Active Africa - gorilla trek, canoeing & hiking (8 nights)

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.

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. 

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 

Zimbabwe is a captivating destination in southern Africa, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The country is home to some of the continent’s most iconic natural attractions, including Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into a deep gorge in a spectacular display of power. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore Hwange National Park, famous for its large elephant population and diverse game viewing opportunities, or visit Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its walking safaris, canoeing adventures, and close wildlife encounters. Lake Kariba, one of the world's largest man-made lakes, offers scenic boat cruises, excellent fishing, and breathtaking sunsets. Combining adventure, natural beauty, and authentic safari experiences, Zimbabwe remains one of Africa’s most rewarding travel destinations.

Currency
Local currency: Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
Symbol: ZiG
ISO code: ZWG
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 ZiG
Coins: 1, 2, 5 ZIG

Note: US Dollars are widely accepted and commonly used alongside the local currency.

Banking

Card Transactions: Limited
ATMs: Yes, cash withdrawals may be limited and often dispense US dollars. Some ATMs may not accept foreign cards, so check with your bank.
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM/4:30PM
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air:
Main airlines: Air Zimbabwe
International Airports: Harare International Airport (HRE), Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ)
Domestic Airports: Yes, in major cities and tourist areas

Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes, 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: Limited
Subway System: No

Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Zimbabwean cuisine is influenced by traditional African dishes and British colonial heritage. Sadza, a thick maize porridge, is a staple, often served with meat and vegetables. Other popular dishes include Nyama, a grilled meat dish, and Mopane worms. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Chibuku (traditional beer) and maheu (fermented drink). 

Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included. 

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 22°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 10°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zimbabwe is during the dry season from May to October when wildlife viewing is at its best, especially in national parks like Hwange and Mana Pools. The weather is generally pleasant during this time, making it ideal for outdoor activities. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Limited, mainly in major cities
Accommodation: Yes, including hotels, guesthouses, and lodges
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Limited
Public parks: Limited, in urban areas
Libraries: Limited