10 Things to Know Before Visiting Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the easiest countries in East Africa to enjoy, but first-time visitors still make avoidable mistakes if they arrive without the right practical information. Some of the most useful things to know before visiting Rwanda have nothing to do with attractions themselves. They are the details that shape how smoothly your trip begins and how comfortable it feels once you are there, from entry rules and money to local etiquette, weather, and how Rwanda’s parks are spread across the country. This matters even more if your trip includes gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris, or time in Kigali, because small planning mistakes can affect the experience more than many travellers expect. In this guide, we break down the most important things to know before visiting Rwanda so you can prepare better, avoid common surprises, and arrive with a clearer sense of how the country works for travellers
Entry Rules and Travel Documents for Rwanda
Visa on arrival and who needs one
When visiting Rwanda, tourists are required to have visas, which can also be got on arrival. The single-entry visa for Rwanda costs 50 USD per person. Some travelers are, however visa-exempt, and this includes Francophone countries. Other entry requirements for tourists visiting Rwanda include a valid passport and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Money, Currency, and Paying for Things in Rwanda
Rwandan francs, US dollars, and Euros
Tourists are also encouraged to change their currency before travelling to Rwanda and some of the currencies used in the country include Euros and US dollars. The currency of Rwanda is Rwanda franc (RWF), which tourists can exchange for dollars and Euros during their safaris. Apart from using cash, some establishments in the country also use credit cards, although a surcharge may be incurred during transactions. For tipping in Rwanda, although it is not compulsory, tourists can give tips to different service providers. When making transactions using US dollars, tourists are encouraged to avoid using old notes and to also carry smaller bills.
Plastic Rules and Rwanda’s Clean-City Standards
One of the important things to know before visiting Rwanda is that when entering the country, tourists are discouraged from carrying plastic. Rwanda is among the cleanest countries in Africa with no garbage on the streets and the government stopped the use of plastic in the country, which promoted sustainability and also waste reduction. There is also a specific day during the month during which the citizens of Rwanda clean the streets. There are many other options used for packaging products in Rwanda which tourists can use during their safaris.
Photography, Etiquette, and Respect for Local People
Rwanda is a very beautiful country, also referred to as the land of a thousand hills and tourists can take photos of the scenery. However, when it comes to taking photos of the locals, tourists are encouraged to seek consent before doing so. Apart from taking pictures of the locals, tourists are also discouraged from taking pictures of anything related to the military and the government and places such as banks, airports and government offices. During safaris in Rwanda, tourists can take pictures of the wildlife species and primates like mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, and also the national park attractions, among others.
Language and Communication in Rwanda
There are different languages spoken in Rwanda; however, 3 languages are commonly spoken, including Kinyarwanda, French, and English. English is not very widely used in Rwanda but majority of the locals can speak Kinyarwanda and French. Tourists can be accompanied by local guides during their tours around Rwanda for easy communication when visiting the different tourist sites.
It is also a good idea to learn some of the Kinyarwanda phrases, such as greetings, saying thank you, and also asking for prices of items, asking for directions, among others, before visiting Rwanda, which makes it easy to communicate with the locals during the safari.
What Kind of Safari Destination Rwanda Really Is
Rwanda has 3 national parks for tourists to choose from when visiting the country, and they include Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Akagera National Park.
Volcanoes National Park located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, is one of the popular safari destinations in the country, and it is known for gorilla trekking. Apart from seeing the mountain gorillas, tourists can also engage in golden monkey trekking, hiking, bird watching, and cultural tours around the destination.
Another national park that is popular when visiting Rwanda is Nyungwe National Park, located in the south-western part of the country, where tourists can encounter various primate species, including chimpanzees. Activities to do around Nyungwe forest during tours include chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk experience, bird watching, and guided forest walks.
Akagera National Park is another safari destination to visit in Rwanda, and it is the only savannah park in the country where various wildlife species can be seen, including giraffes, impalas, waterbucks, hippos, buffaloes, and lions, among others. Tourists can do around the national park, including game drives in the morning and afternoon, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and also bird watching. Other destinations to visit in Rwanda include Lake Kivu, where tourists can engage in boat rides at different times of day.
Kigali City Tour
The city of Rwanda is Kigali, and it is one of the most beautiful and clean cities in Africa. There are different places to visit around the city, including art galleries and craft shops, Genocide memorial sites, local markets, and restaurants, among other places.
Weather, Seasons, and the Best Time to Visit Rwanda
The type of climate which is experienced in Rwanda is a tropical climate, and there are two seasons, which include the dry season and rainy season. The dry season in Rwanda is experienced during the months of June to September, and also around the months of December and February which are considered the best time to visit the country. It is also easier to see wildlife species around the national parks during this time of the year. Many tourists also visit the country’s destinations in the dry season, which is also considered a high season of travel. Tours in Rwanda can also be done during the rainy season in the months of March, April, and May, and in November, which are part of the low season. During this time of the year, tourists can enjoy discounted safaris.
How to Dress and Behave Comfortably in Rwanda
During tours around Rwanda, tourists are encouraged to dress decently and respect the locals. It is also important to keep in mind the nature of the weather when planning to visit Rwanda so as to be comfortable.
