Explore the Beauty and Culture of Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills
Popularly known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ (Pays de Mille Collines), Rwanda is a small, lush central African country of misty hills dotted with tea plantations, rugged peaks and towering volcanoes. Despite being landlocked, Rwanda has several ‘beaches’ along Lake Kivu to the west, one of Africa’s largest bodies of water.
Sadly, this beautiful country is best known for the horrific genocide of 1994, when nearly one million Rwandans were slaughtered in the space of about three months. This massacre was the result of long-standing ethnic tension between the minority Tutsis and the Hutus.
Fortunately, Rwanda has recovered wonderfully from its tragic past, and is now a peaceful, unspoilt holiday destination that is rich in culture and wildlife, boasting fine food and some of the friendliest people in Africa. The world is finally catching on to the allure of this African gem and tourism is on the rise.
The rapidly growing city of Kigali, situated at Rwanda’s geographical heart, is not only the capital but also the country’s most important business centre and the main point of entry. While it is not a tourist hot spot, it contains some first-rate sites and is worth a quick exploration for travellers arriving from overseas.
However, the country’s real appeal lies outside the city, in the magnificent national parks. The most popular activity for tourists in Rwanda is gorilla trekking. Meeting these gentle giants in their natural habitat is widely acknowledged as one of the most profound and thrilling wildlife experiences in the world.
A picturesque country with an incredible people and interesting history, Rwanda will captivate its visitors and spark a passion for African travel.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Kinyarwanda, French, Swahili and English are the official languages. French is widely spoken, but English is limited to a few people in the tourist centres.
- Passport/Visa:
Passport and/or passport replacing documents must be valid for at least six months beyond arrival in Rwanda for all nationalities. It is always highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. E-visas can be obtained before departure at www.migration.gov.rw. Passengers must have a printed e-visa confirmation. A valid “East African Tourist Visa” issued by Kenya or Uganda is accepted, if having first entered the country that issued the visa. The visa is valid for 90 days and multiple entries/re-entries. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the Rwanda Franc (RWF), which is divided into 100 centimes. Banks throughout Rwanda can exchange US Dollars or Euros, and middle to top-tier tourist hotels and restaurants are increasingly accepting credit cards.
- Electricity:
- The electrical current is 230-240 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are the most commonly used.
Overview
Rwanda is certainly a nature lover’s paradise, and the focus of its tourism is mostly eco-centered. It is an incredible country with a rich history, and a wildlife heritage unlike any other.
The world’s largest population of mountain gorillas inhabits Rwanda’s spectacular Volcanoes National Park, and these burly primates are by far the country’s most popular tourist attraction. Accordingly, gorilla tracking is very much on every park visitor’s to-do list. It doesn’t come cheap though, and the park is careful to regulate visitors to avoid overtourism.
Nyungwe Forest National Park’s residents include a large number of smaller primates, as well as more than 275 bird species, while Akagera National Park is big game country, where herds of elephants and buffalo, lions, hippos and plains game roam the archetypal African savannahs, swamps and lakes.
The waters of Lake Kivu are enclosed by green terraced hills that give way to beaches, inlets and the resort towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu, which also make for popular tourist sites.
For those looking to delve into Rwanda’s sobering history, a trip to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre will be illuminating, and leave visitors in awe of a country that has come far in its efforts to become the peaceful and beautiful destination it is today.
Climate in Rwanda
Rwanda experiences a pleasant, tropical highland climate with temperatures that vary depending on altitude, but vary little from month to month in the same location. There are two wet seasons and two dry seasons; a long and a short one. The wettest time of year is between March and May, while the driest months are July to September. There is also rain between October and November. Temperatures rarely go above 86°F (30°C) during the day or drop below 59°F (15°C), except on the upper slopes of the Virunga Mountains where frosty conditions are possible.
