at night.
Additionally, abstain from excessive alcohol consumption as it may expose you to exploitative behaviour. Always keep your valuables in the Hotel safe/locker or better still avoid bringing much valuables in public while undertaking tours. Be cautious while using public transport means-buses, taxis/matatus and Boda bodas.
Getting around Rwanda.
Rwanda has a lot of transportation options for exploring the country and they include domestic flight (helicopter flights) for swift travel with airports including Kigali, Kamembe and many others. The perfect way to explore the country is by renting a private safari vehicle provided by any of the many Car Rental Companies or Tour Operators.
Health tips for traveling to Rwanda.
Staying healthy is one of the most important things during Rwanda safaris and for this reason, we recommend buying medical insurance because you can never know what will happen while you are on your trip and bills might add up so fast, get sick or injured abroad. This is common while you take part in adventurous activities like mountain climbing, water sports, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and many others.
Make sure that you don’t drink tap water because it isn’t healthy in Rwanda. For any trip, make sure that you have a re-usable water bottle that can always be filled at the Hotel/Safari Lodge or any other water station. Always use bottled water in Rwanda, even if it’s for brushing teeth.
Sun protection is also recommended, especially when heading to the beaches, mountains or game drives during the dry and hot season.
Best time to visit Rwanda.
The ideal time to visit Rwanda is between June and September as well as between December and February. This is the traditional dry season in the land of a thousand hills and during this season, there is a minimal chance of experiencing downpours. However, you can explore the country throughout the year, but the wet season is between March and May as well as between October and November when your activities- gorilla treks, game drives, chimpanzee treks and mountain climbing adventures might have a bit of rain.
