Rwanda Flag
"Land of a Thousand Hills"
Why visit Rwanda?
For the outdoor adventurous traveler seeking to enjoy birdwatching, caves, hiking, Lake Kivu, lush rainforests, mountain gorillas, national parks, safaris, and wildlife.
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, calabash gourds, coffee, drums, earthenware statues, embroidery goods, kitenge fabric, masks, pottery, six string harp, tea, and wood carvings.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Agatogo (stew). Akabenz (BBQ pork). Brochettes (national dish). Groundnuts. Ikinyiga (soup). Isombe (delicacy stew). Mandazi (fried pastry). Matoke (plantain mash). Sambaza (sardines). Ugali (porridge).
- Local Drink to Try: Icyayi (black tea). Ikivuguto (yogurt). Urwagwa (beer).
Fun Facts
- One of Africa's smallest countries.
- Home to the rare mountain gorillas (Volcanoes National Park).
- No zoo has a mountain gorilla around the globe.
- Largest faith is Catholic Christianity,
Photo Credit: MikeOgilvie/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (March) Rwanda Mini Film Festival, (April) Hillywood Film Festival, (May) International Peace Marathon, Kigali International Peace Marathon, (June) Gorilla Naming Ceremony, KigaliUP, (July) Rwanda International Movie Award, (August) Centre X Centre Festival, (September) Hobe Rwanda Festival, Kwita Izina, (October) Festival Arts Azimuts (FAAZ), and (December) Rwanda Film Festival.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, National Heros Day, Independence Day, Liberation Day, Umuganura Day, Assumption Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Tutsi Memorial Day, Good Friday, and Easter Monday.
Lake Kivu, Rwanda. Photo Credit: Jon Mills/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Shop for local crafts at Caplaki Craft Market (Kigali).
- All international flights arrive at Gregoire Kayibanda Airport (KGL).
- Has no rail service throughout the country.
- Photographing airports, government buildings, military sites, and monuments is not permitted.
- Permits required before entering National Parks.
- Avoid referring to locals as Hutu or Tutsi.
- Most banks and vendors only accept USA bills printed after 2009.
- Exchange bureaus and hotels tend to refuse bills smaller than $100USD.
- Credit cards are not widely accepted, usually MasterCard.
- Avoid exploring after dark.
- Speaking about Genocide is punishable 5 -7 years in prison and ranging from 500,000 - 1,000,000KWF in fines.
- South of the equator, temperatures are seldom extreme due their high altitude.
- Grocery bags and plastic bags are banned.
- International Drivers Permit and third-party insurance is required.
- Secondary roads tend to unpaved and require four-wheel drive vehicles.
- Commute with doors locked and windows closed.
- Pack a sweater for cool evenings.
- Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
- Avoid demonstrations.
- Vehicles tend to be poorly maintained.
- Use only official city buses and licensed taxis (orange-striped).
- Use of mosquito repellents and bedtime nets are recommended.
- Drone use requires a permit.
- Rainy Season is February - May and September - December.
- Carry your passport and VISA with you.
- Do not swim or wade in still water due to Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection.
- Prevalent Diseases: African Tick-Bite Fever, Chikungunya, Dengue, Hantavirus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Leptospirosis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Tuberculosis (TB), Typhoid, Schistosomiasis, and Yellow Fever.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA required.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries.
Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda. Photo Credit: Andreas/Pixabay
- Best Time to Visit: January & July - September
- Coolest Month: February
- Hottest Months: June - September
- Peak Season: June - September
Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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