Rwanda Travel GuideFor first time travelers

Rwanda travel guide for first-time travelers, ensuring lifetime Rwanda safari tours with Superfine Safaris Limited. Are you eager to plan an unforgettable safari to the spectacular and diverse landscapes of Rwanda, the Pearl of Africa? Whether you are a first-time traveler or a repeat explorer eager to venture out on your own, our masterly compiled ultimate guide will help ensure your Rwanda safari is nothing short of breathtaking.

From visa requirements, currency and tipping etiquette, essential packing tips, insider advice on navigating the country, safety and health during your trip, to the best time to visit, we have got everything you need to know to make your trip to the “Land of a thousand hills” successful and unforgettable.

Travel documents and Visa requirements

Citizens from the African Union, La Francophone countries, and Commonwealth countries will be issued a 30-day Visa stamp upon arrival in Rwanda, while those from, Central African Republic, Mauritius, and others will be issued a 90-day Visa on arrival in the Land of a Thousand Hills. Be sure to check the latest Visa requirements for your specific Nationality on Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration before traveling for the most seamless and hassle-free safari.

Unmissable Places to Visit in Rwanda

Trying to narrow down the unmissable places to travel to in Rwanda is no easy task. This is why we have done it for you.

Kigali City is all about natural vistas (such as Mount Kigali and Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco Tourism Park), garden strolls, and hill and Valley views. A trip to this stunning City means savoring deliciously diverse cuisines, art and craft tours, and visiting historical sites such as Museums and the Genocide Centers

Akagera National Park: This 112200-hectare Protected Area offers incredible wildlife viewing experiences, including spotting Big Five Game (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, and Rhinos), Masai Giraffes, Impalas, Topis, Blue monkeys, Olive baboons, Giant Elands, spotted hyenas, Defassa waterbucks, and many others.

Volcanoes National Park: This 16000-hectare National Park is home to part of the mountain gorilla population in the wild, and provides one of the best opportunities to get up close and personal with these Giant Apes. Other activities here include golden monkey tracking, Dian Fossey Gravesite hikes, Volcano climbing, birding, and visits to Ellen DeGeneres’ Campus, among others.

Nyungwe Forest National Park: The 101900-hectare Park is home to over 80 mammal species and about 320 bird species, several Amphibians, reptiles, and Butterfly species. The Park features over 15 hiking trails that lead to several natural vistas and an opportunity to get up close and personal with chimpanzees, mankind’s closest relatives in the animal Kingdom.

Lake Kivu: Being the largest Lake in Rwanda and the 6th largest Lake in Africa, Kivu is simply unmissable and provides watersports such as windsurfing, Kayaking, boat cruises, and nature walks around the shores or Islands.

What to Pack for Rwanda safari

Deciding what to bring to Rwanda will depend on the time of the year you are going and what you wish to do while you are there.

• You need neutral-colored tops/T-shirts/shirts and safari pants, but make sure the linen is breathable and comfortable.
• A pair of binoculars is recommended, as you will get up close and personal with animals but also maintain a safe distance from most of them, mostly so you don’t get eaten.
• A safari hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection during guided walks, gorilla treks, chimpanzee tracking, and other outdoor activities.
• Other essentials for your Rwanda safari include an insect repellent, a waterproof backpack, gardening gloves (if you plan on going for walks), a reusable water bottle, a rain jacket, a first aid kit, hiking boots, and sandals, among others.

Health and Safety in Rwanda

The usual precautions apply if you are a visitor in Rwanda. Much as crime rates are quite low in Kigali, it is important to move with caution to avoid falling victim to petty theft and other minor crimes.

For this reason, it is important to be mindful of your valuables and surroundings, especially after dark. If you are in the National PARKS, never go out into the bush on your own. However, most accommodations are heavily regulated for your protection, as you will be visiting wildlife and not people.

Additionally, keep your valuables close and securely strapped to you at all times, and always check ATMS for signs of tampering before withdrawing money. Additionally, only carry the amount of cash you need and never leave valuables inside the car.

As far as health is concerned, you can’t drink tap water as it isn’t safe, and you risk getting cholera, typhoid, and other diseases. For this reason, always stick to bottled water to avoid any potential stomach issues.

Money and tipping etiquette in Rwanda

The official currency used in Rwanda is the Rwandan Francs. Monies are available in different paper-format denominations- 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000. The Rwandan currency also comes in coin denominations such as the 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Francs. The exchange rate of the Rwandan Francs to the Dollar often fluctuates, so it is best to always check with your local Bank for clarification so you can budget accordingly.

Before setting out on your Rwanda safari, you may want to do some currency exchange to have disposable cash on you when you get to the Land of a Thousand Hills. Additionally, International debit/credit cards can be used to make transactions while on your safari.

For tipping, it is not mandatory, but we advise it for restaurant wait staff, gas station attendants, and other service providers. It is a sign of goodwill to tip, and you should most certainly expect better service if you are a good tipper. A 5-10% of the total meal cost is recommended, and for the guide, we advise a 10% tip of the total safari cost.

Getting around

Getting around in the “Land of a thousand Hills” for a first-time traveler is relatively easy, because this country has well-planned City Centers and remote areas. Air and ground transportation is freely available, hence allowing you to access almost all nooks and crannies of the safari destination hence creating unforgettable experiences.

However, it is important to always prioritize safety by keeping all valuables such as jewelry, smartphones, cameras, and binoculars out of sight of potential criminals. Additionally, always move around with a small backpack, and if you need to get across Town, Rwanda’s urban centers have a pool of cabs as well as ride-sharing options like SafeMotos, Yango, and Yego, among others. Also, public transportation is safe in Rwanda, and these include RITCO Ltd and Kigali Bus Services, among others.

When is the best time to visit Rwanda?

When deciding to travel to Rwanda, the choice of timing is crucial. This country’s diverse geography, as well as weather, provides different experiences that depend on the time of the year.

Generally, the best time to visit Rwanda is from June to September and December to February, during the dry season, which also coincides with the peak safari season in the country. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that other months aren’t equally good.

Interestingly, each season simply provides something different, so before focusing on the best season overall, we recommend all-year-round visits.