Charter Airline Baggage Limitations
Please note that a luggage restriction of 20kgs (44lbs) packed in soft-sided duffel bags is applicable to all scheduled charter flights in South Africa, Botswana Zambia and Zimbabwe. This weight limitation includes your hand luggage.
In Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia the luggage limit is 15Kgs (33lbs) packed in soft sided duffel bags. This weight limit includes your hand luggage.
Note that seat rate charter flights operate a shuttle service and guests may be collected at other camps before proceeding to your destination.
South Africa and Botswana Visa Note
USA, Canadian and EU passport holders do not need a visa for entry to South Africa or Botswana. However, you are required to have at least two consecutive empty visa pages in your passport, per country, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry. If you are on a different passport, please let me know and I will check the requirements for your trip.
Zambia Visa Note
An entry visa is required for Zambia for most passport holders. The entry fee is US$50 per person (subject to change). This can be purchased at Livingstone Airport on arrival. If you plan to visit both sides of the Falls you can purchase a Kaza Visa for US$50 per person. Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accepts USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Zimbabwe Visa Note
Most passport holders can purchase their visa for Zimbabwe on arrival for US$30. If you plan to visit both sides of the Falls you can purchase a Kaza Visa for US$50 per person. Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accepts USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Kenya Visa Note
Please note that you will need to purchase a visa for Kenya. The cost is currently US$50pp. It is best to apply for your visa online on http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html
Should you decide to purchase your visa on arrival, you need to have cash available as they do not accept credit cards. (Please note that East African countries only accepts USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Tanzania Visa Note
US passport holders can purchase their visa for Tanzania at the port of entry for US$100 per person. Please can you have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Please note that East African countries only accepts USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).
Uganda Visa Note
Uganda Immigration have implemented the use of Electronic Visas. All visitors who require an entry visa must apply through the online application system prior to arrival: https://visas.immigration.go.ug.
Please make sure to bring your bar-coded visa letter with you when you travel. The cost is US$50 per person.
Rwanda Visa Note
Visas, if necessary, are issued when passengers arrive at Kigali International Airport. The cost is US$50 upon arrival.
The passport of the traveler must be valid at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Rwanda.
Yellow Fever
Please note that you need a Yellow Fever inoculation certificate for travel to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. You must travel with the original certificate as you may be asked for proof.
Malaria Medication
We recommend that you take malaria prophylactics as you will be travelling to a malaria risk area. You will need to liaise with your GP or travel clinic regarding the medication most suited to your needs. Unfortunately we're not able to recommend which one to take as it is dependent on other medication you're currently taking / any medical conditions etc.
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.
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
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.
General Guidance
TIPPING GUIDELINE FOR GORILLA TREKKING
Porters at parks - $20-25 per person per day
Head Ranger/Guide (when gorilla tracking) - ±$10 per person per day
Trackers - ±$10 per person per day
Security personnel - ±$10 per person per day
The tip for the team of three above should add up to roughly $25 - $30 per day of tracking, per traveller
Driver-Guides - $5 - $10 per person per day
Park Staff/Forest Walks - $5 per person per walk
