Build Your Trip to Africa
About Rwanda
Rwanda is best known for its tragic genocide and its mountain gorillas. Rwanda backpacking tours offer a range of attractions with spectacular wildlife and views.Rwanda Budget Travel
Below is a list of Rwanda's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.
Fast Facts
- Currency
- Rwandan Franc (RWF)
- Dialing Code
- 250
Airports
Rwanda major airports include:• Kigali International Airport
Birdlife
Rwanda birdlife is rich and diverse. Many species can be found across key wetlands, rainforest, mountains, lakes and woodlands, with a range of endemic and migratory species to be seen. As a birding destination Rwanada is second only to Uganda.Conservation
Rwanda conservation is essential to rebuild the city after years of civil war and the tragic 1994 genocide. Key conservation issues include deforestation, habitat loss, poaching, pollution and land abuse. Some of the current conservation projects include chimpanzee and gorilla protection programs, protected areas of forest, nature reserves and replanting projects.Culture
Rwanda culture includes the following:• Food and drink is an important social ritual
• Music and dance plays a key role in social gatherings and expression
• Art is a fairly large cultural pastime
• Architecture is an interesting aspect of Kampala and other urban area culture
Health
Rwanda health facilities are generally sub-standard, with very limited number of hospitals, plus lack of facilities for serious illness or injuries. Medication is extremely expensive, and many hospitals are over-crowded. It is best to take out comprehensive travel insurance for your Rwanda travels, and bring basic supplies such as cold medicine, headache pills or diarrhea pills.AIDS
Rwanda HIV/AIDS basic precautions include the following:• Don’t ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment should be sterilized
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
• Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing from suspect or unsterile operators
Vaccinations
The following Rwanda inoculations are required:• Yellow Fever
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Rabies
Languages
Rwanda languages include:• Kinyarwanda (official)
• French (official)
• English (official)
• Kiswahili
Money
Rwanda money and banking information is as follows:• Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 08h30-14h00
• Banks include Citibank Rwanda, Stanbic bank, Trans Africa bank and National Bank of Commerce
• Transfer services include Western Union, Swift Link and Money Gram
• Credit cards are accepted at some hotels or large stores, however not all operators accept cards
• It is best to exchange money at the airport as soon as you arrive
Phrase
Rwanda local phrases in Swahili include:• Hello/welcome! - Jambo!
• No problem - Hakuna matata!
• Thank you very much - Asante Sana
• What is the price? - Bei gani?
• I don't understand - Sielewi
Plants
Rwanda plant life is lush, green and plentiful. The country is adorned with a rich array of plant life, making it green and fertile. National parks and lake areas are especially green, with a range of trees, ferns and other leafy plants to be found.People
Rwanda people include the following:• Hutu 84%
• Tutsi 15%
• Twa 1%
Safety Tips
Rwanda safety tips include the following:• Rwanda is generally safe for travel, however basic precautions should be taken
• Pick pocketing, robbery and muggings have been known to occur, so be on guard
• Keep valuables out of sight and secure in a moneybag under your shirt
• Avoid travel to areas near borders of Sudan, DRC or other areas
Religion
Rwanda religions include the following:• Roman Catholic 56.5%
• Protestant 26%
• Adventist 11.1%
• Muslim 4.6%
• Indigenous beliefs 0.1%
Transport
Rwanda local transport options include:• Motorbike
• Taxi
• Car
Travel Books
Rwanda recommended travel books include:• Rwanda: The Bradt Travel Guide by Philip Briggs
• Eyewitness to a Genocide: The United Nations and Rwanda by Michael Barnett
• Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda by Rosamond Halsey Carr and Ann Howard Halsey
• Rwanda in Pictures by Tom Streissguth
• Visiting Rwanda by Dervla Murphy
Visa Requirements
Rwanda visa requirements are as follows:• Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Rwanda
• Some nationalities may not need a visa, including certain African countries – speak to your local embassy for more information
• A valid passport of 6 months minimum is required
• Visas are valid for 3 months (90 days) of date of application
• Return tickets plus proof of sufficient funds are required
Wildlife
Rwanda wildlife is rich and abundant, with a number of key game reserves found across the country. Gorillas are one of the most famous animals of the country, and can be found high up in the deep rainforests and mountains of Rwanda.What To Pack
What to pack for Rwanda safaris:• Loose, lightweight clothing in neutral colours
• Comfortable, waterproof walking or hiking shoes
• Camera, batteries, film or memory card and binoculars
• Warm clothing for cooler weather plus a raincoat for wet months
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and sunglasses
What To Buy
What to buy for Rwanda safaris:• Rwanda guidebook plus bird and wildlife species guide and map
• Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour
• First aid box with basic supplies and medications
• Plug adapter for UK and US visitors
• Insect repellent and malaria medication
When To Go
When to go to Rwanda:• The coldest months of the year are June and July
• The hottest months of the year are October and February
• Rainy seasons are from March to May, and late September to January
• It is cheaper to travel during wet months, with many travel discounts on offer
• Roads are in worse condition and trekking is often hard during these months however
2010 World Cup
Rwanda 2010 statistics are as follows:• The Rwanda national football team are nicknamed the Wasps
• They played against Mauritania in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifications
• The team's FIFA ranking is 84
• Their head coach is Branko Tucak from Croatia
• Their biggest win was 9 - 0 against Djibouti in 2007
- Dayne - Overlanding Africa.com04 May 2010
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Hi Helen, I have some options for Rwanda and they will be live on our website soon. In the meantime i have emailed you a sneak peak at the tours that will be on offer soon.Cheers Dayne
- helen Dalton04 May 2010
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I am traveling to rwanda and am searching for any type of tour you have available from 10th to 20th. We will work in the volcanoes national park area from the 20th and i would like to see some more of rwanda before i join this group. so between 10th and 20th i am open to tours in other areas. Could you also give me ideas of pricesif you know of ay budget tours etc...possibly for one person on a group tour...thanks so much regards helen ________________________________
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2 places worth checking out in Rwanda
Rwanda Photo Gallery
Rwanda


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