Preparing for Your African Safari
Your safari is carefully coordinated to provide a seamless and memorable experience. However, traveling through Africa can be different from other destinations, and a little preparation will help you make the most of your journey.
What to Expect on Safari
Wildlife Encounters
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Animals roam freely in their natural habitats, and every game drive brings its own discoveries. Patience and flexibility are part of the experience.
Travel Between Destinations
Your itinerary may include light aircraft flights, scenic road transfers, and travel through remote areas. Schedules and routes occasionally change due to weather, wildlife activity, or local operating conditions.
Safari Lodge Experiences
Many safari lodges and camps operate in remote wilderness areas. Daily activities, meal times, and game drives may be adjusted to accommodate local conditions and maximize your experience.
Health & Travel Documentation
Before departure, ensure your passport meets the entry requirements for every destination on your itinerary. Depending on the countries visited, visas, electronic travel authorizations, vaccinations, or mandatory inbound insurance may be required.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, trip interruption, and cancellation protection. Some destinations have additional mandatory insurance requirements.
Respecting Wildlife & Local Communities
Always follow your safari guide’s instructions, respect wildlife viewing distances, and observe local customs. Your journey is an opportunity to experience Africa responsibly while supporting conservation and local communities.
Your CURAH Africa Travel Resources
To help you prepare, we’ve included additional resources with your travel documents, which may include:
- East Africa or Southern Africa Essential Travel Guide: Entry requirements, visas, health preparation, and important travel information.
- Safari Tipping Guide: Suggested gratuities for guides, lodge staff, drivers, and other services.
- Safari Etiquette Guide: Helpful tips for wildlife viewing, photography, and responsible travel.
Please review the resources relevant to your itinerary before departure.
We’re Here to Help
If you have questions about your itinerary, travel documents, or preparations, please contact CURAH Travel. We’re happy to guide you through the process.
CURAH Travel
+1 858-533-0933
www.curahtravel.com
Located in the heart of East Africa, Rwanda has transformed into one of the continent’s most inspiring and rewarding travel destinations. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and commitment to conservation, the country offers visitors the unforgettable opportunity to track endangered mountain gorillas in the mist-shrouded forests of Volcanoes National Park, part of the spectacular Virunga Mountain range. Beyond gorilla trekking, travellers can relax along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, explore the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, home to chimpanzees and numerous other primate species, or discover the wildlife-rich savannahs of Akagera National Park. Combining remarkable wildlife encounters, dramatic scenery and a rich cultural heritage, Rwanda offers an extraordinary blend of adventure, nature and authentic African experiences.
Entry Requirements
- U.S. travelers can generally use visa-on-arrival or approved online visa options; check current conditions at https://www.migration.gov.rw/ .
- Confirm passport validity, permitted stay and requirements for any return entry from Uganda or other neighboring countries.
- Carry gorilla-trekking permit and itinerary details where applicable.
For U.S. passport holders. Requirements depend on nationality, routing and transit countries. Verify official rules before departure; CURAH can assist, but each traveler is responsible for entry documents.
Banking and Currency
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
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
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
Health and Medical Information
- Discuss routine vaccinations, malaria prevention and yellow-fever documentation with a travel-health professional.
- Gorilla trekking involves altitude, uneven terrain and exertion; disclose relevant mobility concerns and follow trekking health rules.
- CDC resource: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Safety Notices
- Rwanda restricts plastic carrier bags and certain single-use plastics; pack reusable alternatives.
- Follow all gorilla trekking rules, including guide instructions and minimum wildlife distances.
- Avoid photographing sensitive security locations; respect local customs and laws.
- Review the current advisory: https://travel.state.gov/
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
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.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging 1200 mm
Average temperature: 21°C
Summer:
Average highs: 27°C
Average lows: 15°C
Winter:
Average highs: 25°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons from June to September and from December to February, which are ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing, especially for seeing mountain gorillas.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
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 Availability
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
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: C, J
Voltage (V): 230 V
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
