Frequently Asked Questions about Rwanda
Frequently Asked Questions about Rwanda, Rwanda offers lots of varied wildlife as well as breathtaking scenery, right from the soaring mountains to the deep forests. Rwanda is a great destination for Primate Tracking, you can find both cheeky chimpanzees, colobus monkeys as well as Mountain Gorillas. Tracking these gorillas is one of the main reasons as to why most people travel on safari to Rwanda. However, there is so much more to this stunning Country and with tourism booming, this is the time to visit.
Below we have answered some of the frequently asked questions by our clients on Rwanda. If there is anything you would like to know or think we should cover in this area, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Do I need a visa and passport to travel to Rwanda?
A visa is an essential requirement when travelling to Rwanda from the United States and Canada. A valid passport is mandatory for travel, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Rwanda. A visa can be purchased either in advance through the Rwandan Embassy or Consulate office in your country. It can as well be got online on the Rwandan Immigration Website at least 3 days prior to departing for Rwanda.
You can also get the visa on arrival, this is allowed for several countries and here are some whose residents can get the visa on arrival; the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, France among others.
What Vaccinations are required for Rwanda?
There are no compulsory vaccinations required for Rwanda. But we recommend you consult with your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date recommendations mostly in regard to malaria prophylactics. A Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required in case you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.
When is the best time to travel to Rwanda?
The best time to travel to Rwanda is between June to September and also December to February. During this period, temperatures are often moderate and there is less rain. This then makes it favorable for activities like Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Trekking, Hiking among others.
Is Rwanda a safe country for tourists?
Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries not only in Africa but the World at large. Crime is not a big issue for travelers but one must always use common sense when traveling in any foreign country. Also in large urban centers like as Kigali, there is little concern for safety and there are many police officers who patrol the streets. Rwanda is particularly a good Country to travel to with children as they are most welcome.
Can I use my ATM card, Visa Debit or Credit Card in Rwanda?
There are plenty of opportunities in Kigali to use your ATM card. Most banks in Rwanda have VISA networks and correspond with most of the large banks overseas. Outside Kigali, ATMs are only available in larger centers like Butare and Nyanza. In the smaller towns and in the parks, ATM machines are few and far between.
Visa Debit and international Credit Cards such as MasterCard are accepted in most large facilities in Kigali. Petrol Stations and lodges outside Kigali will usually accept credit and debit cards. These credit card systems are shared on the phone lines which are not 100% reliable and for that case. We recommend that you travel with some local cash or common foreign currencies such as US Dollars, Euros or British Pounds. This money can be used or exchanged in emergencies when ATM machines and Credit Cards are not accepted. It should be noted that the US Dollar is the most widely accepted of these currencies.
How much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?
A Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 per person. This permit allows any Traveler to Trek the Giant Mountain Gorillas in their Natural Habitat. In Rwanda, Mountain Gorillas can only be found in Volcanoes National Park.
What Activities can I do during my visit to Rwanda?
There are a variety of activities to do during your visit to Rwanda and they include; Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Trekking. Canopy Walk, Wildlife Viewing, Community Experiences and Kigali City Tour among others.