Travel Tips: Rwanda

BORDERS                 :    Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Uganda
CAPITAL                   :    Kigali
LANGUAGES             :    French, English, Kinyarwanda
CURRENCY               :    Rwanda Franc (RFR)
COUNTRY CODE       :    +250
NETWORKS              :    Rwandatel, Tigo, MTN Rwanda – if you are on MTN it is best to reload your sim before arriving in Rwanda as it can be difficult to reload
MUST TO SEE & DO  :    Kigali Memorial Centre
                                      Nyamata Genocide Memorial
                                      Ntarama Genocide Memorial
                                      Gisenyi – Coastline
                                      Mountain Gorillas at Parc National des Volcans
CLIMATE                   : Rainy (mid March – June), (mid September – December) – Best time to see Chimpanzees and when Rwanda is most lush and green                                       Dry (June – September) – Best time to see Gorillas for personal comfort
ELECTRICITY            :    East Africa has a standard electricity voltage of 230/240 Rwanda is with 2 pin round                                       sockets, (European standard).

GETTING THERE
All depending on which country you are coming from as to what form of transport you take. Here is a guide to help your planning go more smoothly:

By air:
A number of international airlines fly from the rest of the World to Rwanda and with Rwanda expanding by the day flights are continually changing so check with your travel agent for flight information.

Airlines flying into Rwanda International Airport are:

• Air Burundi
• Air Uganda
• Brussels Airlines
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Kenya Airways
• KLM
• RwandAir

Arriving:
Rwanda has one International Airport – Kigali International Airport (AKA Kanombe International Airport). The  airport is not big, but is clean and comfortable. The airport is located about 7 miles east of Kigali city centre in the suburb of Kanombe. The major international connections coming into Kigali are from Nairobi, Kenya, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Brussels, Belgium, Bujumbura, Burundi, Johannesburg and South Africa.

A new airport is currently being constructed about 30 miles from the city centre. But is not opened as of  2011.

By road:
With Rwanda being landlocked there are many borders and options for travelling by bus.
Kenya can be entered by road from Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia. Immigration should be processed at land border stations. Nairobi is the centre of Kenya's extensive bus network, with many bus companies operating to and from destinations throughout the country.

By driving:
If you are driving in Rwanda remember::::: They drive on  the right hand side of the road!!! For those of you who usually drive on the left you need to watch this.

On leaving any country you need to first and for most register with the border police that you are intending on taking the vehicle out of one country and into another so make sure you have ALL documents required. You will need the ownership papers of the vehicle and if the owner of the vehicle isn’t travelling with you, you will then need to carry an authorisation letter with you, with them authorising you taking their car. Make sure that your full name is included on the document.

As you enter Rwanda you will then need to register with the Rwandan border police to advise you’ve brought a car into their country. You will then need to purchase insurance for your duration in Rwanda. The insurance isn’t expensive but you will not be able to proceed over the border without it.

In your car you will also need to carry a breakdown triangle and fire extinguisher. As from time to time if you get pulled over by the police as soon as they see foreign plates they will ask for them, if you cannot produce the triangle or extinguisher they will write you a ticket.

VISAS
Foreign Nationals wishing to obtain Rwandan Visas, submit their applications to Rwandan Embassies or Diplomatic Missions of their Country of residence for processing.

In the case of those coming from countries where we don’t have an Embassy or Diplomatic Mission, they should request for an entry facility on line which will be used to obtain a visa on any official point of entry in Rwanda. The website is www.migration.gov.rw

In view of the bilateral agreements, the Nationals of the following Countries may visit Rwanda without visa for a period up to 90 days: USA, Germany, Canada, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, Mauritius, South Africa, Kenya, Great Britain, Sweden, Singapore, Hong Kong and Burundi.

The visitor’s visa should not be used for employment.

CURRENCY
Rwanda began issuing its own francs in 1964. There are plans to introduce a common currency, a new East African shilling, for the five member states of the East African Community by the end of 2012.

You are able to exchange foreign currency at banks, forex bureaus around the city. BUT be careful and check the rate first and check when leaving that they have exchanged at the right rate. You can also withdraw money at ATM machines at the few International Banks in the city.

HEALTH
Before visiting Rwanda, routine immunisations should be updated at a travel clinic in your home country. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required of all visitors older than one year of age. Rabies jabs are recommended for those planning to spend a significant amount of time in rural areas near animals.
Because of the health risks involved with malaria, travellers are advised to avoid insect bites. Wearing long sleeved clothing, using insect repellent with DEET and sleeping under mosquito nets while visiting Rwanda are all recommended. Taking prescription anti-malarial drugs on a preventative basis may also be suggested. Pharmaceuticals should be obtained in your home country to ensure security of supply. Other insect borne diseases such as dengue, river blindness and African sleeping sickness are also common to Rwanda.
Although diarrhoea and other stomach problems are common traveller complaints around the world, in Rwanda these can be fatal due to high temperatures and lack of clean water and sanitation. Avoid raw and undercooked foods and drink only bottled water with no ice. Over the counter medications may be used to treat most acute cases, but persistent diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting should be treated by a physician.

