Rwanda Travel Tips

RWANDA TRAVEL TIPS: Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Africa that is defined by beautiful lush rolling hills, scenic stunning landscapes, evergreen forests, diverse and vibrant culture. The great efforts of the government of Rwanda in conserving and preserving their nature and wildlife and in marketing their growing tourism industry to the world has seen Rwanda increasingly becoming a top tourist destination.
Let’s look at the tips you need for a safe, enjoyable and memorable visit to the Land of a thousand hills.

First things first, check for your nationality’s visa requirements to Rwanda. For those who can obtain the visa on arrival in Rwanda, you should have cash in dollars with you to pay for the visa.
Consult your healthcare provider to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date and that you have all the required vaccinations for a travel to Rwanda.
Take necessary precautions like taking your anti-malarial medicines, using mosquito / insect repellents and sleeping under a mosquito net while in Rwanda to avoid getting malaria.
A travel insurance policy is highly recommended.

While in Rwanda:

Visit the Genocide memorial sites in Rwanda like the Kigali Genocide memorial for an insight of what happened during that fateful time.
Gorilla trekking is an activity that is not to be missed out. Visit the Volcanoes national park to take part in this thrilling once in a lifetime adventure, a highlight to a visit to Rwanda.
Visit the other 3 national parks in Rwanda for a rewarding wildlife experience. Nyungwe forest national park, Akagera national park (the only savanna park in the country) and Gishwati Mukura national park, the newest park in Rwanda.
Go for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe national park and also take time to for the one-of-a-kind Canopy walk over the lush Nyungwe forest.
Visit the stunning beautiful Lake Kivu, the largest lake in Rwanda shared with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda’s national currency is the Rwandan Franc (Rwf). Its advisable to exchange some of your cash (dollars, euros etc.) to the Rwandan Franc to help you in some places especially in local markets and craft shops when making purchases.
But do carry some cash with you and preferably in small denominations.
For your own safety, avoid deserted places, especially in the night.
Tipping for a service well appreciated at a restaurant, hotel or by your tour guide. It is a traveler’s personal wish which will be much appreciated.
The main languages spoken in Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French and English. The most people who are in direct contact with visitors to the country.
Always drink bottled drinking water or purified water. Do not drink water directly from the tap in Rwanda.
Wireless internet connections are available at some facilities in the urban areas and some hotels and lodges. But if you are out and about exploring. Its advisable you get yourself a local sim card and buy a data plan to stay connected.
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season. That is June to September and the dry months of January and February. Most especially if you are planning on trekking the gorillas in
Volcanoes national park or chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest.
Visit the tea plantations in Rwanda. Get to witness how the tea is harvest and processed. Visit to the coffee plantations is worth it.
Take time and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Rwanda by going on a guided cultural tour. Be respectful and dress moderately while on these cultural visits and around Rwanda at large.
Respect the local’s privacy. Don’t take their photos without their consent.
You can easily get around Rwanda using their decent public transport. It offers different forms of transport or you can hire a car. Which could be expensive but convenient. Especially if you are planning of visiting the national parks, or do join group tours.
Rwanda’s tourism is on a rise hence the infrastructure is also being improved. Like the roads leading to the tourist destinations and the safari lodges and hotels. Avoid crowded places and keep your valuable items safe.