FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RWANDA

This information is intended as a guideline only. It is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Please note that we are providing links to external websites as guidelines for more information only. Karell Africa is not responsible for the content thereof.

WHAT ARE THE VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR RWANDA?

Passports are required by all foreign visitors to RWANDA and must be valid for at least 6 months after the intended length of your trip.

 

Visas may be required for RWANDA depending on the nationality of your passport. It is is your responsibility to check the entry visa requirements with the individual embassy of each country you intend visiting prior to departure.

 

A New $30.00 per person VISA fee went into effect on 01 November 2014 and will affect most travelers.
We have been advised that the government of Rwanda will introduce a new fee for almost all people visiting their country with effect 01 November 2014. Among countries affected are nationals of Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Israel, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.The only exemptions are citizens of Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines and Mauritius who remain exempted from having to pay a Visa fee for stays up to 90 days.

 

Visa applications can be processed on line, through Rwanda’s diplomatic missions abroad or else on arrival in Kigali in person. Also available for tourists is the Common East African tourist Visa at a cost of 100 US Dollars which covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya and is valid for up to 90 days for foreign tourists. Please note, however, that Tanzania is not part of this joint visa initiative and persons travelling to Rwanda and Tanzania will have to purchase two separate visas. These East African visas can only be arranged upon arrival in Kenya, Uganda or Rwanda.

 

It is essential to have at least two blank, consecutive pages for each country you will be visiting. This excludes Amendment and Endorsement pages.

 

THIS IS SERIOUS, if you do not have the required blank pages, you could be denied boarding of your flight before you even start your trip!

 

If you are a parent / guardian traveling with a minor (aged 18 or younger), you must be in possession of a certified letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent or guardian.

 

VISA STAMPS IN PASSPORTS UPON ARRIVAL IN EACH COUNTRY:

PLEASE CHECK THE DATES THAT THE OFFICIALS STAMP IN TO YOUR PASSPORTS TO MAKE SURE THE ALLOTTED TIME FOR YOUR STAY IS CORRECT BEFORE YOU WALK AWAY FROM THE COUNTER.

 

ON OCCASION PEOPLE HAVE BEEN GIVEN INCORRECT INCREMENTS OF TIME TO STAY IN THE COUNTRY CONCERNED CREATING A LOT OF UNNECESSARY AGGRAVATION AND INCONVENIENCE.

 

We also suggest that before you depart on any international trip that you take a photo of the information page of your passport as well as any visas on your cell phone and share with a family member or friend via text or email in case you lose your passport!

 

WHAT IS THE WEATHER/CLIMATE LIKE IN RWANDA IN WINTER AND IN SUMMER?

 

RWANDA is located just south of the equator and as a result the tropical climate does not change much throughout the year.

 

RWANDA experiences frequent rains throughout the year with an average annual rainfall of about 40 inches. The heavy rain seasons are from January through April and from October through December.

 

Average daytime temperatures in RWANDA are about 75 degrees Fahrenheit while nighttime temperatures can drop in to the low 50s.

 

Seasonality

GREEEN Green Season Highlights BROWN Dry Season Highlights
  • Two rainy seasons: March-May and September-December
  • Regular rainfall leaves the air clear and thus provides better photographic opportunities
  • Quieter time of year to travel and thus easier to obtain gorilla permits at short notice
  • The entire country is lush and green
  • Two dry seasons: June-August and January-February
  • While some rain still falls, this is a drier time of year with less muddy and dense conditions in the forests
  • Fruiting trees in Gishwati and Nyungwe can make for great primate viewing
  • This is arguably the peak time to visit the savannahs of Akagera for game viewing

For more information please visit :  WEATHER.COM

 

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY OF RWANDA?

 

Currency :


 

RWANDA’S unit of currency is the RWANDA Franc denoted by the symbol RWF.

 

1.00 USD =1,015.6223 RWF (As of Jan 1st 2022)

 

Credit Cards :

 

NOTE : CASH IS KING IN RWANDA – CREDIT CARDS NOT SO MUCH!

 

Credit cards are accepted by a few places in Kigali and a few hotels/lodges up-country. In most places only cash is accepted.

 

Although ATMs are probably available in larger cities such as Kigali, they will definitely not be available in smaller towns so we suggest you “stock up” before you venture forth!

 

Please be aware that high denomination US Dollar bills are acceptable but bills should be in excellent condition with no stains or tears.

 

For up to dates rates of exchange click on the following link :  WWW.XE.COM

 

WHAT IF I HAVE DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

 

Most dietary requirements (kosher, vegetarian hindu etc) can be organized provided we request them well in advance. This is particularly important if you will be visiting game lodges. You must remember that many of the game lodges you may be visiting are in isolated areas so if you are not very specific in advance you may just go hungry! You cannot just pop out to the nearest restaurant or 7-11 – you are in the African bush.

 

We need to know about allergies too – gluten -lactose – peanuts etc.

 

WHAT IS THE LANGUAGE IN RWANDA?

