November 23, 2023
Rwanda travel tips
Welcome to Rwanda. Coming to Africa, particularly Rwanda, requires some preparation and planning, and it is better to engage the services of a tour company such as Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris to help you enjoy your stay in Rwanda.
Safari tips that are useful and can save you time and hassle. We don’t simply offer safaris; we also advise you on what is best for you while on safari with us in Rwanda.
It is advisable to plan ahead of time, packing only what you need and not overpacking. Knowing what to dress for different activities, where to stay while on safari, and what to eat.
There are recommendations and guidance for almost everybody, including vegans and vegetarians. After all, we don’t want you to be hungry.
Be prepared before you leave.
Traveling to Africa is unlike any other journey you’ve ever made, so be prepared. Read books, local newspapers, and watch a few National Geographic films, such as Gorillas in the Mist or Out of Africa, to prepare for your African safari.
Accessibility
Kigali International Airport is Rwanda’s major airport. This airport serves a significant number of direct flights from throughout the world.
Arrivals
At this point, Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) customs and immigration staff are courteous and efficient in dealing with all tourists. A visa may be bought on-site at Kigali International Airport or at any overland border. The airport has foreign exchange and ATM facilities, as well as a number of stores and eateries.
A certificate proving yellow fever immunization is necessary. All tourists should take malaria prevention medication. It is recommended to drink bottled water rather than tap water. There are many airport charges that may transport you into town, but it is far more convenient for our clients to select one of our regular cars to any place of their choice.
Departures
Kigali International Airport does not have a Customs counter for departure. Departing travelers must provide a valid passport (6 months validity) or other travel document, as well as a completed departure embarkation card, to the immigration officer. The officer will ensure that the passenger has gotten the appropriate Visa.
The travel document is properly stamped and returned to the passenger. The passengers then move to the departure-transit concourse for duty-free shopping and refreshments. Following the final security requirements, passengers enter the holding area, where they can check their luggage, tickets, passports, and traveler’s checks.
Packing for your trip to Rwanda
Practical Advice for Packing for Rwanda- The most practical advice is to pack only what you need, beginning with the reason you’re visiting Rwanda. That can even determine the style of suitcase you will require and utilize.
If you are coming for a safari, you will need to pack differently than if you are coming as a volunteer or business traveler; nonetheless, every tourist to Rwanda should prepare to spend a few days in the African Wild, even if it is only a mini-safari.
The amount you can pack is governed on the region of the world from which you are flying, as suitcase allowances vary.
Packing carefully is essential, especially whether you’re going on a safari or volunteering, take items like deflated footballs, novels, dolls, no sugar, stethoscope, blood pressure equipment, and more. Pack wisely.
Clothing
Light summer attire with a sweater or jacket is ideal at any time of year. However, cotton pants and low heel comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended for safari expeditions. Remember to bring a sun hat and a swimsuit. Umbrellas and windbreakers are suggested during the rainy season.
All you have to do is request further information at the time of booking.Temperatures throughout the day are often warm, depending on where you are in the nation, so pack plenty of light clothing. Evening temperatures are colder at higher altitudes, so carry a few light sweaters.
Tourists planning to walk or climb in the mountains should pack carefully owing to the alpine temperatures. You should bring sturdy walking shoes and clothes, a sun hat, sunglasses, and waterproof coats for forest treks, game drives, and national park visits.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted, however all safaris feature many breaks that provide you the opportunity to smoke.
When preparing for your trip to Rwanda, remember to use common sense.
Africa is unlike any other area of the globe, and making the most of your stay in Rwanda will need practical common sense.
Nothing is predictable, save the marvels of Africa. A Westerner may find African customs frustrating at times. Things like a lack of customer service that might be improved, the apathy of wait staff, and hotel management can sometimes drive a Westerner insane.
Just when you lose your patience or sense of humanity, take a deep breath and remember that while we may do things differently, we will all have similar ambitions for tomorrow.
Rwandan Tourist Visa
Tourists can get visas for Rwanda on arrival at the Entebbe airport if they are flying. By land, you may get a Rwanda visa at any entrance point into the nation.
If you want to get everything in order before arriving in Rwanda, you may apply for a tourism visa online. In comparison to the visa on arrival, we believe the process is more laborious; there are pictures, itineraries to upload, and a credit card cost.
For individuals moving on to Rwanda, visas are now available at the point of entry as of January 1, 2018. There is also the East African Visa, which costs $100 and allows you to transit freely between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Money Advice and Tips for Rwanda Tourists
Here you will discover the most helpful advice and ideas for using money in Uganda, as well as money safety and security precautions.
