Rwanda is renowned today for its Parc National de Volcans, the natural habitat of the world's last remaining mountain gorillas. On our safari tours, you can discover these amazing creatures in their own landscape. Experience a journey through the beautiful terraced hillside that characterizes much of Rwanda's landscape, climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, and possibly spot some golden monkeys too. Although often remembered for the genocide in the mid-90s, today Rwanda stands as one of Africa’s success stories. The country's focus on ecology and the environment, coupled with its warm, friendly people and stunning scenery, makes it one of the most remarkable destinations in the world.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
**Requirements due to COVID-19 are constantly changing. Please check your own country's international travel advice as well as the airline requirements before travel.
**IMPORTANT - As our Rwanda tours also travel into Kenya, please ensure you also check the requirements for entry to Kenya, as they differ to those for Rwanda.
UK guests please see the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website for the latest entry and exit advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/rwanda
US guests please see the Travel State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Rwanda.html
PASSPORTS
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay and have one empty page for entry stamps, although two pages are recommended. Ensure you fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport.
VISAS
Visas are required to enter Rwanda. Citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and most European countries may enter Rwanda for up to 30 days for tourist purposes and can purchase visas on arrival at Kigali International Airport for $50 USD per person, payable in cash or by card. Other nationalities must check visa entry requirements before departure. Ensure you have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket. You can check if you need a visa to visit Rwanda by visiting the Travisa website. https://www.travisa.com/
**All nationalities must check the visa entry requirements before your departure.
Hotel details for Visa applications
MOUNTAIN GORILLA VIEW
Center of Reservations, KG 9 Avenue, Nyarutarama, Kigali, Rwanda.
Tel : +250 788305708
Email : info@3bhotels.com
www.3bhotels.comKigali
SERENA HOTEL KIGALI
KN 3 Ave, Kigali, Rwanda
Tel : +250 788 184 500
www.serenahotels.com/serenakigali/default-en.html
GORILLA PERMIT
At the time of writing a payment of $1,500 per visit is required on booking for the Gorilla Permit. The payment as well as copies of passport are required at the time of booking. There are only a small, limited number of permits available per day, therefore the Rwanda extension is subject to availability and not guaranteed.
CONSULAR INFOMATION
There are a small number of major international embassies located in Kigali, including those for the US, Canada and UK. However, embassies for other countries, including Australia and New Zealand are located in Nairobi or other African cities, offering coverage to Rwanda. Please check with your relevant government for the relevant contact details.
N.B. Please note, visa and entry requirements, regulations and restrictions can vary on a regular basis. Please ensure you check in good time prior to travel the current requirements applicable to you.
HEALTH, INSURANCE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Travel Insurance
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Ensure all pre-existing medical conditions are declared to the insurer. Provide the details of your insurance to The Big Journey Company at least 6 weeks before your departure date by emailing info@thebigjourneycompany.com. Take note of important information such as the insurer’s 24-hour emergency number and your policy number.
General Health
Please talk to your doctor or travel health clinic in person at least eight weeks before you travel, where a health professional can provide you with the necessary health information for your personal needs. The Gorilla Tours in Rwanda require a good level of health and are to suitable for passengers with limited mobility.
Wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of water, washing your hands properly before eating and avoiding insect bites should keep you healthy on tour.
Insect bites have been very minimal within previous groups, however please come prepared with your insect repellent spray/plug-in just in case. Mosquito nets are available upon request. Whilst on safari, the lodges are sprayed nightly with insect repellent.
We recommend you carry a simple travellers’ first-aid kit containing any basic items that you feel may be required, including remedies for minor stomach complaints, but please note, whilst in the National Parks, doctors and medical supplies are few and far between.
If you do need to see a doctor during the tour, please speak to your Big Journey Company tour escort.
•Passengers with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility
The Rwanda Gorilla Tour is an Activity Level 3 tour and will require a high level of physical activity over an extended period. It is not suitable if you have limited mobility.
Please check our Activity Levels description page to see if this level is suitable to you or contact us if you require further information on the activities involved in the tour.
If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, please provide us with full details before we confirm your booking, or as soon as possible at the time they occur, so that we can try to advise on the suitability of your chosen arrangements. Please note, we may require you to produce a doctor’s certificate certifying that you are fit to participate in the tour.