 

The official languages of RWANDA are English, Kinyarwanda (also known as RWANDA, Ruanda or Rwandan) and French. Swahili is spoken extensively particularly in the rural areas.

 

Gorilla treks are conducted in English.

 

WILL I BE ABLE TO DO LAUNDRY DURING MY RWANDA TOUR?

 

Laundry service is available at hotels, camps and lodges throughout RWANDA.

 

However in most camps/game lodges throughout RWANDA the washing is done by hand and sun-dried so please allow between 24-48 hours for completion.

 

WHAT ARE THE LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS FOR A RWANDA SAFARI?

 RULE OF THUMB – IF YOU WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN DO NOT PACK IT IN YOUR CHECKED BAGS!

 

Medications, eye glasses, sunglasses, wallets, passports, computers, iPads, cell phones, cameras, binoculars, jewelry etc should be carried with you at all times. And why are you taking that expensive jewelry with you anyway?

 

NOT A GOOD IDEA! Do not take anything with you that is not replaceable or anything that you would be devastated to lose!

 

Most airports today do offer plastic wrapping of bags for a small fee. Luggage restrictions vary between airlines / countries and aircraft. Please check with your travel consultant with regard to weight restrictions and quantity / size of bags permitted.

 

If you will be traveling in vehicles and small aircraft with limited luggage capacity, it is a requirement that you have a SOFT BAG without WHEELS, however, our brand new “wheeled” Karell safari bags which are made exclusively for us are unique as they have wheels but no solid frame which make them ideal for light aircraft transfers to and from camps/lodges.

 

Ideal travel bag example:

 

The Karell Duffel bag pictured above has been selected specifically for use on safaris utilizing light aircraft. It measures 26” x 14” x 12”, a perfect size and dimension for this type of travel.

 

NO HARD SUITCASES WILL BE ALLOWED!

Wilderness Air Weight & Luggage Restrictions for chartered aircraft in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and SOUTH AFRICA

 

  • Luggage, including camera equipment and hand luggage, is restricted to 20 kg (44 lb) per person
  • Only soft bags will be accepted – no wheels, frames or rigid structures can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft!
  • Maximum dimensions of the soft bags are as follows: 25 cm (10 inches) wide x 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long.
  • If guests weigh more than 100 kg (220 lb), an additional weight allowance on the aircraft must be purchased for safety and comfort. The cost for this is calculated on request according to specific region and routing, and provides for a maximum of 70 kg (154 lb) excess weight and will be at the passenger’s expense.
  • If guests need to bring luggage in excess of the stipulated allowance, they have the option of purchasing additional weight allowance allowing for a maximum of 70kg (154lb) with the proviso that the excess bags conform to the maximum dimensions listed above. The additional cost of this varies depending on the flight schedule and routing and will be at the passenger’s expense.
    These strict weight restrictions apply to any itinerary which includes light aircraft transfers for the following reasons:
  • The aircraft are designed with a maximum bodyweight and luggage weight allowance.
  • The aircraft have physical space restrictions. Please refer to the images below for an indication on the cargo hold compartment limitations.

Cessna 206 Luggage Pod

SHOULD I TAKE A CAMERA? SHOULD I TAKE BINOCULARS?

 

Yes, You are going to a photographer’s paradise wherever you go in Africa so do take plenty of memory cards to record your trip. They will not always be readily available everywhere you go. So to avoid disappointment take a lot with you as well as spare batteries for flashes etc.

 

PLEASE NOTE : FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY IS PROHIBITED ON GORILLA TREKS

 

Yes, A good pair of strong binoculars is a must on safari, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A KEEN BIRDER OR “TWITCHER”. Trust us, we know.

 

For everything you need to know about buying cameras and binoculars we invite you to visit : http://www.bhphotovideo.com

 

Or if you prefer to rent before you go: http://optics4rent.com/index.html

 

Camera equipment and lenses are so heavy and are included in hand baggage allowances so for your convenience, there are certain game lodges that rent equipment for the period of your stay.

 

We have provided these websites as guidelines for further information, Karell’s African Dream Vacations  is not responsible for the content thereof.

 

WHAT IS THE ELECTRIC CURRENT IN RWANDA?

 

All electrical appliances in RWANDA run on 230V. Outlets are made to fit round 2 pin “TYPE C” plugs.

 

Although adaptors are generally available at hotels/lodges/camps we highly recommend taking your own.

 

If you are taking electric hair styling tools in any shape or form flatirons, curling irons, hairdryers etc. or any other electrical appliances, you should make sure they are dual voltage and remember to change the voltage if necessary when you get to RWANDA or you can undoubtedly kiss them goodbye!

 

Due to their remote locations, many camps/game lodges in RWANDA generate their own electricity by means of generators.

 

Generators run for about 6-7 hours per day providing power in the rooms for lighting and possibly ceiling fans.
Not all camps provide plug points in the rooms so if you have equipment that requires charging such as camera batteries the hotels/lodges will often have charging facilities in the main areas.