Health Notes when travelling to Rwanda
There is a year-round risk of malaria throughout Rwanda and travellers are advised to take a course of prophylactics. A yellow fever certificate is required by all visitors over the age of one, and inoculation is also recommended for travellers who will be staying for a long time, or will be heavily exposed to mosquitoes. A hepatitis A vaccination is also recommended, as well as a polio booster for those who have not had one as an adult. Bottled drinking water is available in all towns. Medical facilities are limited and medical supplies may be unavailable, although hospitals are located in all major towns. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to Rwanda
Crime levels are relatively low in Rwanda, although tourists should be alert to bag snatching and incidents of petty theft. Travel to the border areas with Burundi and the DRC is not advised. Trips to see the gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park should only be undertaken as part of a guided trek. Rwanda is considered a low threat for terrorism, though there are reports of random grenade attacks and travellers should be vigilant at bus stops and other public areas. The roads in major towns are good, however travel after dark is not advisable; landslides are common during the rainy season (late spring to early autumn).
Customs in Rwanda
Photography of government buildings is prohibited in Rwanda. Plastic bags have been banned for environmental reasons and will be confiscated on arrival at the airport. It is considered impolite to ask someone about their ethnic origin.
Duty Free in Rwanda
Passengers older than 18 years may bring 250g of tobacco products, one litre of spirits, two litres of wine, and 500ml of perfume into the country without incurring import duties.
Doing Business in Rwanda
A handshake is the normal form of greeting. A knowledge of French is useful as English is not widely spoken; interpreters may be required. Culturally, a direct ‘no’ to a proposal is rare, and negotiations are often lengthy. Lightweight suits are suitable attire for meetings, which need to be arranged in advance.
Communication in Rwanda
The international dialling code for Rwanda is +250. Prepaid local SIM cards can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to using international roaming. Free wifi is available at most upscale hotels and an increasing number of cafes, restaurants and budget hotels.
Tipping in Rwanda
Although services charges are usually added to the bill, tipping has become common in the country’s cities. A five to 10 percent tip for decent restaurant service is standard, and guides generally receive $10 per day.
Passport/Visa Note
Passport and/or passport replacing documents must be valid for at least six months beyond arrival in Rwanda for all nationalities. It is always highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. E-visas can be obtained before departure at www.migration.gov.rw. Passengers must have a printed e-visa confirmation. A valid “East African Tourist Visa” issued by Kenya or Uganda is accepted, if having first entered the country that issued the visa. The visa is valid for 90 days and multiple entries/re-entries. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa is required and can be aquired upon arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for a fee. Visitors can apply to extend their visa within 15 days of arrival.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa on arrival can be obtained for stays of up to 30 days for a fee. Visitors can apply to extend their visa.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa can be aquired on arrival for up to 30 days for a fee. Visitors can apply to extend their visa within 15 days of arrival.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date, visas can be obtained on arrival for stays of up to 30 days for a fee. Visitors can apply to extend their visa.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. A visa can be obtained on arrival for a maximum of 30 days for a fee. Visitors can apply to extend their visa.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. Visas can be obtained on arrival for stays of up to 30 days for a fee. Visitors can apply to extend their visa.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date. Visas can be obtained on arrival for stays of up to 30 days for a fee. Visitors can apply to extend their visa within 15 days of arrival.
Tourist Offices
Rwanda Development Board, Kigali: +250 727 775 170 or http://www.visitrwanda.com/
Rwanda Embassies
- In the United States:
Rwanda Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 232 2882.
- In Canada:
Rwanda High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: (613) 569 5420.
- In the United Kingdom:
Rwandan High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7224 9832.
- In Australia:
Rwandan Honorary Consulate General, Melbourne, Australia: +61 (0) 401 099 115.
- In South Africa:
Rwandan High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 6536.
Foreign Embassies in Rwanda
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Kigali: +250 596 400.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Kigali, Rwanda: +250 252 573 210.
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Kigali: +250 252 556 000.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Nairobi, Kenya (also responsible for Rwanda): +254 (0)20 427 7100.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Kampala, Uganda (also responsible for Rwanda): +256 (0)41 7713 000.
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Kigali: +250 252 551 300.
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