Rwanda is one of the new up comers to Africa tourism. This landlocked country is located in the heart of Africa. Most travel books put its location as Central Africa but politically it subscribes to the East African Region. The country is most famous for gorilla trekking, a rewarding visit to the endangered mountain gorillas in the northern part of the country.
Among the thousand things which can make you fall in love with a place, country, trip activities Rwanda is a country with countless travel likes in Africa. If you love exploring new places and culture –add Rwanda on your bucket list for unique environment, culture and style in the wilderness. It’s hard to say as there are many nice good places in the world but Rwanda travels are exceptional starting with the countries carrier- RwandAir Airline with reliable schedules, services, experienced staff and comfort. With their bigger vision of serving Europe & the reintroduction of Lions in Akagera national park, Rwanda is yet to receive new tourists from all over the world to explore the various attractions which are located close to each other making the country a favorite travel destination for many across the globe.
The spectacular national parks including Nyungwe, Akagera and volcanoes is the most influential factor which draw 1000s to the country every year. Gorilla tracking safaris & chimpanzee/primate treks, birding safaris, Nature wildlife viewing make the country’s guest go crazy about the park attractiveness. Some tourists visit a particular park more than once and re-do the same activity in order to feel the park beauty once again especially those for gorilla tracking at volcanoes national park. However some chose to track across all the three countries where mountain Gorillas live-Uganda (Bwindi forest & Mgahinga National park), Rwanda (Volcanoes National park) and Democratic republic of Congo (Virunga National park). The Love of Africa drives many to see the new monkey species –the banobos in remote Congo forest and also visit the most active volcanoes of Nyiragongo & Nyamuragira known for having a unique scene of the volcano Eruption.
The beautiful culture says it all-the music, dance, Cuisine, Arts & Craft and the Rwanda people who speak Kinyarwanda language everywhere they go even in neighboring countries of Uganda and Congo. Today many cultural tours are organized by Rwanda travel agents to several cultural sites of Rwanda, which are of the best interest to most visitors to Rwanda that have interest in the culture hence bringing the countries culture close to the countries guests. In Africa Rwanda is known as a unified state Banyarwanda and 11 national holidays are observed thought the year excluding the abrupt inserted occasions by the Government. However the traditional dance “Intore” is the tourist favorite and always used to entertain tourists at their lodge of residence –mountain Gorilla view lodge and also in communities. The Rwanda local put three components together –the ballet (performed by women), Heroes (Performed by men) & Drums who later act in style making the guests too happy that others join the dancing team. Bored in Rwanda is ones wish but the country has enough to keep you busy and entertained.
About Rwanda
Rwanda is well known for her beautiful and unique cultures which have attracted a lot of safaris to Rwanda. The country has three tribes with the largest being the Hutus, Tutsi and Twa with Only 1% of the population.
The tribes portray beautiful dances, songs, dressings among others which have attracted very many safaris in Rwanda. Music and dances are part of Rwanda’s ceremony and big events. Women dance with pots on their heads without holding them or even the pots falling down. This beautiful dance has attracted a lot of tourists who enjoy seeing them.
Their dressings are so beautiful and thus portraying the African dressing styles. Their clothing is made from bark cloth and animal skin however because of modernization, the materials have change from bark cloth and instead of putting beads, and they now used ribbons. Women dress in floor-length clothing with beads around their foreheads. When this women dress up, you will not let your eyes off from them because of their beautiful looks and dressings. Their beautiful attires have created uniqueness among the people thus increase in Rwanda Safaris.
These clothes are mostly put on when there are big event, ceremonies, and festivals among others to reflect and portray the culture of the people. One unique thing about the culture is that these tribes share some similarities in dancing, language and ways of dressing.
Their local staple food comes from subsistence farming which includes bananas, plantains, sweet potatoes, cassava, beans, meat, tilapia among others and thus one of the things which attract tourists to the country. Most of these hotels and Restaurants provide delicious meals which gives tourists a clue about the sweet meals in Africa thus a place to visit on your safaris to Rwanda
Rwanda safari offers tourists the opportunity to enjoy the culture of the local people in order to diversify their experiences.
Capital City:
Kigali
Location
The Republic of Rwanda is a land-locked country located in central Africa. It is bordered on the east by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with which it shares the shores of Lake Kivu; on the north by Uganda; on the west by Tanzania; and on the south by Burundi. Rwanda is a small country with an area of 26,338 square kilometers (10,169 square miles). Comparatively, Rwanda is about the size of the state of Maryland. The capital city of Kigali is in the center of the country.
Time
GMT + 2
Population:
11,055,976
Area:
Land area: 9,633 sq mi (24,949 sq km)
Total area: 10,169 sq mi (26,338 sq km)
Climate
The average daytime temperature is around 24°C, except in the higher mountains, which take up a lot of the country, where the range is 10°C to 15°C. Rwanda can be visited at any time of year. The dry season from mid-May to mid-October is easier for tracking mountain gorillas, but the endless hills are barren, a contrast to the verdant greens of the wet season. Peak season for gorilla tracking is July and August; travelling outside this time means it is easier to arrange a permit.