SECURITY
It has been advised against all travel to the rural border areas with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), except to the towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu. We advise against all travel to Eastern DRC except for Goma and Bukavu.  We advise against all but essential travel to Goma and Bukavu. This is because of the risk of cross-border incursions by armed guerrillas operating from DRC’s Kivu provinces and on-going instability in Eastern Congo.
We advise against all but essential travel to the rural border areas of Burundi.  On bookings made for Gorilla trekking, the travel risk factor in the area.
Crime levels are relatively low but there have been recent incidents of street crime. You should exercise caution at night.
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Like all travel, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.

GOOD TO KNOW
Reloading airtime can cause problems depending on which network you are on. MTN Uganda is not the same as MTN Rwanda. If you are only going to be in Rwanda for a short period of time, it’s advised that you load up on airtime before entering Rwanda. Airtime can be purchased at all borders. On arriving at borders there will be people trying to exchange your money. Usually you can get a good rate from them but do your homework first so you don’t get ripped off.
Photography of government buildings is prohibited. Due to environmental reasons, plastic bags have been banned. Visible plastic bags will be confiscated on arrival at the airport

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
If you need to contact the police, fire brigade 122 , police 999.

HOSPITALS
Private clinics are available in the larger cities and towns, which function as hospitals and provide a range of medical services. Immediate cash payment is expected by doctors and hospitals before treatment.

PHOTOGRAPHY
It is prohibited to take any photos of government buildings or police.

TIPPING
A service charge is usually included in all tariffs, however tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated and is largely at your discretion. Customary tips for bar service and room porters are 10% whereas restaurant tariffs that exclude service charge will anticipate a 5-10% tip.

TELECOMMUNICATION & ELECTRICITY
East Africa has a standard electricity voltage of 230/240 with 2 pin round sockets, (European standard). Telephone and faxes services are available at the hotel rooms. Charges can be exorbitant.

CLOTHING
Lightweight clothing is advisable throughout the year, with warmer clothing for cooler upland evenings. Rainwear is advisable to be carried at all times.

CODE OF CONDUCT
Feeding and smoking
Never feed animals at your place of stay or in the wild since it upsets their diet and leads to unnecessary dependence on people. Smoking while on a game drive is highly discouraged and always dispose of cigarettes carefully while at camp. Careless disposal of a burning cigarette can start a wildfire that will cause damage to vegetation and suffering to wildlife and people.

Litter
Litter and garbage in nature-viewing areas is unsightly, affects your enjoyment and threatens the survival of wildlife. It can also cause accidents to people and marine life.

Corals
These are fragile living organism, they being destroyed by careless recreational activities, to avoid damage-use the established mooring points. Coral reefs provide essential feeding grounds for many species of marine life. When diving or swimming, avoid kicking up sand or stepping on coral, as it suffocates and kills coral polyps.

Water sports
Enjoy water sports at designated points. Please practice water safety at all times. If you are not a strong swimmer then keep close to shore.

Fishing
Fishing is prohibited in marine parks. It is only permitted in the ocean and some Marine Reserves. Spear guns are banned in both Parks and Reserves.

Souvenirs
It’s illegal to collect or buy souvenirs such as coral, shells and starfish, as it contributes to the degradation of the reef and marine life. All environmentally conscious visitors can participate in, or help to organize environmental awareness campaigns e.g. beach cleaning, tree planting, conservation publications and also contribute financially to local .Products made from any part of the Elephant, Rhino, Sea Turtle as well as Ostrich Eggs (unless you have certificates from registered farmers) are also illegal.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS& BUSINESS HOURS
This is only a guide, as some dates change from year to year.
New Year’s Day                                      1st January
Democracy Day                                      8th January
Genocide Memorial Day                          7th April
Good Friday                                           **
Easter Monday                                       **
Labour Day                                            1st May
National Day                                           1st July
Peace & National Unity Day                     5th July
Harvest Festival Day                               1st August
Cultural Day                                            8th September
Kamarampaka Day                                 25th September
Liberation Day                                        1st October
Armed Forces Day                                  26th October
** Dates change from year to year

Rwanda Business Hours
Banking: Monday to Friday: 0830-1130 and 1330-1630 Saturday: 0830-1130
Shops: Monday to Friday: 0830-1300 and 1400-1700 Saturday: 0830-1230

 

*please note all information in travel tips is only a guide, we advise that you also do your own research as dates and information changes without warning.