Rwanda is a small East African country that draws visitors from all over the world, primarily to see its endangered mountain gorillas. Due to the awful genocide in 1994, the Kigali museum is a must see to most visitors in the country. The people of Rwanda speak Kinyarwanda, French, and English (all official); Kiswahili in commercial centers which a population of 12,337,138 (growth rate: 2.63%); birth rate: 34.61/1000; infant mortality rate: 59.59/1000; life expectancy: 59.26 for a year 2014. The main country race/Ethnicity are the Hutu 84%, Tutsi 15%, Twa (Pygmoid) 1%.

Location: Rwanda is in east-central Africa surrounded by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi. It is slightly smaller than Maryland. Steep mountains and deep valleys cover most of the country. Lake Kivu in the northwest, at an altitude of 4,829 ft (1,472 m), is the highest lake in Africa. Extending north of it are the Virunga Mountains, which include the volcano Karisimbi (14,187 ft; 4,324 m), Rwanda’s highest point.

Religion: The country has several religions and includes: Roman Catholic 56.5%, Protestant 26%, Adventist 11.1%, Muslim 4.6%

Climate: Rwanda has two rainy seasons from February to April and November to January but favorable for a stay year round so safari tours can be done year round.

Best time to visit Rwanda: June-September (during the dry season).
Currency: Rwandan Franc and you can contact us for daily currency exchange rates.

Rwanda’s International Airport: Kigali International Airport (KGL) is small but efficient and its only 20 minutes drives from the town center Kigali. Several Airlines operate within the airport timely departures and arrivals are done each and every minute of day. They include SN Brussels, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Emirates Airways, Air Burundi and Rwandair Express.

Rwanda Accessibility: The country can be accessed by air and road. Flying into Kigali’s international airport is the easiest way to get to Rwanda though daily buses travel between Kampala (Uganda) and Kigali, they take about 10 to 11 hours. You can catch a variety of minibus taxis to the Tanzanian border and travel onto Mwanza (Tanzania).

Rwanda visa & Embassies: A valid passport and a tourist visa are required for many nationalities. Tourist visas are available at Rwandan embassies and consulates around the world. It’s advisable to apply for your visa before visiting the country. Rwanda’s tourist visa costs $50 usd but travellers planning to visit other East African countries are advised to request for an East african Tourist visa which will enable them cross into other countries at no extra charge.

Safety Tips in Cities

The main city for Rwanda is Kigali and Kampala for Uganda and both of them less criminal element which can scare any visitor or tourist. Do not walk alone in apparently deserted places especially at night; wherever possible walk with a group.

Be careful with your hand bag and hand items like phones due pickpockets and bag snatchers

Carry the exact little cash you need.

Avoid wearing expensive jewellery since they attract thieves.

Keep a photocopy of the first few pages of your passport, visas and air tickets, separately from the original documents.

Make sure you move hand in hand with your tour guide & count on him for every trip assistance/help.

Safety on Roads:

Leave word. Tell somebody or leave a note at home about where you plan to go and how long you plan to be out. That way your loved ones will know to come look for you if needed.

Driving in Africa: There are a few simple rules which one must follow while driving on Africa roads, mini mum speed is recommended 60-80km per hour, don’t drink alcohol and drive, remember animals and humans can cross the road at any time, also take caution of road sign posts, tighten your seat belts before hitting the road. Identify yourself. Run with proper ID, and carry a cell phone with emergency contacts taped to its back.

Safety on Safari (in the field):

While on safari always avoid making any decision without seeking advice from your tour guide and tour agent consultant since they are well conversant with the area and will always give you genuine advice and assistance.