A Comprehensive Guide to the Essential Rwanda Travel Tips in Africa

Rwanda, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” is a country known for its primates, especially the Mountain Gorillas, and its unique culture.

The country is found in East Africa and it is covered with extensive beautiful landscapes, lively people, and diverse wildlife.

Travelers anticipating to travel to Rwanda will appreciate a comprehensive travel guide to help them navigate the country without many interruptions.

Here is your comprehensive travel guide to Rwanda.

1. A Guide through the Travel Destinations in the Country 

Knowing the Rwanda national parks and other travel destinations will help you with planning your itinerary more conveniently.

The key destinations in the country include,

Volcanoes National Park 

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is known for the mountain gorilla trekking experiences. You will be able to meet and spend an hour with one of the over 10 habituated gorilla families of the park.

With the assistance of your professional tour operator, it is important to book your permits in advance, that is, at least 3 to 6 months before your tour because they are always limited.

Akagera National Park

The magnificent Akagera National Park is a prominent destination for remarkable wildlife experiences. Akagera will allow you to experience the African Big Five (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, and Buffaloes)

Other animals to see at Akagera National Park include Zebras, Hyenas, Giraffes, Topis, Bushbucks, and various bird species, among others.

Nyungwe Forest National Park 

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a renowned place to experience the different primates and is also known for the canopy walks that give you a more extensive beautiful aerial view of the forest.

Expect to watch monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons, and various bird species while on your tour at Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Kigali City 

Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda, known for its safety, cleanliness, and lively culture. A tour through Kigali City is a chance for you to explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial site, the bustling local markets, the Rwanda Art Museum, the Inema Art Center, and the Amahoro Stadium, among others.

2. Booking Permits and Visa Visas 

Ensure to book all your permits at least 3 to 6 months early enough for early preparations because they are always limited and in very high demand. Bookings can either be done through your tour operator or directly through the Rwanda Development Board.

Travelers from African countries do not require a visa to enter Rwanda. However, other nationals around the world require a visa to enter the country and you can apply for it online.

3. Health Tips 

Health and safety are an important part of your travels in Rwanda. Therefore, consider the following health and safety precautions before you go to the country.

a. Vaccinations 

You will require Yellow Fever vaccinations to enter Rwanda. However, you will other important vaccinations for your Rwanda safari for example Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid vaccinations.  Since there is Malaria, you will also need prophylactic medications.

Please consult with your medical personnel on the important medical necessities when traveling to Tanzania.

b.Travel Insurance 

Your travel insurance is important in the case of medical emergencies and in cases when your trip is canceled.

c.  Water and Food 

While in Rwanda, stick to drinking bottled water, washing fruits before eating them, and avoiding uncooked food to prevent gastrointestinal issues.

4. A Guide on the Local People and Cultures in Rwanda 

The Rwandese are big on culture thus one of the best things to be cautious about is their cultural ways.

Greetings are common and people usually bow their heads slightly when greeting the elders.

Dress appropriately when visiting rural areas and ask for people’s permission before you take their photo.

5. Handling Money

Major currencies in Rwanda are the Rwandan Franc (RWF) and the United States Dollars (USD).

Kigali city has many places where you can exchange money and ATMs where you can withdraw money.

Service providers like hotels, big businesses, and restaurants accept credit cards although moving with cash (RWFs) when buying from smaller traders is advisable.

6. Transportation Tips in Rwanda 

Below are some of the best transportation options for your tour in Rwanda.

a)    Public Transportation: The public transportation system in Kigali and other towns includes buses and taxis, which are also known as the matatus. There are also other ride-sharing apps in the country for example Uber and Yego.

b)    Car Rentals: car rental services provide a more flexible option for travelers who seek better comfort. Consider hiring a 4×4 vehicle, especially for the rural areas.

Booking a trip with Orinoco Expeditions will cater for in-country transportation as part of the cost added to the itinerary.

7. Sustainability and Conservation during Travels 

Rwanda is among the African countries that take conservation very seriously. From Kigali City to the bushy regions of Volcanoes National Park, conservation is a serious practice both on the beautiful streets and in the wildlife. This makes Rwanda one of the cleanest cities in the world.

To help promote conservation and sustainability in Rwanda,

1.     Ensure to follow the guidelines given during Gorilla trekking to minimize the impact on the wild animals.

2.     Rwanda banned the use of plastic bags therefore ensure to carry reusable bags and ensure to dispose of the waste properly.

3.     You can also help in promoting conservation by supporting local communities by staying in their eco-friendly lodges and promoting other local services like restaurants, among others.

8. Safety Precautions and Emergency Contacts 

Rwanda is generally safe for tourists with 99% of the travellers enjoying a safe trip in the country. However, it is important to remain cautious during trips.

a)    The police emergency number in Rwanda is 112 and the medical emergency number is 114.

b)    Ensure to follow the local laws and regulations plus the traditional customs to avoid any misunderstandings.

c)     Additionally, avoid walking in the night especially when alone.

9. Language and Communication in Rwanda 

Kinyarwanda is the national language in Rwanda, although French and English are also widely spoken, more so in the tourist regions.

As a way to experience this beautiful country, you could learn some of the few phrases in Kinyarwanda to show that you respect and value the locals and their culture.

10. Climate and Weather in Rwanda 

Rwanda has two rainy seasons (from March to May and October to November) and two dry seasons (from December to February and June to September). Although it is possible to visit the country in both seasons, the best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season when the trekking trails are drier and thus easier to pass through.

11. Things to Pack and the Best Clothes to Wear 

For your Rwanda tour, you will need various things to pack for your trip for example a camera, pair of binoculars, insect-repellent, sunscreen lotion, backpack, and travel documents, among others.

For the clothes, carry lightweight clothes for the day and warmer clothes for the nighttime. Additionally, wear strong sturdy shoes or hiking boots for treks.

12. Internet and Communication in Rwanda 

You can buy a Tanzanian local SIM card for affordable data options and in-country calls.  On the other hand, hotels and lodges usually provide free WIFI, although the connection may be poor in rural areas.

Conclusion

Rwanda will provide you with an unforgettable trip as you explore the country’s wildlife, culture, and the beauty of nature. The comprehensive Rwanda travel tip will allow you to plan well for your trip and enjoy it comfortably and safely while on your journey.

Book with us your Rwanda tours today and let us help you navigate the country with the best travel experiences in Africa.