Find the latest Rwanda travel guide and advice and essential travel information you may need when visiting Rwanda in Africa.
Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in Africa and can be traced south of the equator. It’s a landlocked country and this has had some significance on its development. In the north, it is bordered by Republic of Uganda.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo lies in the West, Burundi in the South and Republic of Tanzania in the East. The country’s capital city is Kigali.
Rwanda is densely covered by tropical vegetation and Savannah. This vegetation lies on the highlands on which much of Rwanda sits, hence the proverbial name “land of a thousand hills.”
It has volcanic ranges which extend the Virunga Volcanoes. Rwanda lying in the great lakes’ region, similarly has some lakes, with Lake Kivu as the largest.
Rwandan People and culture
Rwanda is mainly composed of three ethnic groups – Twa, Tutsi and Hutu. Initially, the land had been comprised of the Twa who carried out agriculture on the fertile lands.
The Hutu later migrated and settled in this region in which they intermingled with the Twa. The Tutsi was the last group to migrate into Rwanda.
For many years, these groups had been engaged in mild tribal conflicts whose peak was a consequence of the 1994 genocide. It’s good to note that today, the country has achieved relative peace.
The commonly spoken language by natives of the land is Kinyarwanda. Swahili and French are the alternative spoken languages with a few speakers.
English in the recent years has also gained a considerable number of speakers. The country has numerous religious dominions but Roman Catholicism remains the commonest.
Presently, the country has a population of averagely 13 million citizens with the majority living in the country’s capital.
Rwanda has a vibrant cultural history and this can be seen in the native celebrations of their cultures through folklore like Ikinimba, art and craft, cultural dances such as Intore by the Twa, among others.
There are seasonal festivals held too to commemorate historical days of much cultural significance.
Preservation of these cultures can also be viewed in the government’s role in establishment and maintenance of the cultural centers and museums.
Why Visit Rwanda?
Amazing Nature
The nature in the country is so underrated and exceptional in so many ways. The other important advantage is that the country is located in the tropics of Virunga region.
This strategic location brings with it so much amounts of rainfall during the rainy season which have enabled the proper growth of the vegetation.
The country has extensive land that is covered by these natural forests that have grown and occupied Rwanda for hundreds of years.
The great advantage of this is that these rainforests are home to hundreds of bird species and also wildlife animals.
While in Rwanda, the tourists should expect to view hundreds of tree species most of which are hardwood trees.
The aspect of beautiful nature in Rwanda can also be attributed to its strategic location near the Great East African Rift Valley and also the corridor of Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika basin.
Without a doubt, effects of these large water bodies have been important in facilitation of the proper growth of flora in Rwanda.
Rwanda is commonly known as the land of a hundred hills mainly because of the many highlands that cover the country.
These numerous hills are a systematic extension of the Virunga Mountains. No wonder in the Volcanoes National Park, tourists are able to view the far highlands while climbing the slopes of Sabyinyo and Muhabura Mountains.
Another captivating characteristic of the country’s nature is the cool breeze and fresh air especially during this sunny season.
Explore Rwanda’s history
Hundreds of the tourists that enter the country at least usually have an idea of the country’s history.
Much of the beautiful history of the country has been shadowed for many years by the regrettable events that happened in the years 1953 and 1994.
These were periods of chaos and untold loss of lives. Majority have also probably watched the famous movie known as Hotel Rwanda that depicted the 1994 genocide.
Hundreds of lives were lost in the senseless murders.
Property was lost and looted, families broken and majority of the victims ended up as exiles in the neighboring countries of Uganda, Republic of Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
However, the most important events that followed this horrible are what blends the country’s history.
The restoration of peace in the country, and the resilience of the victims and those who survive long after, in their resolve to maintain national unity, is a cornerstone in why a prospective tourist should choose Rwanda as a travel destination.
Unique culture
The country’s population has for many years been regarded as one of the most hospitable in the world.
A prospective tourists should expect to be welcomed by the vast uniqueness of the culture of the people that inhabit the country.
