We would like to invite you TO READ this section carefully.
Perhaps the less interesting part to the itinerary but it covers IMPORTANT ADMINISTRATIVE, HEALTH and SAFETY topics which should be taken into consideration in order not to spoil the enjoyment of your safari holiday.
Do also note that KAAPSTAD ORG TOURS AND SAFARIS can take no responsibility with regard to the consequences of failing to adhere to any of the advise provided below.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
One requires a valid passport to visit any of the countries in Africa we operate in. As a general rule, your passport should still be valid for a period of 6 months after your anticipated return date.
Do also note that a number of countries such as Botswana and Namibia, require parents travelling with minor children - aged <18 - to be in possession of birth certificates as a proof of parenthood.
For children not travelling with their own parents, please note it is required to have an officially certified authorization letter by the natural parents for the children to travel.
We do invite each traveller to ensure that you have proper documentation at hand to travel to the selected destinations. Failing to have this, you might even be denied boarding the initial flight.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
All the African countries we operate in, require a tourism visa. Which, for citizens of many countries, can be obtained upon arrival in the country of destination. We recommend to check with the Embassy of the destination country for up-to-date information on their tourist visa requirements.
Tourism visa could be free-of-charge depending on your nationality - like in Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa - and issued at the border on arrival. Others - including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe - are payable and fees vary from USD 30.00 per person to over USD 100.00 depending on the duration of your stay and your nationality.
A number of countries such as the Kenya-Rwanda-Uganda trio as well as Zambia-Zimbabwe duo have partnered up and offer the option of a cross border tourism visa - respectively called East Africa Tourism Visa and KAZA UniVisa - allowing the holder to travel for tourism within the borders of the countries part of the visa agreement for a limited duration up to 1 month.
Many destination countries are moving towards offering online applications for tourism visa which we would highly recommend.
MALARIA
Malaria is endemic to most countries in which we operate. This would include Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Only Namibia and South Africa offer travel options in areas not affected by malaria but this applies to some parts of the countries only. Malaria is endemic in Northern Namibia from the Kunene region all the way to the Caprivi. In South Africa, most of the 3 Eastern Provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo have malaria.
A malaria prophylactic is required when visiting any of the regions or countries where the sickness is present. Please consult your family physician for the right medication.
VACCINATION COMPULSORY
Yellow fever vaccination is required in Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. It might as well be required in other countries when travelling from a country where yellow fever is present. Make sure you have your yellow fever vaccination certificate at hand.
VACCINATION RECOMMENDED
Depending on your type of travel, certain vaccinations might be strongly advised. In general we would advise to be vaccinated against tetanus.
Should you rough it up, stay in budget accommodation in remote Africa or camp in wildlife areas, it might also be advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis A & B, rabies, meningitis, typhoid fever. We do recommend you consult a travel clinic or your physician in this regard.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
At Inspiration Africa, we require all clients to have valid travel assistance insurance cover for the duration of your safari holiday. Please do provide us with a copy of your insurance policy or simply share the details of the policy number and the emergency contact numbers to use should any situation require it.
Should you not be insured, please do let us know and we will gladly subscribe a temporary travel assistance insurance policy to offer you the right cover during the duration of your journey.
Additionally, it is highly recommended to subscribe to a travel cancellation insurance to cover you against any such risks that may occur due to external circumstances beyond our control such as airline delays, flight cancellations, missed flight connections, severe bad weather, 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.
