One Week in Rwanda

What You Should Know Before Going On A Rwanda Tour

Common Rwanda Tour Routes

Although Rwanda is a small county, there are various ways to traverse its landscape. Travelers who wish to emphasize the cultural aspect of their trip, with less physical exertion may opt to spend more days in major cities and see fewer national parks.

However, it is also possible to see all major cities and all of the nature and wildlife which Rwanda protects within the borders of its four national parks. Traveling between national parks is possible to do by both airplane and car, although the latter option requires more planning. (Another reason to visit Rwanda on a guided tour).

Since Kigali is the only international airport in Rwanda, most travelers begin their journey there. From there, travelers can make their way south to the small town of Huye, where the Ethnographic Museum is located. Heading west, travelers will enter directly into Nyungwe National Park, which has hiking trails of various height and physicality.

Chimpanzee trekking and birding are popular activities here, along with crossing the famous canopy Igishigishigi Trail. Missing a stop at one of the many resort towns along Lake Kivu is not recommended, as it is a perfect location for relaxation on boat rides or at spas.

Travelers may choose to stop at the small, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, or continue further north to the famous Volcanoes National Park. Here, families of endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys make their homes and may be tracked by travelers.

From there, travelers may choose to end their trip by heading straight to Kigali or complete a circuit of Rwanda’s National Parks by exploring Akagera National Park. While it is more out of the way than other national parks, the guided safari tours and boat trips there make it well worth the effort.

Is Rwanda Safe?

Given its international recognition as the site of genocide in 1994, many travelers assume Rwanda to be unsafe. However, this is not the case. Rwandan locals are very friendly to international travelers, oftentimes welcoming them into their communities and sharing food.

While petty crime is a prevalent issue in Rwanda, very little violent crime is reported amongst international travelers.

It is important to keep the issues of neighboring countries in mind, as surrounding instability can lead to increased crime in Rwanda. Out of respect for the Rwandan emphasis on being well-dressed, travelers are advised to dress modestly and avoid wearing shorts.

When it comes to public transportation, Rwanda’s system is well-designed and far-reaching. Travelers are still cautioned against traveling alone, as this minimizes the potential of becoming lost or experiencing crime.

Rental cars are also available, but can sometimes become targets for robbery. All considerations for personal safety must be maintained, as common sense is oftentimes the best defense while traveling internationally.

What to Pack for Traveling in Rwanda

The many different terrains that Rwanda spans, which can make packing for it a bit different than other vacations. Remember that plastic bags of any kind are banned by law in Rwanda and baggage will be searched for them upon entering the country.

Since Rwanda is usually humid during the day, dri-fit short-sleeve shirts are important to bring. Slacks, long skirts or dresses, and other cotton-based clothes will help minimize discomfort from heat, especially when on safari tours.

Bringing insect repellent, sun-screen, and a bathing suit is very important when hiking or visiting pools. Some travelers opt to bring sun-hats as well to prevent painful sunburns. Wearing layers is useful, especially since it can be chilly in the nights and early mornings when some guided tours begin.

Having water-resistant hiking pants and long-sleeve shirts are especially important when gorilla or monkey trekking, as rainforests not only have many types of plants but also bugs of all sizes. Travelers should consider bringing malaria tablets as well as a first aid kit.

All proper identification paperwork and passports are required in Rwanda, as well as on any other guided tours of the surrounding countries. 30-day visas may be purchased upon arrival to the country and visitors are required to travel with it.

Luxury Travel in Rwanda

Luxury travel is a common way that tourists explore Rwanda, a fact which the country has made significant efforts to cater towards. In Kigali, the national capital, travelers can not only stay in high-end Radisson Blu and Marriott locations but also the Kigali Serena Hotel. All of these options offer private rooms, pools, spas, and central locations to begin an exploration of the city.

Modern amenities such as air-conditioning and internet are provided in each room. Travelers are also encouraged to dine at the many famous restaurants located within the hotels, as they provide options for both authentic Rwandan cuisine and other items that may be found back home.

Travelers on Rwanda guided tours may opt to have private cars arranged for themselves to take them from their hotels to itinerary locations. For sites that are far from urban centers, international flights may be booked as they are provided daily.

Each national park in Rwanda has different lodges and hotels to stay at. Some are more famous than others, but all offer the same amenities and conveniences that their counterparts in the cities have.

What makes them different is the view of the expansive natural landscape that surrounds them, their prime locations amidst Rwanda’s biodiversity, and the high level of comfort that they provide their guests with. Travelers should speak with their tour company about which luxury hotels or lodges they will be staying at while exploring.

Budget Travel in Rwanda

Budget travel in Rwanda is possible, but severely limits the range of activities which travelers can engage in. Since gorilla and chimpanzee tracking is a highly regulated activity, it very expensive. Therefore, travelers on a budget in Rwanda may opt to avoid these guided tours and instead choose ones which explore the park but do not have specific subjects.

This means that travelers will only have to pay the price of admission into the park along with their food and lodging costs (some of which are included in the tours themselves). Instead of safari tours, travelers on a budget may choose to investigate Rwanda’s booming art scene and the coffee industry.

Both the Niyo Art Gallery and Inema Art Centre are open to travelers and only cost the price of admission to enter. Collections change as new artists are introduced, allowing travelers to see different African and international art trends as they emerge. Similarly, the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Nyamata Church, and other museums are usually found on guided city tours.

These options cost both the admission price as well as any public transportation costs which may arise in getting to them. Hostels are scattered throughout Rwanda but may require more research than hotels or lodges.

When it comes to food, restaurants are relatively inexpensive, but travelers may also opt to visit local markets or food stands for meals on the go. Some guided tours have meals built into the original cost, which helps narrow down food options and save money.