Medical Conditions and Personal Medication
Please advise us prior to travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you.
Important:
- Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the telephone/fax numbers of your doctor.
- Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label clearly visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.
Travelling with CPAP or other Medical Machines
If you travel with CPAP or other medical machines, inform The Big Journey Company early and check you have the correct electrical and voltage adapters. Confirm with your airline that they allow your device as additional hand luggage. Carry a letter from your medical practitioner prescribing its use and details of your machine for repairs or replacements. Consult your medical practitioner about using tap or bottled water if distilled water is unavailable. Inform The Big Journey Company at least two weeks ahead of travel if you require distilled or ionized water; there will be an additional charge.
*Please note, if you require distilled or ionised water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at least two weeks ahead of travel, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There will be an additional charge for this.
Vaccinations
Consult your doctor about vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. There are currently no specific certificate requirements under International Health Regulations, but there is a risk of yellow fever transmission in parts of Kenya. Depending on the areas you visit or have visited, you may need a Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate. Check the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website for details. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, and consult the CDC website for further information. Follow the advice of the National Travel Health Network and Centre, especially if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Report any feverish illness during or after travel to a doctor immediately.
Malaria precautions and prophylaxis are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin, and using mosquito nets provided in rooms. If you develop a fever after traveling in a malarial area, seek medical attention promptly. Malaria can develop up to a year after exposure.
Inform us in advance if you have special dietary requirements. We will try to accommodate your requests with the available resources.
LUGGAGE
What to Pack and Wear
Please watch our video "What's in my bag" for advice on what to pack for this trip: https://youtu.be/clUXbjs6I2E
As you will expect, going on safari is dry and dusty and the temperature likely to be anywhere from 20-32°C. Pack light comfortable clothing e.g. vests/t-shirts, shorts/light trousers for the daytime. Some of the game drives depart early in morning when temperatures are slightly cooler, so please bring a jumper/fleece or jacket. There is no dress code, but in the evenings, it is a good idea to wear long tops and trousers to reduce insect bites. Feel free to include a smart-casual outfit for dinner if you wish, however there is no pressure to follow a dress code. Comfortable footwear is recommended. As there is not much walking, a pair of sandals with a thick sole should be sufficient. There are pools at the lodges whilst on safari, so make sure you pack your swimwear.
For gorilla trekking you are able to hire waterproofs and hiking gaiters in Rwanda, though you might prefer to bring your own with you. It is essential that you have a good pair of worn-in, comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support and good grip/tread. A small backpack to carry your water, camera etc is also recommended.
Obviously, we can’t give advice on any medication but please ensure you are prepared for any minor ailments that may occur whilst you are away as pharmacies are few and far between. If you need any assistance with storage conditions for medication, do let us know. Don’t forget your suntan lotion.
Luggage Allowances
International airlines are often strict about the size and weight of checked in baggage and carry-on luggage. Prior to your departure, please contact your airline or visit their website for specific luggage requirements, as size and weight limitations may vary according to the airline and destination.
Kenya and Rwanda Tours – These tours include internal flights in Kenya and to Rwanda. Please check with The Big Journey Company regarding specific luggage allowances for this flight.
Porterage
Luggage handling is not included in our Rwanda tour. It may be available at the hotel for a local charge.
Laundry
Laundry services may available in some hotels on the tour.
LANGUAGE
Rwanda has four official languages – Kinyarwanda, English, French and Swahili. The main language of Rwanda is Kinyarwanda, with English and French serving as second languages for most of the population.
TIME ZONE
The time zone in Rwanda is GMT+2, 2 hours ahead of London GMT.
WEATHER
Rwanda has a temperate, tropical climate. Temperatures in Rwanda are lower other equatorial countries due to its high elevation. Kigali has a typical daily temperature range between 12-27°C (54-81°F), which does not vary much throughout the year.
ELECTRICITY
In Rwanda, the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. You will need a European plug adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.
MOBILES & INTERNET COMMUNICATION
A number of cellphone/mobile phone providers offer coverage and there are landline phone networks, but expect signal fluctuate and not be reliable. Internet or Wi-Fi and local sim cards are available for purchase at most hotels, but the strength is not reliable. Please check data roaming charges for Rwanda with your service provider before leaving home as these can quickly become very expensive.
