RWANDA
Rwanda
travel information guide
Rwanda has managed to cut its niche as Africa`s hottest new
eco-tourism destination. The small country at the seam of East and Central
Africa has quickly risen to become the latest fad in every nature lovers'
travel diary and a flowering safari destination. A landscape of incessant
ascends and plunges, it has rightfully earns the name, the ‘land of a thousand
hills'.
Squaring only 26,338 sq km, Rwanda is drenched in immense natural brilliance and
diversity showcasing: impressive landscapes of precipitous mountains and
rolling hills, dense rainforests, volcanic peaks and mountain gorillas, copious
waterways and masses, wildlife sanctuaries and a rich and vibrant cultural
heritage.
Rwanda sits cuddled between countries;
with Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west. Its capital,
the enchantingly picturesque city of Kigali.
Map of Rwanda
Official name
Republic of Rwanda
Capital city
Kigali, with population of
approximately 1 million; sitting smack in the geographic centre of the country. Kigali became capital at independence in 1962 and is the
economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda.
Area
Rwanda covers an area of 26,338 sq km, 5.3% of which is inland water. Borders
Rwanda is bordered by Burundi,
Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Tanzania.
Climate
Generally temperate to sub-tropical
with two rainy seasons: The weather is a bit cooler in
mountains with possibilities of frostiness and snow
Population
11,689,696 million (2012 est.), 42.7%
of whom are under 15 years old and 97.5% under 65 years old., with a growth
rate of 2.751%. Majority of the population (81%) are predominantly rural. People
The people of Rwanda are known as
Rwandan(s) Religion (2001) Language and Literacy
Kinyarwanda, French and English
(official languages), Currency exchange
There are many forex facilities in the
city centre at Kigali: banks, bureaux de change, airport terminals, railway stations, ports and major hotels. Only
banks, Forex Bureaus, hotels and lodges are authorized dealers as recommended
by the company to change money. The US Dollar is the most preffered foreign currency, however, please be advised that
US$ bills produced before 2000 are not accepted; while those produced between
2001 and 2004 will fetch a lower exchange rate.
Currency
Rwandan currency is known as Franc. Notes are in denominations of RWF 500,
1,000, 2000, and 5000 Banking
Foreign currency can be changed at
banks, foreign currency bureaux or hotels. Banks in
major centres are open from Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and
1400-1700 and Sat 0800-1200.
ATMs
ATMs are available country wide with
24-hour access. Most have only started to accept international VISA cards, with
only very few accepting MasterCard. To avoid getting disappointed, it is highly
advisable to travel with cash instead, and preferably US Dollars.
Credit cards
Credit cards are not a common medium
of business transactions in Rwanda and are only accepted at few / major hotels
in Kigali, International Visa being more acceptable than MasterCard. Be
reminded that credit card fraud occurrence is a global problem and the usual
precautions should be taken.
Travellers' cheques
Only major banks in Kigali accept Travellers' Cheques though
rarely. To avoid disappointments, it is highly advisable to travel with cash
instead, and preferably US Dollars.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated.
Shopping and business hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1300 and 1400-1730, and
Sat 0830-1230
Time
GMT +2 all year-round. Rwanda maintains an almost constant 12 hours of daylight.
Sunrise is typically 06.30 and sunset at 18.45.
Electricity
Voltage: 220-240 Volts / 50 cycles -
AC Most hotels and lodges supply plug
adaptors at the reception for 3-pin equipment at a small fee. If there are no
electric outlets in the rooms, ask for help at the reception, they should able
to assist. Bring a sufficient supply of batteries.
Communication and Postage
International telephone code:
Rwanda country code: +250. Rwanda has excellent cell phone
coverage. Local SIM cards are readily available in most town centres, and cell phones can be purchased in the major
towns
Post offices
Kigali Post offices open Mon-Fri
0800-1200 and 1400-1700, Sat 0800-1200.
Stamps can be purchased at post
offices, stationery and souvenir shops and hotels.
Rwandan postage system is very
reliable but fairly slow... Airmail to Western Europe can take approximately
two weeks.