Rwanda is a cash-based culture where the US dollar is the preferred currency and credit card use is limited since traveler cheques are not accepted everywhere and exchanging them into cash is a tedious procedure.
Credit cards can be used, however they usually come with a 3 – 5% charge. ATM machines may be found in large towns; a Visa ATM Card is required; Master Cards can only be used at a few banks; American Express Cards are not accepted at ATMs.
Dining in Rwanda – Restaurants
Unless you reside here, you are unlikely to cook on your own. If you want to cook for yourself, I can recommend a butchery and bakery that is reasonably priced and cuts meats in the Western style. When it comes to dining out, there are certain fundamental measures that should be taken to keep healthy.
The food offered at resorts, restaurants, hotels, and campgrounds is often well-prepared and safe to consume. The upscale properties provide very high-quality meals. We do, however, urge that you only consume bottled water, peel your fruit, and avoid street food.
Spicy food does not guarantee you won’t become sick. You don’t want Amin’s vengeance and to be cooped up in your lodge rather than enjoying Rwanda.
Tipping-in-Rwanda
Although Rwanda does not have a tipping culture, a waiter, waitress, driver-guide, and lodge or hotel personnel will gladly welcome your tip.
You might be surprised at how big of an impact your tip will make. It is also traditional to tip your safari driver-guide, as well as those who conduct you on gorilla tracking, chimp tracking, and wildlife game drives.
Tipping is not prevalent in Rwanda, but as an ambassador for your nation, it is a good habit.
The tip does not have to be substantial, especially given the modest incomes that waiters and waitresses get in Rwanda.
Alcohol
Rwanda offers a variety of local and foreign beer brands. Most spirits and wines are imported and offered at slightly higher pricing. The legal drinking age is 18 years, albeit it is not strictly enforced.
Health
Visitors from or transiting through a yellow fever and cholera zone (the majority of tropical Africa and South America) may be allowed to provide a valid International Certificate of Vaccination. Air travelers who only travel through airports in such a zone are free from the obligation. It is also recommended that all travelers get vaccinated against Meningitis, Typhoid, and Hepatitis.
Visitors visiting Uganda and Rwanda should take malaria prophylactics because they are in malaria zones. However, the best approach to avoid malaria is to avoid bites by wearing insect repellent and sleeping beneath mosquito nets.
Bring a mosquito repellent with you for your personal comfort. Mosquito nets are available at most hotels, resorts, and campgrounds. Malaria precautions should be followed both during and after a visit to the nation. It is best to drink cooked or bottled water and avoid swimming in ponds and still water pools.
It is also recommended to consume bottled water, which is widely accessible in supermarkets, restaurants, and shops, rather than tap water. The AIDS pandemic that devastated the country has greatly decreased as a result of a vigorous AIDS awareness effort by the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), but one should exercise care.
Medical insurance should be bought before leaving your home country, and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage if you plan to spend time in remote areas of the country. There are several medical rescue groups accessible.
Internet Access in Rwanda
Internet is provided in most of our lodges; however, you may connect via internet cable or purchase a local sim card to let you connect. Internet is provided throughout the café.
Getting Around Rwanda
Getting Around Rwanda for Visitors.Visitors visiting Rwanda have several alternatives for transportation.
Mini-bus public taxis serve both towns and the countryside. There are thousands of Boda-Boda Motorcycle Taxis available, which provide speedy and efficient transportation but also pose significant risks.
Long-distance buses go throughout the country and beyond, including to Kampala, Nairobi, and even Tanzania.
The greatest way to explore Rwanda is to be driven about on a safari; it is the most pleasant and safest way to see.
What to Bring on Your Visit
Visitors to Rwanda must have valid passports, and visa requirements should be confirmed with customs and immigration at the airport upon arrival before traveling. Binoculars and tour guides can help you get the most out of game reserve and national park excursions and wildlife drives. Zoom lens for photographers looking to capture spectacular animals and landscapes (70-300 or comparable).
Video Camera – For walking safaris, a tiny, lightweight video camera works well. Bring additional cassettes and batteries.Batteries may be charged in lodges with the appropriate adaptor.
Kigali has capabilities for printing and processing films. Toiletries and other necessities may be acquired at the city’s various supermarkets and shopping malls.It is always courteous to ask before photographing someone. If the subject requests money, discuss the amount before snapping the image.
Last but not least, dress responsibly and inoffensively. Minimal clothing is discouraged. Most African nations make it illegal to bathe naked.
