Rwanda

Rwanda

COUNTRY OVERVIEWMapofRwanda

Straddling a dynamic landscape with exotic wildlife in Central Africa, Rwanda enjoys a spectacular backdrop infused with beauty, vibrancy and drama. One of the only countries in the world that is home to the endangered mountain gorillas; guided treks at Volcanoes National Park makes it possible for visitors to get up close and personal with these rare creatures. Impressive panoramas and scalable peaks form a delightful variety of thrilling wildlife for the ultimate experience.

Diverse wildlife can be found in the Nyungwe and the Akagera National Park with the largest hippo natural park situated in the region – allowing visitors to coddle in the grandeur of nature's fauna. A 141-mile Congo Nile trail serves as a haven for outdoor adventures, while the bustling capital Kigali offers a myriad of sightseeing opportunities. With cascading sunrises and mystical settings Rwanda is sure to be a unique experience.

RWANDA TRIPS

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Learn everything you need to know about safaris in Rwanda on our sister site – GORILLA TREKS.
HIGHLIGHTS

Volcanoes National Park, Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkey Trekking

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Rwanda Visas are issued on arrival. US Citizens do not pay an entry fees. A passport valid for six months after date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination.

VACCINATIONS

Rwanda does not require proof of a valid Yellow Fever immunization certificate, but the country from which you came and are returning to, will ask. (Immigration officials might force a visitor to get immunized, which is at an extra cost). Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, and Typhoid immunizations are recommended for all travelers.

Malaria prophylaxis is recommended and you should consult your local doctor or physician to advise which malaria medication is best suited for you. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel

Trek Rwanda

WEATHER

Average temperatures in Kigali, Rwanda.
Month Jan FebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average High (F)81828079 79808183 83 81 79 80
Average Low (F)606061 60 6160 59606160 6060

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Rwanda sits just a few degrees south of the equator and has a temperate tropical highland climate with lower temperatures, typical for equatorial countries due to its high elevation.  There are some temperature variations across the country; the mountainous west and north are generally cooler than the lower-lying east.

The country experiences two rainy seasons a year, February to June rain is heavy and persistent.  The shorter, less severe rainy season begins in September and lasts through December.  The rainy seasons are separated by dry seasons, from June to September when the country often sees no rain at all.  The shorter dry season is December to February.  Rwanda offers good weather throughout the year, but when planning a visit the dry seasons are preferable and offer better wildlife viewing.

Cultural Rwanda

TRAVEL ADVISORIES

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travelers' cheques.  Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

Be sure to inform your credit card company as well as your bank you will travel internationally into Africa. This will eliminate any credit card holds for fraudulent activity.

CURRENCY

Carrying cash, an ATM or traveler’s check card and also a credit card that can be used for cash advances in case of emergency is advisable. The best places to exchange money are normally bureau de change, which are fast, have longer hours and often give slightly better rates than banks. Local currency is Rwandan Francs (RWF), however most places accept USD. Better hotels, lodges, and camps will accept credit cards, however it is advised to withdraw cash when visiting remote areas and villages.

GOVERNMENT

Rwanda – is a presidential republic whereby the President of Rwanda is both head of state and head of government.

RELIGION

Rwanda – 56.5% of Rwanda’s population is Roman Catholic, 26% is Protestant, 11.1% is Seventh-day Adventist, 4.6% is Muslim, 1.7% claims no religious affiliation, and 0.1% practices traditional indigenous beliefs.

Gorilla Trekking