Traveling in Rwanda
Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, is a country rich in flora, fauna and majestic natural beauty. It is among the few stable countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, and travel within the country is relatively safe. Rwanda is beyond its civil war that occurred 1994, and you can expect a warm and friendly reception in this beautiful country.
Travel Documents
For a complete list of all required travel documents for US citizens to enter Rwanda, please click here.
Immunizations
While there are no mandatory vaccinations required to travel to Rwanda, the following list is recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (especially if traveling outside of urban areas):
- Routine Vaccinations (Measles/Mumps/Rubella, Diptheria/Pertussis/Tetanus)
- Yellow Fever
- Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Polio
Malaria -- Rwanda is considered a risk area, so one of the following antimalarial drugs is recommended: atovaguone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloguine.
Inoculation regulations are subject to change and vary depending on the season. Tell your family physician or travel doctor that you are traveling to Rwanda and take all medical advice.
Safety
Rwandans welcome visitors, and the majority of the country is considered safe for travelers. It is wise to take the same basic safety precautions you would in any third world country. It is also recommended to stay in urban areas and keep away from border zones. When traveling in Rwanda, be sure to:
- Carry important documents with you, and make photo copies of your passport, driver’s license and credit cards.
- Do not wear conspicuous jewelry, carry expensive camera equipment or do anything else to attention to yourself and make you an easy target for pick-pocketing.
- Exercise special caution when in crowed areas and marketplaces.
- Do not carry too much cash or multiple credit cards with you.
- Avoid traveling alone at night.
- Drink only bottled water and be aware that ice may or may not be contaminated.
Currency
While the official unit of currency is the Rwanda Frac, the US Dollar is the preferred hard currency in Rwanda. For current exchange rates, click here. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels in Kigali, but they will be of little use beyond that as most stores and restaurants will only accept cash.
Culture
Rwanda has a very conservative culture, and its people are modest, reserved and respectful. While it is appropriate to wear lightweight clothing suitable for warm temperatures, it is not advised to bring revealing clothing on your trip. Public displays of affection and loud public outbursts may also be frowned upon by locals in Rwanda.
Understand that civil war and genocide is a part of recent history that is still fresh in people’s minds, and avoid the topic. Most people are trying to forget the division between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes, preferring instead to be called Rwandese. It is considered impolite to inquire about ethnic origin or political views.
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