Rwanda has three official languages: Rwanda (more properly, Kinyarwanda), English, and French. Swahili is also spoken in the main towns.

Rwanda’s climate is much cooler due to its general elevation, averaging 21 °C year-round. The temperatures drop further down as you climb ascend towards the Northwest region. This is where Mountain gorillas are located deep in the Virunga Mountains. Layer up while you are on that expedition. It also tends to be wetter than the rest of the country experiencing two heavy rainfall seasons; February to May and October to December.

The interior highlands are easy, enjoying a relatively warmer climate. The capital city falls in this region.

SAFETY

While travelling in East Africa, it is advisable to exercise the same caution and awareness normally accorded in any large city.

As Rwanda enjoys a healthy, invigorating climate, visitors need not feel a concern for their general health during their stay. However, malaria is endemic in certain areas and anti-malarial medication should be taken according to prescription recommendations. Ebola is also recurrent in this region, so exercise caution while eating out. Visitors requiring special medication should pack sufficient supplies in their hand luggage. Chemist shops are well stocked, but the medication may not be always readily available.

During the safari, all your meals will be taken in the hotels, lodges & Camps.

Generally, in Kigali, only breakfast is included with lunch and dinner billed separately.

The food is of an excellent quality.

The meal timings are usually as follows:

Most of the hotels have both local and imported alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments available (beers, wines, liquors, liqueurs, and fruit juices).

Drinks are not included (unless otherwise stated).

Special dietary requirements should be communicated well in advance or at the hotel’s reception upon arrival.

Mobile Infrastructure: The mobile network coverage in Rwanda is extensive, almost all the ‘usual’ safari circuit areas including National Parks and remote towns are covered.

Wi-Fi Infrastructure: Most, if not all, major hotels have wireless internet connectivity.

Tipping is optional.

Use the following tipping guidelines, if need be:

It is recommended to take up a travel insurance cover for compensation in case of loss of items, flight delays, trip cancellations or even medical emergency. Ensure you understand the nitty-gritty of the cover.

Rwanda's electricity supply is at 230 volts AC, 50Hz, using a two-pin plug and socket. Carry plug adapters, if need be.

Some places are serviced by generators, hence, ration electricity (and the lights may be dim).

It is important to charge all devices while there is supply. Travellers dependent on an overnight electrical supply (as in the case of those with sleep apnea) should communicate well in advance.

In general, avoid drinking tap water.

Bottled mineral water is available for purchase throughout.

Purified mineral water is available in the rooms.

While on safari.

SawaSawa Africa provides a litre of bottled water on a complimentary basis per safari day.

Throughout the year, the Standard Time in Rwanda is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2), an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time in the U.S.

There are a few Dos that you need to keep in mind while travelling. Once you arrive at the hotel, you are required to register at the reception to get the room key. Check-in is generally from 11.00 am while check out is at 10.00 am latest. If you book a room for day-use only, you will be required to check out at 6.00 pm. Upon checkout, you are required to return the key to the reception. Settle the bill at the reception on your checkout, or preferably the night before to avoid the long queues in the morning. Once you check out, request for a luggage ticket, which is required to leave the hotel.

While donations may seem charitable, they can be disruptive and intrusive especially when a portion of people get them while the others are left empty-handed. Other times, it could place the traveller in danger of being hustled by a mob. As such, avoid distribution of money, pens, candy, and left-over food to children or adults encountered on the way.

If beggars approach, make eye contact, smile politely and keep moving. Offering anything to one beggar will open the harassment floodgates to the whole group.

During community visits, it is advisable to contribute towards community development as opposed to benefitting a few individuals. For example, instead of giving stationery to a few students, bring a large package of pens or pencils and hand it to the school head or administr ator for distribution.

Every traveller should be mindful of the effects of their actions.

The intention may be good, but the effect may be negative. For example, sweets/candy may cause tooth decay yet remote villages have few, not to mention expensive, dentists. Also, giving out sweets and other gifts encourages children to run to every foreigner in the neighbourhood, leaving their school or house chores undone. It may also project a bad impression of their parents who may not afford the same gifts.

Memories fade, but relics will always stand the sands of time. In many hotels, lodges and camps throughout the country, well-stocked gift shops offer a wide array of traditional artefacts, jewellery, all-purpose fabric wraps and some beautiful stone and wood carvings all inspired by the diverse range of cultures within Rwanda's borders.

These are some of the other shopping places to explore:

The stunning landscape of Rwanda is a photographers’ delight. From the mountainous vistas of the lush mountain rainforest of Nyungwe to the inland beaches of Lake Kivu and plenty of primates to go along with them to the culture-centric people and the historic sites; rich colour and good lighting conditions abound.

Note that it is considered rude to take pictures of people without asking for their permission.

Please note that it is prohibited to take photos of:

CAMERA TIPS

Currency

The currency unit is the Rwandan Franc (RWF).

For current exchange rates, please refer to the Internet or a newspaper.

The importation and/or exportation of both local and foreign currency is unrestricted. The most popular global foreign currencies can be traded at any of the Forex Bureaus (Bureau De Change) establishments in the main towns. But their rates are usually higher than bank rates.

How to carry your money

Cash is more readily exchanged and accepted and commands a better exchange rate in East Africa.

Try for a diversity of denominations. Plan to exchange a decent amount since most purchases are done in Rwandan Franc. Keep all receipts in case you need to query the exchange rate, and as proof of purchase. Note that the gorilla permits are only sold in USD.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards (and debit cards with Visa or Master Card logos) are a superb emergency back-up. Every traveller is encouraged to carry one, even when there are no intentions of using it – it comes in handy during an emergency, for instance, if you are called upon to fly home or alter your general travel arrangements.

Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and upmarket lodges in Rwanda.

How much money to take<>/strong

You should NOT count on being able to withdraw cash with a credit card, a debit card or an ATM card. Whilst this service is becoming increasingly available, it might not be functional/available in some areas. Plan to carry enough money to cover the expected expenses, plus a small reserve. Credit cards should be a financial emergency kit.

By far, the biggest variable in the travel budget is souvenirs. Further expenses would be bits on laundry and drinks.