Here is a complete guide to traveling Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. The history of Rwanda is most times overshadowed with the horrible memories of the genocide and this clicks most people’s minds whenever they talk about the country. What most people do not know is that the once affected country has greatly recovered in the past two decades and its now on of the most visited destinations in East Africa. The clean fascinating streets of the capital Kigali are very safe with no disturbances, no vendors and any other irritating unnecessary interference.
The country is blessed with many attractions that are both natural and man made. They include the popular mountain gorillas in the northern part of the country and other incredible wildlife, well architectural buildings, museums, crop plantations, forests, lakes, mountains, rivers and the unique cultures of the people.
Top Things to See in Rwanda
- Mountain Gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park
- Chimpanzees and other primates in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Genocide Memorial Sites – there are more than 8 genocide memorial sites within the country
- Cultural Attractions including museums, community tourism, villages etc
- Mountains including Karisimbi, Bisoke etc
- Lakes & Rivers
- Akagera National Park– the only savanna game park in the country
Getting Around
The country has a well developed transportation network from the airport, around the city and connecting to the national parks and the country’s major attractions. There are buses, mini buses, taxis, motorcycles and most kinds of special hire that can enable you tour the city and the country at reasonable fares. In case you get lost or stranded; you can ask the local people for direction because they are very hospitable and help you if you ask for their assistance. There are also bus services to Uganda that can enable one to easily explore the tourist attractions in the two beautiful countries.
Visa Requirements
The country requires visas from citizens entering the country except the east African countries plus Germany, Mauritius, Hong Kong, United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, democratic republic of Congo and Sweden. Tourists visas can be got by applying on- line, at the airport on arrival or at the border that is only issued for eight days. Those interested in staying in the country for a longer period like thirty days can also apply.
The east African community recently introduced the east African visa that can enable one have many entries to visit Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda for a period of 90 days at $100. This visa can be acquired from the airport.
Common Tourist Paths/Trails
Kigali to Ruhengeri (volcanoes national park) is the most common tourist trail for gorilla safaris. Others go to Gisenyi to visit Lake Kivu for sunbathing at the beach and for boat trips or to Butare to Nyungwe national park to for chimpanzee tracking, birding and canopy walks in Nyungwe forest. They usually use tourist vehicles, buses and other local transportation means however the adventurous tourist go biking.
Currency and Costs
The country use Rwandan francs (RWF); however dollars, pounds, and euros are accepted. There are Forex bureaus where one can exchange his money to the local currency. Payments in major towns can be by use of ATMs like master cards. One can spend about $35-40 a day excluding gorilla permit charges ($750).
Where to Stay
The country has well improved accommodation facilities both in the city and national parks. The most famous hotels include Kigali Serena hotel, Gorilla Lake Kivu hotel, impala hotel, hotel des mille Collines, gorilla golf hotel, Virunga lodges, hotel Muhabura, volcano lodges, Nyungwe forest lodges, Akagera guest house and many others. Those in the city may be a little expensive but with standard services.It’s important to make early bookings to avoid inconveniences.
Gorilla Safaris
Book your Rwanda gorilla safari permit in advance with the Rwanda Development Board and make instant payment or use your trusted tour operator. If you pay through the Rwanda development board, they will send you a confirmation email that you use when picking up your permit from their offices. Gorilla permits are sold at US$1500. You can then head to Volcanoes national park a 2 hours drive from the city. On the day for the gorilla safari, you are expected to be at the headquarters early (7:00 am) for briefing. You are then divided in groups of eight that will track the different mountain gorilla groups in the park.