Rwanda, also known as the land of a Thousand Hills, has a rich history that goes way back to the 17th Century. It is a remarkably beautiful country characterized by rolling hills, green vegetation, beautiful people, spotlessly clean streets, and very cool weather throughout the year. Rwanda offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, wildlife, and history. Home to almost a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Rwanda is the leading gorilla trekking destination in the world.
However, gorilla trekking is not the only thing you can do in Rwanda. You can enjoy the ultimate safari experience in Akagera National Park, embark on the adventurous canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and relax on the shores of Lake Kivu. We have compiled a guide to help ease your first visit in Rwanda and also to ensure that you have an enjoyable stay.
Entry requirements
Like any other country, you require a visa to entre Rwanda; with the exception of visitors from the East African Community (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and South Sudan). Rwanda offers a visa on arrival facility for citizens of several countries.
Travelers can obtain a visa upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or other entry points and Visitors wishing to stay in Rwanda for tourism purposes can apply for a tourist visa, which is typically valid for 30 days but can sometimes be extended.
Also important to note is that Rwanda also offers a special visa category, such as the East African Tourist Visa, which allows travelers to visit Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya with a single visa.
Finally, though many visitors find it unusual, your passport should have at least two blank visa pages. The Rwandan visa is four pages, and you need an additional blank page after they stamp it with a full page. Also make sure that your passport is valid at least for the next six months.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season that stretches from June to September, which also coincides with summer in the western countries. December to February is also relatively dry but with occasional rains. During this dry season, the skies are clear, the weather is warm, the roads to the safari destinations are quite good and the animals in the parks are easier to view as they converge at the water sources for refreshments.
Note that you can visit Rwanda any time of the year. The dry seasons are also peak tourist seasons with many numbers of tourists visiting at the same time and this makes the costs of services quite high. Although visiting during the rainy seasons may be challenging, it is cost effective since there are fewer tourists and most services are discounted, making the perfect time for budget travelers.
Communication
It is quite easy to communicate in Rwanda because English is widely spoken especially by people living in the urban areas. As you dive deeper into the villages, most people will speak to you in Kinyarwanda so it is important to learn the basic phrases like “how are you,” “Thank you,” and you’re welcome.
French is also widely spoken so visitors from French speaking countries may not have a lot of trouble with communication.
Currency
Rwanda’s Currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). One US dollar is equivalent to 1,436.74 RWF as per the current exchange rates, but these rates change every now and again. Cash is widely used in Rwanda although credit and debit cards are also acceptable in urban areas. Another mode of payment is mobile money. MTN offers Momo pay for goods and services, but you may need to purchase the MTN Sim card at the airport if you’re not comfortable moving around with a lot of cash.
Health
Before you travel to Rwanda or anywhere in the world, your health should be your number one priority. Malaria is a risk in some areas so precautions like using prophylaxis and sleeping in a treated mosquito net should be taken.
Never drink tap water in Rwanda! You may be at a risk of getting typhoid fever which could be fatal. Most hotels provide bottled water for drinking, and you can also use it to brush your teeth. Endeavour to take all the required vaccines like the yellow fever vaccines. When going for gorilla trekking, always wear a mask to avoid transmitting diseases to gorillas or contracting diseases from them.
Lastly, beware of HIV and other STI’s. Should you find yourself in a compromising situation, take use of your protection.
Getting around
Rwanda is a relatively small country and covers an area of approximately 26,338 Square kilometers: slightly bigger than the state of Maryland in the US. This means that getting around is very easy and affordable. Averagely, the longest distance you can drive from Kigali to a safari destination in Rwanda is 230km; which is short compared to her neighboring countries.
Choosing Go Further 4×4 Car Rentals Rwanda for all your car rental needs is undoubtedly the best way to get around the country. We provide cars for both self-drive and with a driver, depending on your preferences. Go Further 4×4 Rwanda has very good deals for you and our cars are well maintained, serviced and in good mechanical conditions. All our vehicles are four-wheel drive meaning you can trust them to take through the roughest and slipperiest of roads that are common in Safari destinations.
When moving around Kigali, it is advised to take walks since most of the attractions in the city are within walking distance from each other. Alternatively, you may get a motorcycle taxi which will cost you only a few cents. Rwanda also has bicycle rentals so you can as well bike around.
It is important to note that crossing borders across East Africa is possible as long as you communicate with your car rental provider and make all the necessary arrangements. Go Further 4×4 has offices in Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda so you’ll be able to drive to any of these countries with ease.
Should you opt for self-drive, be reminded that driving in Rwanda is on the right side of the road. The country also has very strict traffic guidelines for example the speed limits are 40kmph in cities, 60kmph in rural areas, 80kmph on highways and 30kmph in residential areas and National parks. These rules are highly enforceable with many speed cameras and automatic ticketing systems on various points of the roads. According to the International driver’s association, violating these rules will result in a fine of $50 or more.
Environmental conservation
For over a decade now Rwanda has maintained her status as the cleanest country in Africa. This is not by chance! The government has strict policies regarding the use of plastic bags which were banned in 2008. Plastic bags are usually confiscated at the airport and most airlines headed to Rwanda often remind their passengers to get rid of their plastic bags before landing.
Littering carries very heavy fines. There are many trash bins in the towns so don’t be tempted to litter.
Food and accommodation
Rwanda has accommodations that go for as low as $20 and as high $1000 per night. It is very important to define your budget and allocate funds accordingly. Always ask around or browse the Internet for accommodations that fit within your budget to avoid overspending.
As for food, Rwanda has many options for both budget and luxury travelers. Averagely, it will cost you between $5-$ 20 to eat in a restaurant and up to $50 for fine dining and all this depends on your location, restaurant type and specific food items. Compared to other countries, street food in Rwanda is not as booming but the options available may cost between 50 Cents to $2.
Safety precautions
Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries for solo travelers. Aggravated crime rates are very low; but that doesn’t mean that the country is completely crime free. Petty crimes like pickpocketing, theft are common especially in crowded places so be on the lookout. Avoid moving alone at night and do not forget to that Rwanda has a curfew of 2am so if you’re found outside at that time, you’ll be answerable to the authorities.
Overall, visiting Rwanda is a once in a lifetime experience that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. For any inquiries or information about visiting Rwanda, do not hesitate to contact Go Further 4×4 Car Rentals and trust us to be your travel companions.
