Gorilla Trekking from Bisate (Rwanda)

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.

You must have a passport that is valid for 6 months after your return date and have at least 2 blank visa pages per country to be visited (amendment and endorsement pages or inside back cover cannot be used for visas). Airlines will deny boarding if you fail to have necessary requirements. Proper travel documents are the responsibility of each traveler.

Visas are required for tourist travel to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Kenya and Uganda both offer E-visa’s which need to be applied for before you travel. You will then receive an email confirmation that needs to be printed and brought with you.

Current single entry tourist visa costs for US passport holders: (subject to change)
Kenya US$50.00
Tanzania US$100.00
Rwanda US$30.00
Uganda US$50.00

The East Africa Visa is an option for travelers visiting any combination of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. The current cost is $100USD/person and is purchased upon arrival into one of these countries.

Tanzania and Rwanda visas can be purchased upon arrival, at the airport or border or you can obtain them in advance via the country Embassy or our preferred visa expediter, CIBT. Click HERE to visit CIBT VISA SERVICE: http://cibtvisas.com/tourkits.php?bookmark=1&login=50029

Borton’s site at above CIBT link will have all necessary forms for pre-arranging your visas thru CIBT visa service. NOTE – if you opt to obtain your visas upon arrival at the airport, these forms and photos are not necessary.

Currency

Rwanda Franc (RWF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of RWF 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of RWF100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

The import and export of local currency is limited to RWF5000. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but must be declared upon arrival and exchanged within 8 days.

It has become very important to take bills that are no older than 5 years and are not ripped or torn. You will want to have a supply of small denomination cash notes to use for tipping and small purchases. Cash works best in the African marketplaces and with vendors along the road, where bargaining is expected.

Banking

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1700, Sat 0800-1200.

Credit cards are only accepted at a few hotels in Kigali. MasterCard and Visa are the preferred cards.

International Visa cards are accepted at the ATMs at Ecobank head office in Kigali and at Kigali airport. They can also be used at the ATMs at Access Bank head office in Kigali. However, these ATMs are often affected by power cuts. It is best to travel with US dollars, some banks won’t accept pound sterling.

It may be difficult to change traveller's cheques outside Kigali.

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 

With proper precautions, travel to East Africa is very safe. As in any developing country, you want to be careful of what you eat and drink if you explore beyond the safari lodges. Protect yourself from the equatorial sun, stay well hydrated, and remember to wear mosquito repellent.

We cannot give you specific medical advice regarding what medication to take and you must check with your physician or travel clinic for any specific personal conditions that may require extra attention.

Malaria is present throughout East and Southern Africa and prophylaxis is recommended, either Larium (mefloquine), atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) or doxycycline.

A Yellow Fever vaccine is required for entry to many East African countries if you are arriving from or transiting an endemic country. Proof of a current yellow fever vaccine is required for all travelers entering Rwanda. Check with your travel clinic or CDC for latest yellow fever requirements as these change often. The vaccine must be received at least 10-days prior to entry and is now good for life. Proof of receipt of this vaccine is recorded on a Yellow Fever Certificate, which will you will be required to show to the health officer at immigration upon arrival.

It is a good idea to have a prescription of Cipro along in case of an intestinal or other infection.

As immunization requirements change, you should check with your travel clinic or check with the Center for Disease Control for the most current information. Their website is www.cdc.gov.

If you do become ill after you return home, be sure to tell your physician that you have been traveling in East Africa as this will alert your physician to possibilities that may not otherwise be considered.

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. 

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. 

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