Rwanda is often referred to as "Le Pays des Mille Collines" (Land of a Thousand Hills) due to its numerous mountains. The Virunga volcanoes in the northwest are particularly majestic and are home to some of the world's last remaining mountain gorillas hidden among the bamboo forests. Lake Kivu offers beautiful inland beaches, while Nyungwe Forest National Park protects an extensive montane rainforest and diverse primate species. For a more urban experience, the capital city of Kigali is known for its charm and beauty. In this article, we will provide essential travel advice to enhance your experience.

Preparing for Your Trip

Before setting off on your Rwandan adventure, it’s crucial to ensure you meet all entry requirements. The cornerstone of these is obtaining a Rwanda visa, which can conveniently be applied for and received online, eliminating the need for embassy visits.

To apply for a Rwanda eVisa online, you will need a valid passport, a bank card with sufficient funds to cover the visa fees and a valid email address to receive the approved visa.

Health Precautions

When traveling to Rwanda, certain health precautions are necessary. If you’re arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, a yellow fever vaccination and an official vaccination certificate are mandatory. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, and influenza.

Malaria and Dengue are potential risks in Rwanda. Consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis before your trip. As of now, Rwanda has reopened its doors to tourists post-Covid-19, and proof of status is no longer required.

Staying Connected

To stay connected during your trip, consider getting a SIM card for Rwanda. While free Wifi is available in many places, having a SIM card offers a more reliable and secure connection. SIM cards can be purchased at international airports, mobile stores, convenience stores, or online. Remember to carry your passport when purchasing a SIM card as it will be registered under your name and passport number.

Currency and Safety

The official currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan franc. It’s advisable to carry some cash as not all places accept credit cards. ATMs are available in major cities, but not all accept foreign cards. USD is also widely accepted in hotels and safaris.

Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa with a low crime rate. However, it’s always wise to take precautions against pickpocketing and avoid traveling alone at night. Some border areas should be avoided due to occasional tensions.

Language

The official languages of Rwanda are French, Kinyarwanda, English, and Swahili. English is widely spoken in the travel and tourism industry. While mastering Kinyarwanda is not necessary, knowing some basic words can help you impress locals, especially those who do not speak English or French. Some basic travel phrases will be very useful when using a moto-taxis.

Best Time to Visit

Rwanda’s weather is fairly consistent, with an average temperature of 22-23 degrees throughout the year. The country experiences two seasons: dry (June to September and December to February) and rainy (February to May and September to December). If your primary purpose is gorilla trekking, the dry seasons are the best times to visit.

Getting Around

Rwanda offers various transportation options. In Kigali, the road network is extensive, making it easy to navigate by car. If you’re planning to rent a car, remember to carry your driving license and an international driving permit. For quick and convenient travel, you can use motorbike taxis, locally known as “motos”. 

If you want to take a moto-taxi, the driver will provide a helmet for you. There are fixed fares for traveling to specific points around the city, typically ranging between 500 and 2,000 RWF. Many moto-taxis are equipped with meters, so you can request to use it from the driver.

Air travel is also an option for quick trips around Rwanda and neighboring countries.

Exploring Rwanda

Rwanda is a treasure trove of attractions. Kigali, the capital city, is a must-visit. For wildlife enthusiasts, Volcanoes National Park offers an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Other notable attractions include Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes.

Embarking on a journey to Rwanda is like stepping into a world of enchanting landscapes, rich culture, and unique wildlife. With these travel tips, you’re now ready to make the most of your Rwandan adventure. Happy travels!