Travel tips Rwanda – Safari information

Geography

Rwanda is regarded as a very small country full of mountains and some times it is known as ‘’the land of a thousand hill’’ located in the central Africa. It is bordered by countries like Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Rwanda lies a few degrees south of the equator. Like its neighbor Uganda, Rwanda is also a landlocked country with out sea port. Its capital Kigali is located within the heart of Rwanda and it is one of the beautiful cities in the world. The country is divided by great peaks with Karisimbias the highest peak at 4,507on the Virunga Volcanic ranges and the lowest point in Rwanda is the Ruzizi River, at 950 m (3,117 ft) above sea level. It’s one of the world’s most densely populated countries and its population density is one of the highest in Africa. The country has very many lakes with Lake Kivu being the largest it occupies the floor of the Albertine Rift along most of the length of Rwanda’s western border. Lake kivu also has fresh water where very many beach activities can be arranged such as fishing, swimming, and beach volley ball among other activities Lake Kivu is one of the 20 deepest lakes in the Lake Kivu in the west, Other lakes include: Burera,Ruhondo, Muhazi,Rweru and Ihema.

Getting to Rwanda:

Rwanda has one international airport called Kigali International Airport which is a gate way into Rwanda. Many international flights that fly directly to Rwanda include SN Brussels, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Burundi, Kenya Airways, and Rwandair Express fly into Kigali. Kigali international airport is located just about10 Km to Kigali’s central business district. Several other means can be used especially from nearest countries like In Uganda, Burundi Tanzania and democratic republic of Congo several bus companies make the 8 hour journey from Kampala in Uganda to Kigali. It’s advised that before make bookings it’s better to contact your travel agent

When to visit:

Rwanda can be visited throughout the year travelling depends on travelers interest, however the best time to visit Rwanda is the dry season which is the best time for gorilla tracking and game drive as the hikes are not muddy allowing the tracking to become more easier the dry season are from is from June to mid-September. The heavy and persistence rainy lasts from about March to May and shorter rain is from mid September to mid December. The wet season is good for chimpanzee tracking and it’s the most time when the grass is greener.

Visa requirements / Passports:

A passport and visa is a number one requirement needed to any travelers wishing to visit Rwanda and a visa can be obtained upon your arrival and costs US$30. How ever nationals USA, UK, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sweden, Germany, Canada, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Mauritius, South Africa and Hong Kong do not require a passport due to the bilateral agreements signed between them and Rwanda. However it’s advised to keep checking whether your nation is still inclusive. Always check with your local Rwandan Embassy for the latest regulations;

Health:

All tourists need to be in good physical health condition before planning their safaris to Rwanda always seeks medical advice from your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. Rwanda’s height above seas level is relatively high and malaria is not a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are strongly recommended.In Rwanda, it is advisable not to drink tap water. Bottled mineral water can be bought in all towns and our company provides them free of charge while on safari. A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required. You are advised to carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical necessities (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the site on this trip. As our tour guides are not allowed to administer any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared before you travel

What to dress:

Lightweight casual clothes are recommended to be worn all year round, with a jacket or sweater for early mornings and evenings as it is so cold in the morning and late evening. To add on that heavier clothing may be necessary for the Parc des Volcans and Nyungwe. When tracking mountain gorillas, wear sturdier clothing to protect against stinging nettles, and hard walking shoes. Water proof rain jacket is important as it can rain at any time while in the jungle. Sun protection, sunglasses and hat are important to bring. Bring also Binoculars which will greatly enhance game drives, forest walks and bird watching. A camera and an adequate stock of film are essential.

Language

Kinyarwanda is the National language which is considered an indigenous, while French and English are also widely used especially in Kigali and other big towns allover the country and tourist centers.

People and culture

Rwanda has three groups of people including the Hutu, Tutsi, and the Twa with The Hutu being the largest group which dominates other groups with a population of over 84%. The Tutsi follow with a population of about 15% and the Twa with the lowest population of just about 1%. Rwanda people have a diverse culture very unique to many other African countries. Rwanda has been a united state since pre-colonial times, occupied by the Banyarwanda people who share a single language and cultural heritage. Kinyarwanda is a Bantu language. Less than 10 percent of Rwanda’s population also speaks French, and a small portion speaks English.Eleven regular national holidays are observed throughout the year, with others occasionally inserted by the government.

Religious Beliefs

most of the people in Rwanda holdsChristianity belief, over 60% of the population are Catholics, and another 30% are Protestants, with the largest Protestant churches including Pentecostals, Seventh Day Adventists, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Free Methodists, and Baptists. The other 10% share other briefs. Many Rwandans still holds a traditional funeral and other traditional rites for the dead. Indigenous healers remain common as well.

Local Time

Rwanda is two hours (+2) ahead of Greenwich Mean Time

Credit cards: 

Credit cards are accepted whole over the country mainly at largest hotels and lodges in Kigali (Visa, MasterCard are generally accepted). Kindly note that credit cards are not widely accepted and most organizations reserve the right to levy a surcharge on credit card transactions. MasterCard and Visa cards are the favorite cards.

Banking hours: 

Rwanda banks include equity bank (Rwanda), Crane bank, Stambic bank, Crane bank, and Eco bank among others. Generally the banking hours are from 0800-1700pm on Mon-Fri, and on Saturday 0800am-1200pm.

Public holidays

Like any other county in the east and central Africa, Rwanda has very many public holiday which has to be honored by very one in the county, so as a tourist it’s is of need to know these days, New Year’s Day (1 January)

• National Heroes day (1 February)
• Genocide Memorial day(7 April)
• labour day (1 may)
• National Liberation Day(1 July)
• Assumption Day (15 August)
• patriotism Day (1 October)
• charismas Day (25 December)
• Boxing Day (26 December)
• How ever, Good Friday and Easter Monday are variable dates and are also respected and taken as public