Rwanda Pre-arrival Info

Weather
A combination of tropical location and high altitude ensures that most of Rwanda has a temperate year-round climate. Temperatures rarely stray above 30ºC by day or below 15ºC at night throughout the year. The exceptions are the chilly upper slopes of the Virunga Mountains, throughout the country, seasonal variations in temperature are relatively insignificant. Most parts of the country receive in excess of 1000mm of precipitation annually, with the driest months being July to September and the wettest February to May.

Visas
Most tourists require a visa to enter Rwanda. To find out if you need one, you can go to www.migration.gov.rw.

The good news is the the system has changed so that you are now able to get the visa on arrival at the airport like with Tanzania with no prior application. Currently the cost if 50USD per person if “bought” at the airport on arrival.

Packing
Do not forget a windbreaker or a light raincoat. When tracking for gorillas you will be in a rainforest, so it will more likely than not, rain. You will need good hiking boots and a hat if you are gorilla tracking. Garden gloves to avoid stinging nettles, and gators, are recommended. A light sweater for the evenings is recommended and generally long sleeves and trousers worn at this time will help keep the mosquitoes away. If you swim, bring your swimming costume, the main hotels in Kigali all have swimming pools. If your itinerary includes Lake Kivu at either Kibuye or Gisenyi, you will have the opportunity to swim in the lake. A torch should be recommended for every adventure destination and Rwanda is no exception.

Voltage
Voltage is 220V.

Fitness Level Required
There is not a required fitness level required. The trackers normally go at a pace that the group trekking that day are comfortable with. There is a briefing before the trekking starts where all guests can ask questions and get the answers from the park guides. Sometimes the gorilla’s are not far away, sometimes they maybe an hour or so away-it depends on the day, and which group you have been allocated to. If you are not able to walk far, simple tell the guide at the briefing and they can allocate you to a gorilla group which is close.

Credit Cards

The unit of currency is the Rwandan franc. The US dollar is the hard currency of preference. Very few places in Rwanda accept either credit cards or traveler’s cheques. Only the major hotels in Kigali plus a few airlines accept them.

Camera and Memory Cards/Film
Bring both; lots of the latter. Do not forget plenty of batteries. There is no charge for private filming in the parks but there is a fee for commercial filming and prior arrangements have to be made.

Vaccinations
The only one you will need for Rwanda is Yellow Fever. We strongly suggest that you see your doctor about malaria precautions.

Security
Rwanda is considered the safest travel destination in the region.

Communication

Rwanda has an excellent cell phone network covering almost the entire country. International phone calls can be made easily. Appropriate SIM cards for the network are readily available everywhere, even in remote towns, and cell phones can be purchased or rented from major shops in Kigali. Most towns of any size will have several internet cafes and computer centers.

Umuganda (social work day)
Every last Saturday of the month, from around 8:00am to 12:30pm, all Rwandans of all walks of life take a break from their everyday chores and come together within the neighborhoods and villages to do communal work together, for the benefit of whole society. Work often includes general cleaning and other activities like breaking fallow ground for farming, unblocking trenches and roadside drains, sweeping the streets, etc. After the work, communities have a short meeting, Inama to discuss general societal issues and then go back home. The afternoon is free to revert to personal engagements.

Gorilla Tracking Guidelines

Mountain Gorillas live at high altitude in Virunga Volcanoes National Park. There are 8 habituated families. Each family can be visited by a maximum 8 visitors per day. Viewing time is limited to maximum one hour. Gorilla tracking involves walking long distances through thick vegetation, up steep, wet and muddy terrain which may cause difficulties for some visitors. We recommend you pace yourself; walk slowly and drink plenty of water. No one should feel deterred from making this trip. At a small fee, Porters are available to help you carry your day pack. Children under 15 yrs of age are not allowed on gorilla tracking.

What to Bring/Wear and Take:
The climate in Volcanoes NP is changeable. One can generally expect both sun and/or rain on any day. At 1,700m above sea level, it is generally quite cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. Bring sturdy, waterproof, walking shoes/hiking boots preferably gators. We recommend long trousers (thick) and a long-sleeved top to protect against stinging nettles. A pair of gardening gloves is helpful when you are grabbing for holds in thorny vegetating. Warm clothing is recommended and a light raincoat for the gorilla tracking trip.

If you feel safer with a walking-stick, pack a folding one although the Park does provide wooden ones. On the track, carry as little as possible in a waterproof bag: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, etc.

Health & Safety:
To minimise possible transmission of human diseases, maintain a distance of 7m (22 ft) from the gorillas. If you are sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, please do not visit the gorillas. Spitting in the park is strictly prohibited. Should you need to cough please cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas. Do not litter. Eating and drinking near the gorillas and smoking anywhere within the park is forbidden Photography is permitted, but you may NOT use flash. When with gorillas, please keep your voice low. Do not make rapid movements that may frighten them. Should a gorilla charge or vocalise at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions. The safety of our visitors is our highest priority. There is no need for concern about your personal security. The park has a team of 80 trackers and anti-poachers, many of whom speak French and/or English.

To enhance your enjoyment:
Certainly carry enough bottled mineral water, at least 1 litre. You may also feel like a snack during the hike so bring a small one. As above porters are available to help you carry your daypack, at a small fee.

Fees for Mountain Gorilla permits:
Fees for Mountain Gorilla permits are US$750 per person for foreign non-residents. This is inclusive of park entrance fees. Tracking starts at the ORTPN Park HQs offices in Musanze at 07:00 AM. ORTPN currently has a team of 80 trackers and anti-poachers, many of whom speak English and/or French.