Lions Tour 2021 - 3 nights Rwanda Gorilla Trek

The first thing that springs to most people’s minds when thinking of Rwanda is its turbulent political history. But today’s Rwanda is a far cry from the nation it was in the mid-90s: the country has emerged from the shadows and has much to offer visitors, most notably the tracking of endangered mountain gorillas in the lush Virunga National Park, which extends across the peaks and jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains. Other major tourist attractions include expansive Lake Kivu, ancient Nyungwe Forest with its rich population of primate species, and the game-rich savannah lands of Akagera National Park.

Currency 
Local currency: Rwandan Franc 
Symbol: R₣ 
ISO code: RWF 
Subunit: Centime (1/100 of a Franc) 
Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 francs 
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 francs 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted in major cities 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: Weekdays: 08:00 – 17:00 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: RwandAir 
International Airports: Kigali International Airport 
Domestic Airports: None 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes, primarily in urban areas 
Gravel roads: Yes, common in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Limited, primarily on lakes 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: Limited 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, wash thoroughly 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, ensure it is well cooked 
Street food: Yes, choose hygienic vendors 

Local cuisine: 
Rwandan cuisine features dishes like "Ugali" (cornmeal staple), "Isombe" (cassava leaves with eggplant and spinach), and "Brochettes" (grilled meat skewers). Staple ingredients include bananas, plantains, pulses, sweet potatoes, and beans, often cooked with a blend of vegetables and meat. 

Drinks: 
Local banana wine and sorghum beer are traditional drinks. 

Tipping: Not customary but appreciated, usually around 5-10% in tourist areas. 

Despite its proximity to the equator, due to the high altitude of most of the country, Rwanda has a temperate climate with temperatures seldom climbing above 25C / 77°F. The long dry season is from June to September and there are two annual rainy seasons, the first from mid-March until the beginning of June and small rains from mid-September to December. The best time for gorilla and monkey tracking is the dry season - if only to spare you getting drenched (you can still see them in the rain, they just get a bit grumpy). The dry season is also good if you want to see game in Akagera National Park because thirst will draw the animals to the watering holes. You will also find at this time the roads are less dangerous and the risk of malaria is lower. The rainy season is the best time to see chimpanzees and is also the time when the place is at its most lush and green.

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Recommended during the rainy seasons 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes, with good connectivity 
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities 
Cafes: Yes, in major cities 
Shopping malls: Yes, in major cities 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes