Located in Africa, Rwanda is known as the “land of thousand hills”. The beautiful country is filled with natural wonders, offering and excited destination for adventure seekers and those who love the outdoors. Thanks to its diverse landscapes, Rwanda offers a multitude of National Parks to see the wildlife, highlighting the Virunga Mountains.
Why Visit Rwanda
LANDSCAPES & NATURE
Although Rwanda is a small landlocked country, it has beautiful and diverse natural wonders to please every type of traveler. Known as the “Land of the thousand hills” thanks to its many valleys and mountains, it’s also home to lakes, savannahs, volcanoes, forests and tea plantations.
WILDLIFE
Thanks to its diverse landscapes, Rwanda has incredible wildlife to experience. Ecotourism is an important part of the country’s economy, centered on The Virunga Mountains, home to over half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Nyungwe National Park is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and more than 300 different bird species, and Akagera National Park to rhinos and lions, allowing tourist to be able to spot the “Big Five” in Rwanda.
TEA
Rwanda is one of the few tea producers countries in Africa. Tea was introduced in Rwanda in 1952 and is now one of the country’s largest exports. The country offers high quality tea thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and temperate climate.
WEATHER
Rwanda has a temperate tropical climate, not too hot and not too cold, one of the best weathers of the whole continent, and ideal for tourists to enjoy the country all year round.
Located in Africa, Rwanda is known as the “land of thousand hills”. The beautiful country is filled with natural wonders, offering and excited destination for adventure seekers and those who love the outdoors. Thanks to its diverse landscapes, Rwanda offers a multitude of National Parks to see the wildlife, highlighting the Virunga Mountains.
Why Visit Rwanda
LANDSCAPES & NATURE
Although Rwanda is a small landlocked country, it has beautiful and diverse natural wonders to please every type of traveler. Known as the “Land of the thousand hills” thanks to its many valleys and mountains, it’s also home to lakes, savannahs, volcanoes, forests and tea plantations.
WILDLIFE
Thanks to its diverse landscapes, Rwanda has incredible wildlife to experience. Ecotourism is an important part of the country’s economy, centered on The Virunga Mountains, home to over half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Nyungwe National Park is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and more than 300 different bird species, and Akagera National Park to rhinos and lions, allowing tourist to be able to spot the “Big Five” in Rwanda.
TEA
Rwanda is one of the few tea producers countries in Africa. Tea was introduced in Rwanda in 1952 and is now one of the country’s largest exports. The country offers high quality tea thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and temperate climate.
WEATHER
Rwanda has a temperate tropical climate, not too hot and not too cold, one of the best weathers of the whole continent, and ideal for tourists to enjoy the country all year round.
- Name: Republic of Rwanda
- Capital: Kigali
- Official Languages: English, French, Kinyarwanda, Swahili
- Currency: Rwandan franc
- Time Zone: UTC+2
- Name: Republic of Rwanda
- Capital: Kigali
- Official Languages: English, French, Kinyarwanda, Swahili
- Currency: Rwandan franc
- Time Zone: UTC+2
Bucket list
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Visit Volcanoes National Park
Explore Nyungwe forest
Hit the beaches on Lake Kivu
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Hike to the top crater lake of Bisoke volcano
Go to a tea plantation
Try some Brochettes
What to expect
LANGUAGE: Kinyarwanda is the national language of Rwanda, and the first language of almost the entire population of the country. French, English and Swahili are also national languages. English is spoken only by about 0.2 % of the population. It is recommended to learn some basic phrases in Kinyarwanda to get by.
ELECTRICITY: In Rwanda the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. That’s the standard voltage (220-240V) in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa; If you are traveling from the US you will need an adaptor. However, the national electrification rate is estimated at 30% (12% in rural areas, 72% in urban areas)
CURRENCY: The Rwandan Franc is the currency of Rwanda. Dollars are widely used as well. Other foreign currencies, like dollars and euros, might be accepted in some tourist places and hotels but won’t be accepted in smaller establishments. You could exchange your money at the airport (recommended) or at exchange houses or banks, you could also withdraw from the ATM. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and big restaurants but cash is recommended for remote areas and small establishments, as there are very few ATM, if any out of the city. 1 USD equals 953.09 francs (as of 2020)
CLIMATE: Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate, with lower temperatures than average equatorial countries due to its high elevation. Average temperatures hover around 75°F in the lower mountains, and 55°F in the higher mountains. The best time visit would be from mid-May to mid-October, during dry season and as it has perfect conditions for tracking gorillas.
SAFETY: Rwanda is one of the safest destinations in Africa. Crime is relatively low, although petty crime still exists, especially at tourist attractions and crowded places like bus stations. Common sense is recommended just like anywhere else.
How to get around
By plane: There is only one domestic route available in Rwanda, between Kigali and Cyangugu. Private companies and charter flights are also available.
By Car: Renting a car is a very good option in Rwanda. Distances aren’t too long, roads are in good conditions and traffic jams are not a problem. 4WD are recommended if you are interested in exploring the national parks. Almost all the major car rental companies can be found in the major cities. Local and cheaper companies can be found as well.
By Taxi: Taxis are mainly found in the main cities, though some can be located in the rural areas if you ask around. They are relatively inexpensive to western standards.
By Bus: Rwanda offers a good and reliable network of public transportation. Private companies offer long routes, and minibuses serve smaller routes.
By Ferry: There are a couple ferry routes available in the Lake Kivu. They connect Cyangugu, Kibuye and Gisenyi. Private boat rentals and charters are also available.
Visa Policy
Citizens of Angola, Benin, Burundi, CAR, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Mauritius, Philippines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal , Seychelles, Singapore, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda can visit Rwanda for up to 90 days without a visa.
Visitors from all countries have been eligible for visa on arrival since 1 January 2018.
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