Rwanda Safari Tours have earned its niche as Africa's hottest new eco-tourism destination.
Basic Information
- Official Name: Republic of Rwanda
- Area: 26,338 sq km
- Capital: Kigali
- Population: 12 million
The Capital City & Major Towns
The capital of Rwanda is Kigali. The major cities and towns are Butare, Gitarama, Ruhengeri.
Area
Rwanda is a small country covering an area of 26,338 sq km, 5.3% of which is inland water. Rwanda is landlocked and has no coastline.
Borders
Rwanda has Uganda to the north, Burundi to the south, Tanzania to the east, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west.
Language & Literacy
- Official Language: Kinyarwanda (the first language) French and English.
- Other Language: Swahili (Kiswahili), Rwanda-Rundi and Bantu
- Business Language: French, English
- Literacy: 71.1%
Climate Of Rwanda
Generally, the Rwanda weather stays a bit cooler in mountains with possibilities of frostiness and snow.
Rwanda experiences two rainy seasons:
- March to May
- October to November
The two dry seasons:
- June to mid-September
- December to February.
Time Zone Of Rwanda
GMT +2 all year-round. Rwanda maintains a constant 12 hours of daylight. Sunrise is typically 06.30 and sunset at 18.45.
Population
Rwanda is a highly populated country in Africa
- Total Population: 11,689,696 million (2012 est.)
- Rural Population: 81%
- Under 15 years old: 42.7%
- Under 65 years old: 97.5%
- Growth rate: 2.751%
Rwanda Currency & Exchange
Rwandan currency is known as Franc.
- Forex code - RWF
- 1 Euro = 1181.36 Rwf
- 1 US$ = 990.57 Rwf
Notes are in denominations of RWF 500, 1,000, 2000, and 5000
Coins are RWF 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100.
Banking & Currency Exchange
- Foreign currency can be changed at foreign currency bureau, banks, or hotels. Bank timings are Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1700 and Sat 0800-1200.
- Lodges and restaurants may accept USD but rest you’ll require Rwandan Franc.
- Also, USD printed before 2006 is not accepted in the country.
ATM & Credit Cards
ATM: Bank of Kigali and the Eco bank both have ATMs accepting international Visa cards.
Credit Card: Credit cards are not widely accepted in Rwanda. Only major hotels and upmarket lodges accept credit cards.
Travelers’ Cheques
Only major banks in Kigali accept Travellers' Cheques. But that is not dependable. So we encourage you to travel in cash instead, preferably US Dollars.
Tipping
Tipping is widely appreciated.
Shopping And Business Hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1300 and 1400-1730, and Sat 0830-1230
Communication and Postage
International telephone code: 000 followed by the required country code
Rwanda country code: +250.
- Rwanda has excellent cell phone coverage. Local SIM cards and cell phones are very easily available in major towns and town centers.
- WIFI is available in some lodges and it is possible to buy a 3G mobile internet USB dongle. Internet cafes can be found through the connection is mostly very slow.
Post offices
Kigali Post office timing: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1700, Sat 0800-1200.
Stamps can be purchased at post offices, hotels, and stationery or souvenir shops.
Rwanda National Parks and Reserves
Rwanda has 3 national parks and several forest reserves and protected areas.
National Parks
• Akagera
• Parc national des Volcans
• Nyungwe
Forest Reserves
• Cyamudongo
• Gisakura Gallery
• Gishwati
• Mukura
• Nyungwe
Other Protected Areas
• Akanyaru wetlands
• Mutara
• Nyabarongo River Wetlands
• Rugezi Marsh
UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserves
• Parc national des Volcans
Cloud Forest Sites
• Gishwati
• Mukura
• Nyungwe
• Volcans
National Museums of Rwanda.
• Ethnographic Museum at Huye
• Art Museum at Nyanza-Rwesero
• Ancient History Museum at Nyanza-Rukari
• Presidential Palace Museum at Kigali-Kanombe
• Natural History Museum (Kandt House) at Kigali-Nyarugenge
• Environmental Museum at Karongi
Visa and Health Certification
A valid passport and visa for the proposed duration of your stay is required for entry into Rwanda. You can obtain your visa in advance from the Rwandan Embassy or High Commission in your country of origin or can apply for one online.
Health certification
A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if you are arriving in Rwanda from an infected area.
Vaccinations
A number of vaccinations are recommended before arriving in Rwanda.
Malaria
Malaria is endemic in tropical Africa and protection against it is necessary.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a serious issue throughout Africa. An estimated 2.9 % of the Rwandan population is HIV positive.
Medical / Travel Insurance
We highly recommend obtaining medical / travel insurance prior to arrival.
Rwanda has very limited medical facilities. Therefore Gazelle Safaris Africa conducts evacuation by air ambulance to Kenya or South Africa in the event of a serious accident or illness.
Personal Safety
Security:
Rwanda has the best security in Africa, but as a visitor, you must be cautious and vigilant.