MONEY
Currency
The currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan franc (RFr). Credit cards are increasingly accepted at mid-high range establishments, but it is advisable to carry money in cash with you as well. ATMs are widely available in cities, but not so in smaller villages. They have often run out of money and do not always accept foreign cards.
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards however many places do not accept cards such as Diners Club or American Express. If you intend to use any of your debit or credit cards whilst away, please make sure that you contact your bank before you leave to inform them that you will be travelling in order not to cause any problems using your cards or whilst on the trip.
Banks in Kigali can exchange US dollars or €uros for Rwandan Francs, but it can be time consuming and it is advised to use a bureau de change instead, where rates are often better. However, many establishments will also allow payments in US dollars. Please bring crisp, clean notes, issued after 2008 as older, torn or dirty notes will not be accepted. Travellers cheques are not accepted.
Budget
Rwanda is still a relatively inexpensive destination for western travellers to visit. with prices for even day to day items comparably cheap.
Bank Opening
Banks in Rwanda are usually open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday, with reduced opening hours on a Saturday.
Tipping
After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour. Look out for more information in your pre-tour emails.
FOOD
The food in Rwanda is very similar to that of its neighbouring African countries. There will be lots of grilled meats, including goat, chicken, beef and fish, as well as some more exotic game meats. Meals in Kigali are often influenced by Rwanda’s colonial history of French rule.
Some meals are included as part of your tour – please check your individual departure for the relevant meal inclusions.
WATER
In Rwanda, never drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected (such as with iodine tablets). Do not drink from streams, rivers and lakes and it is best to avoid drinking from pumps and wells – as animal presence can still contaminate supplies. Bottled water can be bought at hotels, supermarkets, kiosks and many shops.
SHOPPING
Rwanda offers lots for visitors to buy. There is a host of handicrafts made by locals - carvings, artwork, jewellery and brightly coloured clothing and linens - on offer to bring home with you from your trips.
Opening Hours
In the cities and towns, most retail shops are open from 8.30am – 1pm before closing for lunch, and reopening from 2pm-5pm Monday–Friday, and in the mornings on Saturday. Most shops are closed on Sundays, with the exception of certain grocery shops and souvenir shops.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Crime levels in Rwanda are generally low. However, there’s a risk of petty theft, particularly in airports in popular tourist attractions and on public transport. Please take sensible precautions to protect your belongings, particularly your passport, money and credit cards. When in large crowds or major tourist destinations, you should remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities.
Most visits to reserves and national parks are trouble-free. However, as you can imagine, with wildlife, there is always an inherent risk associated. Always follow park regulations and wardens’ advice.
SMOKING
Smoking is banned in most indoor public places, but there are usually designated outdoor areas where people can smoke.
RELIGION
Rwanda is mostly Christianity, with over 40% of the population belonging to the Catholic Church and almost 40% to the Protestant Church.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rwanda offers photo opportunities one after another. You will return with many photos that can never be repeated. Remember to pack your camera, along with the charger, spare batteries and a spare memory card!
SPECIFIC INFORMATION FOR WALKING TOURS
Gorilla Trekking in The Parc National De Volcans
In order to see the gorillas in the Parc National de Volcans, you will need to trek through the park to get to them. The day in the park will start with a very early morning transfer to the Park Office for trekking formalities before you begin.
Groups are assigned a gorilla group that they will go and observe. Due to the vast size of the park and the wild nature of the animals who live there, treks vary in duration depending on which gorilla group you are assigned to and where those animals have headed. After locating your assigned gorilla group, you will spend approximately one hour in their company before heading back down the volcano slopes. Please note, the treks may be long and the ground uneven. It is essential that you have a good pair of worn-in, comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support and good grip/tread. A small backpack to carry your water, camera etc is also recommended.
ARRIVAL IN RWANDA
Please note, standard hotel check-in is around 3pm, so should you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. For those arriving early morning, we will do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.
TOUR HOTEL INFORMATION
Please check your tour paperwork for hotel information attaining to your tour departure.
OTHER COUNTRIES ON TOUR ITINERARY
Our tours to Rwanda also combine Kenya. Please check the relevant Travel Tip pages for information on Kenya or any other African countries you may be visiting.
If you have any other questions that we have not covered here; then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com
Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a guideline only. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in this document.
Updated November 2024