Tourist Attractions
National Parks and Reserves
Rwanda has 3 national parks and a
number of forest reserves and protected areas. These are as follows: Forest Reserves
• Cyamudongo Other Protected Areas
• Akanyaru wetlands UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserves
• Parc national des Volcans
Cloud Forest Sites
• Gishwati Landscape
The Rwandan landscape is a tease of
endless ascends and descends... as far as the eye can see. Volcano Karisimbi
which is part of the northern Virunga Mountains is Rwanda's highest point at
14,187 ft (4,324 m) high. At an altitude of 4,829 ft (1,472 m) above sea level, Lake Kivu in the northwest
stands as Africa's highest lake. Sitting as the country's lowest point is Rusizi River at 3117 ft (950 m).
National museums and historical sites
The history of Rwanda is best told
through its 6 site museums which are under the Institute of National Museums of
Rwanda. The National Museum of Rwanda in Butare is the flagship of the Institute of National Museums
of Rwanda. Also known as the Ethnographic Museum - Huye,
the museum showcases an anthological brief of what Rwanda is all about through
time. This is the very museum that houses the Rwanda Genocide Archive.
The Museums are open every day from
8am - 5pm with the exception of the following public holidays: 1st January, 7th
April, 1st May, 4th July, 25th December
• The Ethnographic Museum at Huye opens from 7am - 7pm Flora
The vegetation of Rwanda is largely
savannah grassland with small areas of tropical forests covering the western
border with larger tracts taken up by Nyungwe Forest
National Park and Volcanoes National Park as well as the areas north and south
of Lake Kivu.
Fauna
Rwanda is one of the world's last
havens for the endangered Eastern Gorilla commonly known as the Mountain
Gorilla. Predominated by primates, Rwanda collectively showcases 189 mammal
species and boasts some729 bird species. The display on the mammal menu
includes such species as: the ‘BIG five', blue monkey, mantled guereza, lion, African wild dog, and swanks the world's
largest hippo park with a population of approx 21,000
individuals.
Visa and Health Certification
A valid passport, valid for the
proposed duration of your stay is required for entry into Rwanda. A valid entry
visa is also required and may be obtained in advance from the Rwandan Embassy
or High Commission in your country of origin.
Health certification
A yellow fever vaccination certificate
is required ONLY if you are arriving in Rwanda from an infected area.
Vaccinations
A number of vaccinations are
recommended for visitors to Rwanda (check with your doctor at least 8 weeks in
advance).
Malaria
Malaria is endemic in tropical Africa
and protection against it is necessary.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a serious problem
throughout Africa, and an estimated 2.9 % of the Rwandan population is HIV
positive.
Medical / Travel insurance
Travellers to Rwanda are recommended to obtain medical / travel
insurance prior to arrival. Personal Safety
Security:
Rwanda enjoys the best security in
Africa, but visitors must take the same precautions as they would anywhere else
in the world.
Try not to attract unwelcome
attention. Make use of the safety deposit facility provided by hotels and
lodges. Valuable items such as large amounts of cash, and irreplaceable
documents should be locked in the hotel safe. Never leave money and / or
valuables in the vehicles or rooms unattended, keep them in a safe place.
Visitors are advised against walking
at night, or in areas other than those recommended by their tourism
representatives. If you must go somewhere, request the company of a trusted
guide or use a taxis rather than walking around.
Visitors are also advised to ignore
the attentions of any other persons who may approach them with unsolicited
requests.
Water
Rwandan tap water is not safe to
drink. Bottled water is readily available.
Hospitals and doctors
Only limited medical facilities are
available. In the event of serious accident or illness an evacuation by air
ambulance to Kenya or South Africa may be required. Contact your doctor or
Rwandan embassy at least 8 weeks before start of your travel to verify whether
you require any vaccinations or other preventive measures.
Travelling to Rwanda
Numerous international carriers serve
Rwanda, and Kigali is the hub of the country. Most tourist hotels and tour
operators have vans and buses to transport guests. Taxis are readily available
at the airport
Internal air travel
Rwanda has an internal air network
with several domestic and international Airports. There are numerous Rwandan
airline as well as other international carriers operating to domestic
destinations. Before using internal or regional carriers, it is advisable to
check the airline's accreditation and confirm that they operate in line with
the ICAO safety standards.
Do's and don'ts
Do not: Due to environmental reasons, plastic
bags have been banned. Visible plastic bags will be confiscated on arrival at
the airport.
Photography
Taking pictures of government
buildings, national flag, government and military officials and bases,
embassies and airports is prohibited. It is considered courteous to ask people
if you may take their picture before doing so, particularly in the more
far-flung rural areas. If you want to photograph people ask your driver to
request the people before photographing them.
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