Rwanda

Rwanda’s climate is much cooler due to its general elevation, averaging 21 °C year-round. The temperatures drop further down as you climb ascend towards the Northwest region. This is where Mountain gorillas are located deep in the Virunga Mountains. Layer up while you are on that expedition. It also tends to be wetter than the rest of the country experiencing two heavy rainfall seasons; February to May and October to December.

The interior highlands are easy, enjoying a relatively warmer climate. The capital city falls in this region.

While travelling in East Africa, it is advisable to exercise the same caution and awareness normally accorded in any large city.

Passports must be valid 6 months after the anticipated travel date. Leave a blank page for each country to be visited. It is advisable to obtain visas in advance, from Embassies and High Commission or online https://irembo.gov.rw/rolportal/en/web/dgie/ visa/

VISAS can also be obtained on arrival at all entry points.

The regulations vary depending on nationality and country of origin, and requirements may change. For more information contact the appropriate Rwandese diplomatic/consular authority or the government portal: https://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=13

The currency unit is the Rwandan Franc (RWF).

For current exchange rates, please refer to the Internet or a newspaper.

The importation of both local and foreign currency is unrestricted, but the amounts must be declared upon arrival. The exportation of both local and foreign currency is also unrestricted, but amounts must be declared upon arrival. The most popular global foreign currencies can be traded at any of the Forex Bureaus (Bureau De Change) establishments in the main towns. Their rates are usually higher than bank rates.

How to carry your money

Cash is more readily exchanged and accepted and commands a better exchange rate in East Africa. Try for a diversity of denominations.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards (and debit cards with Visa or Master Card logos) are a superb emergency back-up. Every traveller is encouraged to carry one, even when there are no intentions of using it – it comes in handy during an emergency, for instance, if you are called upon to fly home or alter your general travel arrangements.

Credit cards are accepted in most establishments in Rwanda.

How much money to take

Carry enough money to cover all expenses (souvenirs, laundry, drinks) plus a small reserve. Although ATMs are widely available in all major cities, they may be unreliable. Credit cards should be a financial emergency kit.

During the safari, all your meals will be taken in the hotels, lodges & Camps.

The meal timings are usually as follows:

Most of the hotels have both local and imported alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments available (beers, wines, liquors, liqueurs, and fruit juices).

Drinks are not included (unless otherwise stated).

Special dietary requirements should be communicated well in advance or at the hotel’s reception upon arrival.

As Uganda enjoys a healthy, invigorating climate, visitors need not feel a concern for their general health during their stay. However, malaria is endemic in certain areas and anti-malarial medication should be taken according to prescription recommendations. Bilharzia and AIDS are known to be common in the country. Recurring Ebola outbreaks have necessitated screening at the border. Visitors requiring special medication should pack sufficient supplies in their hand luggage. Chemist shops are well stocked, but the medication may not be always readily available

Mobile Infrastructure: The mobile network coverage in Uganda is extensive, almost all the ‘usual’ safari circuit areas including National Parks and remote towns are covered.

Wi-Fi Infrastructure: Most, if not all, major hotels have wireless internet connectivity

Tipping is optional.

Use the following tipping guidelines, if need be:

It is recommended to take up a travel insurance cover for compensation in case of loss of items, flight delays, trip cancellations or even medical emergency. Ensure you understand the nitty-gritty of the cover.

Throughout the year, the Standard Time in Rwanda is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2), an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time in the U.S.

In general, avoid drinking tap water.

Bottled mineral water is available for purchase throughout.

Purified mineral water is available in the rooms while on safari.

Rwanda’s electricity supply is at 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz, using a three-pin plug and socket. Carry plug adapters, if need be. Some places are serviced by generators, hence, ration electricity (and the light s may be dim).

It is important to charge all devices while there is supply. Travellers dependent on an overnight electrical supply (as in the case of those with sleep apnea) should communicate well in advance.

While donations may seem charitable, they can be disruptive and intrusive especially when a portion of people get them while the others are left empty-handed. Other times, it could place the traveller in danger of being hustled by a mob. As such, avoid distribution of money, pens, candy, and left-over food to children or adults encountered on the way.

If beggars approach, make eye contact, smile politely and keep moving. Offering anything to one beggar will open the harassment floodgates to the whole group.

During community visits, it is advisable to contribute towards community development as opposed to benefitting a few individuals. For example, instead of giving stationery to a few students, bring a large package of pens or pencils and hand it to the school head or administrator for distribution.

Every traveller should be mindful of the effects of their actions.

The intention may be good, but the effect may be negative. For example, sweets/candy may cause tooth decay yet remote villages have few, not to mention expensive, dentists. Also, giving out sweets and other gifts encourages children to run to every foreigner in the neighbourhood, leaving their school or house chores undone. It may also project a bad impression of their parents who may not afford the same gifts.

These are some of the other shopping places to explore:

• Government offices operate from 7.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m, Monday through Friday with a one-hour lunch break.
• The Private Sector operates from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m, Monday through Friday with a one-hour lunch break.
• Most private sector organisations work half days on Saturday.
• All the shops are open from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Many of them close early on Saturday and remain closed on Sunday.
• Supermarkets and shopping malls are, however, open 7 days a week.

• Leave any luggage that will not be in use during the safari at the City Hotel, for collection upon return.
• Carry a piece of small luggage if staying at The Ark and leave the rest of the luggage at the base hotel (ABCC) for overnight.
• Note that international airlines allow a luggage allowance of 20 – 30 Kgs whilst LOCAL carriers allow 15 Kgs only – especially those flying into and out of the bush (Parks and Reserves)
• On Check-out / departure day, place all luggage at the door while heading for breakfast to cue the porters to take it to the reception, to await check-out.

• There are a few Dos to keep in mind while travelling.

  • Upon arrival at the hotel, register at the reception to get the room key.
  • Check-in is generally from 12.00 hrs while check out is at 10.00 hrs
  • Check out for day-use rooms is at 6.00 pm.
  • For concessions on late check-outs, it is recommended to contact/liaise with the Hotel Reception, the night before.
  • Upon checkout, return the key to the reception while settling the bill (if possible, settle all bills the night before to avoid the long queues in the morning).
  • Once checked out, request for a luggage ticket, which is required to leave the hotel.

Respecting Wildlife:

Conserving East Africa’s Natural Environment:

It is recommended to bring a power bank with sufficient storage and memory cards as they may not always be readily available on the ground.

Keep cameras in a dust-resistant padded case, away from direct sun.

An ultra-violet filter and a lens cap are strongly recommended.

A 200mm (or longer) telephoto lens will prove very useful on safari.