What you need to know before you travel to Rwanda

Weather

Due to 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 1,000mm of precipitation annually, with the driest months being July to
September and the wettest February to May.

Visas
Most visitors, except nationals of a few exempted countries, require a Visa to enter Rwanda (Nationals from
the East African Community, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, United States of America, Germany,
Mauritius, Great Britain, Sweden and Hong Kong may visit Rwanda without a Visa for a period of up to 90 days)
Visitors are advised to obtain Visas from the Rwanda Embassies/High Commissions in their country prior to
departing for Rwanda. If there is no Rwandan Consulate in your vicinity, a pre-entry facility/permission can
be requested online at www.migration.gov.rw and used to obtain a visa at any official point of entry into
Rwanda. You are required to e-mail an invitation letter showing who will be hosting you in the country.
Visas are otherwise not 'automatically' issued at the port of entry, unless authorized in advance as above.

When packing
Do not forget a windbreaker or a light raincoat. When tracking for gorillas you will be in a rain forest, 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

Credit cards
The unit of currency is the Rwanda 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.

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.

GORILLA TRACKING GUIDELINES

General
Mountain Gorillas live at high altitude in Virunga Volcanoes National Park. There are eight habituated families.
Each family can be visited by a maximum eight 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 minimize 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 vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and
follow your guide's directions.

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.