Rwanda Travel Specialists
Our Rwanda specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Rwanda inside out.
KatieRwanda Specialist01993 838 513
If you have a free afternoon at the Virunga Volcanoes, head to the Iby'Iwachu Cultural village to learn about local cultures and traditions.
Rwanda travel specialist - Katie
Practical Information
Rwanda is taking tentative steps towards tourism and the infrastructure is still in its developing stages.
There are varying levels of hotels and lodges, and plans are in hand to build new camps within the next few years.
Mountain gorillas
The main reason for visiting Rwanda is to track the famous mountain gorillas, but though this is an undeniably wonderful experience there is a great deal more to the country and it is well worth spending a few extra days to experience it all. A couple of days of gorilla tracking is ideal and can easily be combined with some time in Kigali, relaxing along the shores of Lake Kivu or chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest.
As Rwanda has excellent flight connections to Kenya you can combine gorilla tracking with a more extensive safari or time on the beach.
Language
The national language is Kinyarwanda, but the majority of Rwandans speak at least one international language. People in the tourism industry, will usually be able to speak French and English.
Food and drink
Good western food with a Belgian influence is served in tourist-orientated restaurants and hotels in all centres. Rwandan favourites include goat kebabs, grilled tilapia (a lake fish), ugali (maize porridge), matoke (cooked banana) and potatoes.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory but always enthusiastically received if you are happy with the service and would like to tip. We recommend that you tip your guide direct at the end of your stay in camp; as a rough guideline you might want to tip from US$5-10 per day. It is also a nice gesture to give general camp staff a tip; we would recommend a tip of around US$5-10 per guest per day. This should be placed in the communal tipping box. Obviously this is very much a rough guide and you are completely free to give whatever you feel is appropriate.
Money
The currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc. The exchange rate against the dollar is around Rfr500 to 1U$. US dollars are a widely accepted in Rwanda. However, US$ in denominations of 100 are not accepted due to counterfeits. Visa Credit cards are usually only accepted at the major hotels in Kigali so ensure you have a good amount of cash to take around the country.
Social issues
Conservative casual wear is generally acceptable everywhere, but revealing clothes should be avoided. Photographing daily scenes of people is not acceptable unless you have asked permission first and paid a small fee to your intended subject. Please take the normal environmentally friendly steps you should take anywhere in the world, but especially in the third world - use water and electricity supplies carefully, re-use towels in hotels and choose locally produced goods where possible.
Under The Skin
Read
'Gorillas in the Mist' is the classic tale of Dian Fossey's years spent researching and trying to protect Rwanda's mountain gorilla populations. 'Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda' by Rosamond Halsey Carr who lived in Rwanda for 50 years through the genocide and collapse of the colony, this is a fascinating insight into a formidable character's life.
Listen
Try 'Rwanda' by Cecile Kayirebwa - known as the queen of Rwandan music.
Watch
'Sometimes in April' was filmed in Kigali, a sensitive exploration of the genocide and the people who lived through it.
Eat
Tilapia (a lake fish also known as Nile perch) which is often grilled or fried. Goat kebabs are particularly popular local dishes.
Drink
Primus beer, brewed in Rwanda. Or tea to ward off the cold at the high altitudes!
Word
'Muraho' (hello).
Trademarks
Lush green rolling hills, winding roads, smiling people, mountain gorillas, mist-shrouded volcanoes, genocide memorials, Intore dancers, Dian Fossey, tea and coffee plantations.
Woven baskets, wooden carvings, beaded jewellery, local artwork, Batwa pottery.