 

Sooooooooooo…………….you may as well face it ladies, you will be having some bad hair days as at most hotels/lodges no hair dryers, flat irons or the likes allowed!!!!! Just go with the flow and enjoy.

 

WHAT TIME ZONE IS RWANDA IN?

 

Local time in RWANDA is GMT +2.

 

Which means it is always 6 or 7 hours ahead of us in the eastern United States depending on the time of the year and daylight savings time.

 

So, if it is 8PM in KIGALI then it is 2PM the same day in NEW YORK !
Hope this helps. Probably won’t – you will be more confused than ever and will more than likely call home and get it all mixed up.

 

The following link may help: WORLDCLOCK.COM

 

WHAT ARE THE TIPPING AND GRATUITY GUIDELINES FOR A RWANDA SAFARI?

TO GIVE OR NOT TO GIVE, THAT IS THE QUESTION! AND IF SO HOW MUCH.

 

This is one of the questions we are asked most often prior to departure: How much should we tip?
Tipping is not compulsory. However, if you are pleased with the service you receive during your stay and would like to leave gratuities, you may do so using the following guidelines.

 

THE FOLLOWING IS A GUIDELINE:

 

Your Guide: $10 US per person per day
General Lodge  Staff: $10 US per person per day
Gorilla Park Guide: $10 US per person per day
Gorilla Trackers: $10 US per person per day

 

DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS FOR RWANDA? IS RWANDA A MALARIA FREE AREA?

 

Yes, RWANDA falls into a YELLOW FEVER region of Africa.
It is imperative that you obtain a YELLOW FEVER vaccination at least 10 days prior to arrival in a yellow fever region.
Failure to produce an official YELLOW FEVER vaccination certificate upon arrival in RWANDA may result in you being denied entry.
Additionally, other countries may deny entry or re-entry without proof of YELLOW FEVER vaccination after a visit to a YELLOW FEVER region.

 

We highly recommend that you take precautions against MALARIA. Your physician will be able to assist you with a prescription for prophylaxis for MALARIA prior to your arrival in the MALARIA infested area.

 

Tips on avoiding Malaria:
Take a prescription antimalarial drug.
Use insect repellent liberally and wear long pants and sleeves to prevent mosquito bites.
Sleep in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms or use bednets.

 

To maximize the benefit of inoculations/immunizations we suggest you see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect.

 

Please consult with your physician for recommendations regarding inoculations/immunizations.

 

For further information please click on the following link CDC.gov

CAN I DRINK TAP WATER IN RWANDA?

 

Although tap water may be fine in most areas for bathing and brushing teeth, we recommend that you drink bottled water at all times.

 

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR A SAFARI IN RWANDA?

 RULE OF THUMB – DON’T PACK TOO MUCH

 

As a general guideline, comfortable casual wash and wear clothes are recommended.
If you are going on safari and/or gorilla trekking, the less you take the better as most lodges and hotels do offer laundry service if you are staying at least two days.

 

Muted colors such as stone, khaki, beige or brown are recommended.

 

Clothing

-A light weight breathable water/wind-proof jacket for trekking
-A fleece jacket that will go under the jacket for the evenings
-A strong pair of WATERPROOF walking/hiking boots for trekking, preferably broken in before you go. Pants should be tucked in to socks and boots for trekking.
-Comfortable walking sandals for warmer days
-BELIEVE IT OR NOT – for gorilla trekking it is recommended that you take an inexpensive pair of gardening gloves. They will come in handy protecting your hands during your trek!
-Light weight shirts/blouses with long sleeves as protection from the sun and mosquitoes
-T-shirts
-Shorts
-Jeans or safari trousers
-Pajamas
-Socks
-Underwear
-A wide brimmed hat with under-chin tie to prevent it from flying away
-A warm polo neck shirt
-A beanie
-Gloves
-A warm scarf
“BUT WE ARE GOING TO AFRICA- WHY WOULD IT BE COLD?” Trust us, we know!

 

Equipment & OtherSunglasses
-Spare prescription eye glasses/contact lenses
-Binoculars
-Cameras and related paraphernalia like lenses etc and plenty of memory cards and spare batteries
-A small powerful flashlight and extra batteries
-Travel alarm clock
-Small purse size umbrella can come in handy
-Small lint roller
-A light packable backpack or tote to carry equipment and stuff
-A supply of Ziploc bags in different sizes may come in handy for dust or water proofing cameras , wet bathing suits etc.
Chargers for cell phones, iPads, cameras, computers and you may want to invest in a mini travel charger surge protector with dual USB ports and five charging outlets.

 

Personal First Aid KitBand aids
-Antiseptic cream
-Pain tablets
-Heartburn relief
-Eye drops
-Insect repellant
-Itch spray for bug bites
-Sunscreen with high SPF factor
-Hand sanitizer
-Purse size kleenex packets
-Eye drops
-Chapstick
-”make you go ” pills “make you not go” pills as well as any prescription medications that you rely on on a daily basis.