Water
Tap water is not safe to drink in Rwanda. So only prefer bottled water which is easily available.
Security At Rwanda
All in all, Rwanda is a safe country to travel to. The Rwandans are warm-hearted and generous people. They are always eager to help visitors get the most out of their stay. Rwanda is multi-democratic and is a politically stable country.
Rwanda Safari
Quick Facts About Rwanda
1 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
2 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
3 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
4 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
5 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
6 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
7 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
1 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
2 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
3 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
4 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
5 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
6 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
7 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
1 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
2 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
3 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
4 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
5 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
6 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
7 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
1 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
2 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
3 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
4 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
5 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
6 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
7 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
1 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
2 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
3 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
4 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
5 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
6 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
7 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
1 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
2 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
3 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
4 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
5 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
6 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
7 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
1 / 7
Plan Your Trip
Want to book a vacation to Rwanda? Whether you're off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Rwanda vacation packages make planning your trip simple and affordable. Plan your trip to Rwanda with the perfect vacation package!
2 / 7
People
Rwanda has a vast number of cultural and traditions practices and beliefs due to the existence of several tribes in the country such as the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa, people. Let’s discover the insights and practices of these people and their cultural heritage.
3 / 7
Money
Most banks in larger towns have international ATMs. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist hotels. The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc (RFr). If you bring US dollars, note that you won't really need to change them, as most activities & hotels can be paid in US dollars.
4 / 7
Geography
Location Rwanda is located in east-central Africa, between latitudes 10 and 30 south, and longitudes 290 and 310 east; it is bordered on the north by Uganda, on the east by Tanzania, on the south by Burundi, and on the west by Zaire.
5 / 7
Activities
With its varied ecosystems and abundance of wildlife and national parks, Rwanda offers many activities unique to the country and region such as tracking gorillas, camping near a beautiful lake, and trying the local cuisine.
6 / 7
Weather
Despite its proximity to the equator (just 223km or 139 miles south of the equator), Rwanda's high altitude grants the country an agreeable climate year-round, with peak temperatures rarely climbing above 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or dropping below 15°C (59°F) at night.
7 / 7
Transport
The transport system in Rwanda centres primarily on the road network. ... The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations, and also has limited transport between the port cities on Lake Kivu.
Let’s Start Designing Your Holiday
Reward or motivate your team with a trip of a lifetime. Our incentive packages will energize them, leave them engaged, and constantly strive to improve and deliver beyond expectations.
Rwanda Safari
Rwanda Travel Guide
Rwanda Safari
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Rwanda is the safest country in Africa. Even though the country has seen its fair share of violence and bloodshed but now the country is back on its feet again. Crime is relatively low, and locals are welcoming, friendly and hospitable. However, to avoid pickpockets and petty crime, you must be cautious and vigilant all the time.
You can track mountain gorillas throughout the year in Uganda and Rwanda. However, June to October is the best time for gorilla trekking. This is the dry season of Rwanda which allows perfect conditions for trekking.
A gorilla permit is a card/ document issued by the Rwanda development board to allow you to spend an hour with the mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park. Currently, the cost of a gorilla permit can come up to 1500$ to 1700$ including permit, private transport, English-speaking guide, accommodation, and meals.
We always advise our clients to book a permit at least 3 months in advance. Due to high demand especially in the peak season, the permits tend to sell out quickly. Contact Gazelle Safaris Africa for more information.
Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in the world. All tourists are escorted by armed rangers while tracking the gorillas.
For gorilla trekking, you’ve to hike through difficult terrain, water bodies, thick vegetation, hills, and valleys. The activity can possess some initial challenges but in the end, it’ll be rewarding.
Rwanda is a much smaller country in comparison to Uganda. Uganda has more Gorilla Families and habituated gorillas group. Also, the permits are more easily available.
Rwanda Safari
Rwanda Safari Itineraries
11 Days The Gem Of Africa Safari
Nairobi | Masai Mara Game Reserve | Lake Naivasha | Aberdares National Park | Lake Nakuru |
Kenya Wildlife Safari
11 Days From $ 3277
4 Days Livingstone Adventure Experience
Victoria Falls | Livingstone | Chobe National Park
Zambia Tour
4 Days On Request
6 Days Magical Kenya Safari Experience
Nairobi | Masai Mara | Nakuru | Lake Naivasha
MICE
6 Days On Request
4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Safari
Kigali | Franco-Rwanda cultural Centre | Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Rwanda Gorilla Safaris
4 Days From $ 2,470
6 Days Livingstone And Lower Zambezi Tour
Victoria Falls | Mosi-oa-Tunya | Sausage Tree Camp | Lower Zambezi National Park
Zambia Tour
6 Days On Request
7 Days Highlights Of Tanzania Safari
Arusha | Tarangire National Park | Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti National Park
MICE
7 Days On Request
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