GEOGRAPHY
Rwanda is a landlocked country in eastern Africa bordered by Uganda in the north, Tanzania in the east, Burundi in the south and Zaire to the north-west. It is situated on the eastern rim of the Albertine Rift, a western arm of the Great Rift Valley, on the watershed between Africa's two largest river systems: the Nile and the Congo. Much of the country's 26,338 sq km are impressively mountainous, the highest peak being Karisimbi (4,507m) in the volcanic Virunga chain protected by the Volcanoes National Park. The largest body of water is Lake Kivu, but there are other numerous lakes around the country, notably Burera, Ruhondo, Muhazi and Mugesera, some of which have erratic shapes following the contours of the steep mountains that enclose them.
PEOPLE
The original inhabitants of Rwanda were the Twa pygmies who have mostly been displaced by the two bigger tribes, the Tutsi making up 19% of the population and Hutus at 80%. The official languages are French English and Kinya-rwanda. Swahili the lingua franca of eastern African countries is spoken though on a smaller scale in comparison to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
CLIMATE
Most of Rwanda is 3,000 ft above sea level, and this contributes to a pleasant tropical highland climate, with a daily temperature range as great as 14°C (25°F). The temperature varies considerably from region to region because of the altitude difference. The average daytime temperature is about 30°C except in the highlands where it is much cooler. There are four seasons; long rains from mid March to mid May, short rains from mid-October to mid-December; long dry period from mid-May to mid-October and short dry season from mid-December to mid-March. The north-east has more rainfall than other parts of the country.
GETTING AROUND
Rwanda has possibly the best roads in East Africa. Most visitors who have booked through a tour company will be provided with good private vehicles, usually 4 x 4s. All of the major centers are connected with local and luxury bus services. Air charter services are available anywhere in the country.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
This is a guide only – please check with your nearest Rwandan consulate for up to date information. All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for 3 months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps. The visa cost 60$ and can be bought upon arrival.
GENERAL ACCOMODATION INFO
Most safari lodges vary in size and style, and are built to blend in with the local environment. Accommodation tends to be of rondavel or banda type, with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit hotels. Do not be misled by the term “tented accommodation” – these tend to be luxurious insect-proof tents and are usually permanently pitched on concrete bases, often including en suite bathrooms with flush toilets. These are very popular and give the visitor the true experience of being close to nature without the inconvenience and discomfort that can be associated with camping in the open. In the towns, cheaper hotels are definitely avoidable. Prices for higher range hotels vary according to season. Note that although prices may be quoted in US$, payment in local currency is the accepted norm. Campsites in national parks and game reserves tend to be very basic, with running water, but only pit toilets. It is strongly recommended that you reserve all your accommodation as far in advance as possible as availability is often at a premium, especially in peak season.
HEALTH
A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required. Much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are strongly recommended.
SAFETY
Most of Rwanda is currently safe, the capital city, national parks and other outlying towns are entirely safe for visitors, but anywhere close to the border of Congo (Zaire) and Burundi are not entirely safe and should be avoided.
WATER
While water in major towns is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, there are frequent breakdowns and this can lead to mild to serious abdominal upsets for first time African travellers. Rather stick to sealed bottled water, which is available from most hotels and lodges, and which is highly advised for the first few weeks of your stay. Do not use ice cubes or eat rare meat, raw seafood or dairy products. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors and only eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination.
WHAT TO PACK
Generally speaking, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year.
Dress codes are informal. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing, supplemented by light sweaters for the cool evenings and heavier clothing for the Parc des Volcans and Nyungwe. When tracking gorillas, it is advisable to wear sturdier clothing and shoes to protect against stinging nettles and other impediments while hiking. A hat and sunglasses provide protection against the sun, and a waterproof jacket may come in handy in the higher elevations of the mountains.
MONEY
The unit of currency is the Rwanda franc. The US dollar is the hard currency of preference. It may be impossible to exchange travelers' cheques away from the capital. Credit cards are usually only accepted at the major hotels in Kigali.
BANKING
Monday to Friday: 0830-1130 and 1330-1630
Saturday: 0830 - 1130
TIPPING
Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always be tipped.
RWANDA NATIONAL PARKS, MUSEUM AND MEMEORIAL SITE
KIGALI
Kigali named by Dr. Richard Kandt, the first colonial resident governor of Rwanda in 1907, is Rwanda’s capital. Kigali’s face is her fortune; it is this dramatic beauty from which its name is derived. It is the city where the past lives comfortably with the present. You will have the opportunity to see the following:
Visit an artisan shopping centre for local arts and crafts shopping, the Kigali Museum and learn the history of Kigali’s and Rwanda’s pre-colonial and colonial period as well as the colonial masters in Rwanda, the city and see first hand the post genocide development and expansion of Kigali, visit the 1994 Kigali Genocide Memorial site.
PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS
Trekking Mountain Gorillas in Parc National des Volcans is one of the most memorable experiences of a life time. There are seven Gorilla groups habituated for tourism. Parc National des Volcans is well known for its undulating volcanoes that give a spectacular view of Mount Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura. |
