Rwanda

Rwanda

The first thing that springs to most people’s minds when thinking of Rwanda is its turbulent political history. But today’s Rwanda is a far cry from the nation it was in the mid-90s: the country has emerged from the shadows and has much to offer visitors, most notably the tracking of endangered mountain gorillas in the lush Virunga National Park, which extends across the peaks and jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains. Other major tourist attractions include expansive Lake Kivu, ancient Nyungwe Forest with its rich population of primate species, and the game-rich savannah lands of Akagera National Park.

Read More: Rwanda

Regions


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  • Kigali
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  • Volcanoes National Park

Travel Information


General

Language:The official languages include French, English, and Kinyarwanda. National Emergency Numbers:Police 311Traffic Police 08311115 or 08311114Fire…

Electricity

Plug Type: C, J Voltage (V): 230 V Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz *Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your…

Banking

Currency Local currency: Rwandan Franc Symbol: R₣ ISO code: RWF Subunit: Centime (1/100 of a Franc) Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000,…

Cuisine

Food and water safety: Can you drink the tap water: No Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, wash thoroughly Ice: No Meat: Yes, ensure it is well…

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging 1200 mm Average temperature: 21°C Summer: Average highs: 27°C Average lows: 15°C Winter: Average…

Transport

Air: Main airlines: RwandAir International Airports: Kigali International Airport Domestic Airports: None Road: Driving on the:…

Dress

Spring and Summer Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes Lightweight warm clothes: No Winter and Autumn Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters,…

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has…

Safety

Visa

VISA REQUIREMENTS:U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa for entry into Rwanda. Non-U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy. 


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General

Language:The official languages include French, English, and Kinyarwanda. National Emergency Numbers:Police 311Traffic Police 08311115 or 08311114Fire Brigade 08311120Public Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.January 1st - New Year’s DayJanuary 2nd - Day after New Year’s DayFebruary 1st - National Heroes DayGood FridayEaster Monday April 7th - Genocide against the Tutsi Memorial DayMay 1st - Labor DayJuly 1st - Independence DayJuly 4th - Liberation DayFriday of first week of August - Umuganura DayAugust 15th - Assumption DayDecember 25th - Christmas DayDecember 26th - Boxing DayTime Zone:Rwanda is two hours ahead of GMT.TippingThere are no set percentages for tips. Local culture believes the level of tips should be at the discretion of the client and any token of appreciation is gladly received. These are our suggestions: Restaurants - 3-5%Camps/Lodges - US$3-5 per guest for a stay of 1-3 daysDriver/Guide - US5-10 per day per clientHead Gorilla Tracking Ranger - US$10 per day per client who shares itPorters at Parks - US$3 per day per personHotel/Lodge Baggage Porter - US$1-2 per client per stayForest Walks - US$3 per client at lodges/camps US$ $3-5 per guest US EmbassyAddress: #2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie (Kacyiru) P.O. Box 28 Kigali, RwandaTel: (250) 596 400 Extension: 2553Fax: (250) 596 771 / 596 591Website: rwanda.usembassy.gov

Electricity

Plug Type: C, J 
Voltage (V): 230 V 
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Banking

Currency 
Local currency: Rwandan Franc 
Symbol: R₣ 
ISO code: RWF 
Subunit: Centime (1/100 of a Franc) 
Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 francs 
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 francs 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted in major cities 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: Weekdays: 08:00 – 17:00 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Cuisine

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, wash thoroughly 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, ensure it is well cooked 
Street food: Yes, choose hygienic vendors 

Local cuisine: 
Rwandan cuisine features dishes like "Ugali" (cornmeal staple), "Isombe" (cassava leaves with eggplant and spinach), and "Brochettes" (grilled meat skewers). Staple ingredients include bananas, plantains, pulses, sweet potatoes, and beans, often cooked with a blend of vegetables and meat. 

Drinks: 
Local banana wine and sorghum beer are traditional drinks. 

Tipping: Not customary but appreciated, usually around 5-10% in tourist areas. 

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging 1200 mm 
Average temperature: 21°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 27°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons from June to September and from December to February, which are ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing, especially for seeing mountain gorillas. 

Transport

Air: 
Main airlines: RwandAir 
International Airports: Kigali International Airport 
Domestic Airports: None 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes, primarily in urban areas 
Gravel roads: Yes, common in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Limited, primarily on lakes 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: Limited 

Dress

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Recommended during the rainy seasons 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

  

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Required Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever - all travelers coming from a yellow fever infected country will be required to show a valid Yellow Fever certificate on arrival. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Recommended Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Malaria prophylaxis - highly recommended for all travelers

Travelers should carry and use insect repellents containing either 20% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535, as well as clothing treated with permethrin, and bed nets, to prevent insect borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue and yellow fever.

Malaria: Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis. It is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported. 

We strongly recommend you take the following preventative measures:

Use plenty of mosquito repellent. Some properties provide a locally made repellent but please bring your own as there may be skin sensitivity.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
Please use the mosquito net over your bed where supplied/available.
If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with a suitable insecticide to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room.
Mosquito coils are also effective.

There is a six to seven day minimum incubation period before symptoms present themselves. If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped taking them, ensure that your doctor does everything to establish that your illness is not malaria. Please remember the best precaution is the preventative kind. 

It is inadvisable for pregnant women to visit malarial areas as malaria infection during pregnancy can be detrimental to both mother and child.

Visa

VISA REQUIREMENTS:U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa for entry into Rwanda. Non-U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.