It rains more frequently and heavily in the northeast, where the volcanoes are covered by rainforest. The summit of Karisimbi (4507m), the highest peak in Rwanda, is often covered with sleet or snow.
Language
In addition to the indigenous language of Kinyarwanda, French and English are official languages. French is widely spoken throughout the country. In the capital and other tourist centres, many people speak English.
Economy
Primarily a subsistence agriculture economy, Rwanda nonetheless produces for export some of the finest tea and coffee in the world. Other industries include sugar, fishing and flowers for export.
Hiking and biking
The fine road network, with little traffic, offers wonderful opportunities for long bicycle trips across the verdant hills and valleys. Mountain biking and hiking can be enjoyed on the thousands of kilometres of fine rural trails linking remote villages, criss-crossing the entire country.
Getting Around
Rwanda has possibly the best roads in East Africa. Most visitors who have booked through a tour company will be provided with good private vehicles, usually 4-wheel drive. All of the major centres are connected with local and luxury bus services. Air charter services are available anywhere in the country.
Religions
The majority of Rwandans, about 65%, are Roman Catholic, with another 9% Protestant. Only about 1% of the population is Muslim. About a fourth of Rwandans are adherents of indigenous beliefs. However, these numbers and divisions are not clear cut. Many Rwandans practice both their traditional religion and Christianity at the same time.
Public Holidays
Good Friday and Easter Monday, which fall on variable dates, are recognised in Rwanda. Other public holidays are :
1 January (New Year’s Day);
1 February (National Heroes Day);
7 April (Genocide Memorial Day);
1 May (Labour Day);
1 July (Independance Day);
4 July (National Liberation Day);
15 August (Assumption Day);
1 October (Patriotism Day);
25 December (Christmas Day), and
26 December(Boxing Day).
Currency
The Rwandan Franc (Frw/Rwf) is the legal currency in Rwanda. American Dollars and Euros are accepted in some hotels and restaurants however expect to receive your change in Rwandan Francs.
Geography
Rwanda is a landlocked republic in Equatorial Africa, situated on the eastern rim of the Albertine Rift, a western arm of the Great Rift Valley, on the watershed between Africa’s two largest river systems: the Nile and the Congo. Much of the country’s 26,338 km2 is impressively mountainous, the highest peak being Karisimbi (4,507m) in the volcanic Virunga chain protected by the Volcanoes National Park. The largest body of water is Lake Kivu, but there areother numerous lakes around the country, notably Burera, Ruhondo, Muhazi and Mugesera, some of which have erratic shapes following the contours of the steep mountains that enclose them.
Communication
Rwanda has an excellent cell phone network covering almost the entire country. International phone calls can be made easily. Appropriate SIM cards for the network are readily available everywhere, even in remote towns, and cell phones can be purchased or rented from major shops in Kigali. Most towns of any size will have several Internet cafes and computer centers.
Visa Requirements
All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Rwanda. However, we strongly recommend traveling with 6 months validity on your passport at all times. In view of the bilateral agreements, nationals of the following countries may visit Rwanda without visa for a period up to 90 days: USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sweden, Mauritius, South Africa and Hong Kong
Getting to Rwanda
One can fly to Rwanda with SN Brussels, Alliance Express/Alliance Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania and Air Burundi. All international flights land at Kanombe Airport which is 10kms away from central Kigali.
Safety and Health
A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required. Much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are strongly recommended. It is advisable not to drink tap water. Bottled mineral water can be bought in all towns. Hospitals are located in all major towns.
Wildlife
Rwanda is home to the vast spectrum of East African wildlife, as well as both classic safariscapes and verdant equatorial rainforest.
Money
The Franc is the official currency of Rwanda. 1 Franc (RWF) = 100 centime. The Rwandan currency is available in both paper Notes and Coins.
Foreign currencies and traveler’s cheques can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and airports, railway stations, ports & major hotels in Rwanda at the official exchange rates.
Credit & Debit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and Visa are widely accepted in Rwanda. Check with your credit or debit Card Company for details of merchant acceptability in Rwanda. ATMs are widely available.
Traveler Cheques, International traveler’s cheques in Sterling Pounds, Euro, and US Dollars are widely accepted.
Electricity
240 volts AC, 50Hz.
When to visit
Rwanda can be visited throughout the year. Gorilla trekking and other forest walks are less demanding during the drier months. The European winter is the best time for birds, as Palaearctic migrants supplement resident species.
What to wear
Dress codes are informal. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing, supplemented by light sweaters for the cool evenings and heavier clothing for the Parc des Volcans and Nyungwe. When tracking gorillas, wear sturdier clothing to protect against stinging nettles, and solid walking shoes. A hat and sunglasses provide protection against the sun, and a waterproof jacket may come in handy in the moist mountains.
What to bring
Binoculars will greatly enhance game drives and forest walks, as will a good field guide to East African birds. Bring a camera and an adequate stock of film. Print film is available but transparency film is not. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.
Gorilla sightings
Though not formally guaranteed, there are very high chances for meeting the mountain gorillas in the wild. Reports of not seeing them on gorilla treks are extremely not available though there has been a few cases. Gorilla permits cost $500 per person per day and should be applied for well in advance, especially if you plan on traveling during the high tourist season (July and August or over the Christmas holidays).