Rwanda is today most famous for its Parc National de Volcans, the natural habitat of the world's last remaining mountain gorillas. On our safari tours, discover these amazing creatures in their own landscape. Here, you can experience a journey through the beautiful terraced hillside that characterises much of Rwanda's landscape and climbs the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, as well as possibly spot some golden monkeys too. Sadly, often known for the genocide in the mid-90s, today Rwanda is one of Africa’s success stories. Focusing on ecology and the environment, the warm, friendly people and stunning scenery of the land of a thousand hills, make it one of the most remarkable countries in the world.
Vaccinations
Please ensure that you visit your doctor to enquire about any vaccination requirements you may need for your visit to Rwanda. It may be worthwhile taking a copy of your itinerary with you to show the exact areas you will be travelling to within Rwanda. Please check on the requirement specifically for the yellow fever vaccine as the certificate requirements are relevant to certain travellers only.
Passports and Visas
If you are a British, Irish, US or Canadian Citizen your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry. There must be at least two facing blank visa pages available. All UK, US and Canadian citizens visiting Rwanda must obtain a visa . Tourist visas are valid for 30 days, and available to purchase for $50 USD at Kigali International Airport on arrival. Please have cash with you for this. You can also apply online for an Evisa online but it is very easy to get your visa on arrival. You can check if you need a visa to visit Rwanda by visiting this website: https://www.travisa.com/
N.B. Please note, visa and entry requirements, regulations and restrictions can vary on a regular basis. Please ensure you check in good time prior to travel the current requirements applicable to you.
Useful websites for current information for international travel;
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Rwanda.html
https://rw.usembassy.gov/health-alert-covid-19-information/
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/rwanda
Internet access and mobile phone coverage
There is internet access available either by purchasing a local sim card for your phone or WiFi at the accomodation - however please don't rely on there being reliable, fast WiFi. Consider adding international roaming to your mobile phone package before leaving home.
What to pack
The weather is likely to be anywhere from 20C to 32C. You will need light comfortable clothing e.g. Vests/T-shirts, shorts/light trousers for the daytime and some longer trousers and long sleeves in the evenings. Don’t forget your sun tan lotion and a sun hat!
For gorilla treking you are able to hire waterproofs and hiking gaiters in Rwanda, though you might prefer to bring your own. It is essential that you have a good pair of well worn in, comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support and good grip/tread. You are able to hire gum boots/wellington boots. A small back pack to carry your water, camera etc is also recommended.
There is no dress code – but in the evenings it is a good idea to wear long tops and trousers to reduce insect bites. On previous trips, guests have enjoyed wearing something smarter for some dinners so you may wish to pack a summer dress/smarter shirt.
Don’t forget to pack your cameras, video camera, extra memory cards, batteries and chargers.
Medication
Obviously we can’t give advice on any medication you may need but please ensure you are prepared for any minor ailments that may occur whilst you are away as pharmacies are few and far between. If you need any assistance with storage conditions for medication, do let us know.
Mosquito / Insect Bites
Malaria precautions/prophylaxis are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as log sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and where necessary the hotels will provide you with mosquito nets in the room. Rooms are sprayed nightly with insect repellent. If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.
Electricity
The standard voltage in Rwanda is 230 volt power. The power sockets are Type C (also called the standard "Euro" plug with 2 round prongs. Those travelling from the US or Candad will need an adaptor and may need an adapter for some appliances (please check the power requirements of your applicances).
Money
The currency in Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc but US dollars are widely accepted. If you pay for anything with US dollars, make sure the bills you have are dated after 2008 - crisp and new bills are preferred!
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Rwanda, and while it is certainly up to the discretion of each person, to a certain extent it is recommended in order to guarantee the best level of service. We can provide you with a list of recommended tipping scales if you wish, or we suggest you budget around $18-23 per person per day for tipping porters, rangers, and service staff.