The rear dance of Kinyarwanda, the traditional arts and crafts, the inescapable Kinyarwanda storytelling, beautiful museums that exhibit culture and traditional history of those that lived many years ago in the country, the unique Kinyarwanda language, beautiful architecture of the locally-made housing facilities, among many other aspects alike.
Rwanda also exhibits a fashion show annually at which the local and international fashion designers exhibit beautiful but often rare derivative works of cultural fashion.
Popular Tourist Activities in Rwanda
Mountain Climbing
This is a common activity in the Karisimbi and Bisoke mountains. Mt. Karisimbi has the highest elevation and can be located in the Volcanoes National Park.
It’s a very good spot for prospective hikers. The tourists that manage to make it to its peak are able to view the snow cap. For an average of about 6 to 7 hours, the tourists are challenged to climb these high slopes up to the highest heights.
The journey averagely takes about 2 days because of the need to have some stops for majority of the tourists to have some muscle relaxation.
Another spot for the tourists to look out for during the hiking is Mount. Bisoke.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
These primate’s presence is an outcome of many years of Rwanda’s mountain gorilla conservation activities.
These mountain gorillas are an additional number of those that exist in the Republic of Uganda and the rest in Democratic Republic of Congo.
These are classified under the Virunga region gorillas. Rwanda, which is a member of the region, is therefore one of the few world spots in which these mountain gorillas can be located.
The trekking activities are common in Volcanoes National Park.
This fun time experience introduces tourists to the works of primatologist Dian Fossey whose efforts had an impact on conservation of these primates.
Primate Expeditions
Whereas many travelers are so fascinated with mountain gorilla trekking, some may be hit by surprise to learn that Rwanda also offers chimpanzee trekking tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The common chimpanzee trekking trails are at Uwinka and the famous Cyamudongo.
Proceed to Volcanoes National Park to explore the famous golden monkey primate species which can only be traced in central and a few parts of East Africa.
Rwanda is honored to have them in its forest lands of Volcanoes National Park. They can equally be tracked in the Gishwati Forest.
Cultural Exploration
Since majority of Rwanda’s incoming tourists are non-residents, the Kinyarwanda culture and customs are alien. Cultural exploration therefore becomes a necessary activity for majority of foreign tourists.
Encounters are common when they visit Nyungwe National Park. In the vicinity of this national park, lies a village at Banda.
In this village, there is always great storytelling about the history of this area, with locals accompanying the tales with rumbling drums and dances according to the kind of stories being told.
The national park similarly has a cultural village in its neighborhood – Kitabi Cultural Village, committed to giving a thrilling experience to visitors at the place.
Volcanoes National Park equally has similar activities in the neighboring village of Ibyiwacu. Here, tourists get taught about local herbs and view a replica of an ancestral king’s haven, among other activities.
Traditional art and craft centers tour
Rwanda also has numerous cultural sites in form of museums and showcase centers. Majority of these centers are located in the country’s capital city.
The Kandt House provides for Rwanda’s flora and fauna historical perspective at this country’s natural historical museum. More explorations of cultural art can be accessed at the Niyo Art Gallery.
The Inema Art center is another great place to have a tour. Kigali similarly boosts immense traditional art at Ivuka Arts center which accounts for numerous sculptures, and Kinyarwanda handcrafts and artifacts.
Canoeing
This is a common activity that is done around Rwanda’s biggest lake i.e., Lake Kivu. This lake is undoubtedly one of Africa’s safest canoeing lakes.
It’s extensively a calm lake with a cool breeze especially during the dry/summer season. Another important feature about this lake is its lack of hippopotamuses that would eventually be dangerous to the canoeing tourists.
Similarly, the lake has no infestation of crocodiles which have throughout hundreds of years been proved to be dangerous aquatic creatures.
This safety characteristic of Lake Kivu is what attracts majority of prospective tourists to partake in the canoeing experience. There are equally some limited canoeing activities on the country’s other smaller lakes.
Other activities include; bird watching, nature walking, hiking adventures, fishing on Lake Kivu, Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, among many more similar activities.
Popular destinations in Rwanda
Lakes: Kivu, Burera, Muhazi, Ruhondo, Mugesera and Ihema.
Mountains: Bisoke, Kigali, Nyamuragira, Huye, Gahinga, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Nyiragongo.
National parks: Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Other destinations are; Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, Kandt House Museum, Inerma Art Center, Campaign Against Genocide Museum, Niyo Art Gallery, Murambi Genocide Memorial Center, Kigali Center for Photography, Ethnographic Museum Rwanda, National Museum of Rwanda, Rwanda Art Museum, Murugo Cultural Centre, Rwanda Liberation Museum, Hotel Rwanda and numerous other tourist sites.
Safety Guide
Polythene bags
The use of polythene bags was outlawed in Rwanda in the year 2008. There are repercussions for offenders who are found using these materials by law enforcers.
Offenders can be fined or even face extreme consequences like arrests or both being fined and arrested. Tourists that want to visit should therefore be aware of this before embarking on their tour in Rwanda.
Covid-19
Covid-19 has been devastating worldwide. The consequences have overtime lead to stringent measures by the government.
Among these is the public wearing of face masks and vaccination.
Tourists planning to visit Rwanda should therefore carry along vaccination cards.
In public spaces, they are also advised to always wear face masks and regularly sanitize.
Malaria in Rwanda
Rwanda being located in the tropics comes with impacts of large amounts of rainfall. These rainforests or tropic vegetation in time become breeding places for mosquitoes.
The tourist should therefore travel with anti-malarial and insect repellents especially when they are visiting the tropical forests.
They are also advised to always sleep under treated mosquito nets, especially while camping in the wilderness.
Travel insurance for Rwanda
Globally, insurance is one of the most important things that a tourist should look out for. It’s a safety precaution especially for non-resident tourists.
The commonest insurance policy advised is the medical insurance.
This is to cover for any medical danger possibilities while the tourist is in a foreign country.
The main reason for this is that medical treatment for a foreigner may be more expensive.
Tourists are advised to secure health insurance before their travel into Rwanda.
LGBT travel in Rwanda
The LGBT community is highly cautioned to keep their status discreet and not flaunt their relationships with their partners often times while in public places.
Rwanda’s population, just like that of many of its neighboring countries is still fairly intolerant of the practice.
One may never know what challenges or consequences may befall them and their partners when they flaunt their relations publicly.
Rwanda Laws
Do not do the following when in Rwanda;
- Do not drink alcohol and drive.
- Do not use wanton language in public. The use of such language may be considered as profanities in Rwanda.
- Do not take photos of military barracks or military apparatus in Rwanda.
- Any showcasing of racism is strictly outlawed.
- Wildlife conservation areas are heavily guarded and regulations while in the tourist zones are strictly enforced.
- Do not consume drugs or carry drugs with you while in Rwanda. Whereas some drugs have been legalized in some jurisdictions, the prospective tourists should not mistake the same for Rwanda.
Seek for much more updated information by contacting us directly as laws keep changing.
Rwanda’s crime rate is generally minimal and there’s greater guarantee of safety to lone tourists.
However, female tourists are advised to dress modestly. Great precaution is also advised for the tourists who move in crowded areas as some of these places are infested with pickpockets.
When to visit Rwanda?
With its location near the equator, Rwanda shares similar weather and climate conditions just like its counterpart neighbors.
The best advised season to visit the country is during dry season, extending from the months of late May to late October and then during the season of December to the month of February.
Getting a Visa
The tourist should visit Rwanda High Commission Consular in their respective countries for conclusive information, but should be aware of the Visa fees. A visa for “single entry” whose validity is guaranteed for a period of 3 months, the fee is $30.
A visa for “multiple entry” whose validity is guaranteed for a period of 3 months costs $50.
Tourists who need an East African Tourist Visa, which accommodates tourists that would wish to visit Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. The fee is $100.
Visa exempt countries include South Africa, Sweden, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, USA, Canada, Burundi, Kenya, Great Britain, Germany, Hong Kong, Tanzania and Mauritius.
Entry requirements
The first requirement is a valid passport whose validity is at least six months before entering the country.
A visa is also required. In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it’s also a requirement for a tourist to present a covid-19 vaccination certificate/card.
A tourist should present a yellow fever vaccination certificate when applying for a visa.
