Rwanda
Rwanda: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Rwanda is a landlocked East African country that has had a troubled past. In dr fone 13.1.5 1994, the place suffered from a genocide that resulted in the death of more than a million people. However, the country is healing from that horrific time and has managed to regain its position on the travel map.
Known for its hills and animal tracking, Rwanda is a famous destination for tourists that has much more to offer. The landlocked region has many beautiful sites and opportunities for adventure travelers.
If you are a tourist looking to learn more about Rwanda, you’ve come to the right place. Here is what you need to know about it.
Rwanda: The Best Country For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Visiting this country is a rollercoaster for many people because it is exciting, emotional, and tiring to travel in Rwanda. The best things about this place are its people, national parks, culture, and gorilla viewing. Rwanda is known for its rich wildlife and different animal species.
The top things that will make you emotional are the people and their history. Learning about the genocide may dampen your spirit a bit; however, the culture of this country will be uplifting. Besides that, the healing process of the people will also raise your mood.
Language And Currency Of Rwanda
Three languages make up the population of this landlocked country. Kinyarwanda is the official language that many locals communicate in. However, French and English speakers are also prevalent throughout the nation. That is why conversing with most people will not be an issue in Rwanda.
The currency of this country is Rwanda Franc, so you will have to exchange the money before visiting the region. US dollars can be easily converted into this currency. However, keep in mind that most ATMs in Rwanda only accept local bank cards.
Most places and ATMs do not accept credit cards in Rwanda. This is why you should mainly deal in cash. It is also advisable to get the currency exchanged before reaching the destination.
Moving Around In Rwanda
There are only two international airports in this country, one of which is located in its capital city, Kigali. When there, you can catch a minibus from the station as that is the primary mode of transportation. Many minibuses roam around Rwanda and charge an inexpensive fare, which benefits travelers.
You will not find any rail service in the country and will have to travel by car. That is why it is advisable to get a rental vehicle as it will help you save fare amounts. Besides that, some internal flights are also available in Rwanda.
The terrain of this country is also suitable for mountain bikers. However, you will have to arrange your own gear and bikes. Moving around the country is not tough due to developed roads and pathways.
Accommodation In Rwanda
Rwanda may be a landlocked country, but it has various hotels of international standards. They are primarily found in major towns and offer tourists a sigh of relief. Aside from that, guesthouses and mid-sized hotels are available throughout the nation.
Homestays are also on the rise and are the top way to interact with local people. Rwanda also has campsites for travellers, but they are limited and not the best accommodation choice.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda
The best time to visit this African country is during the long dry season (June to September) and the short one (December to early February). These are the two best periods for tourists because of less or no rain.
Malaria is common in Rwanda, but mosquito activity is minimum during dry seasons.
Besides that, volcanic tracks get muddy in rainy seasons, so you cannot go volcano trekking during that time. This is another reason to visit Rwanda during dry periods.
The primary reason for many travellers visiting this country is gorilla viewing. While this is also preferable in the dry seasons, it does not depend on the weather. For gorilla watching, you will have to get a permit beforehand and plan your trip as per that.
Famous Places To Visit In Rwanda
Here are the top places you can visit if you’re going to Rwanda:
- Akagera National Park
With mountains on one end and an open savanna on the other, this park is the top place for wildlife viewing in Rwanda. The center portion of the site contains wetlands. You can watch lions, elephants, hippos, zebras, and much more in this park. If you are a bird lover, the marshes and lakes are the spots to visit.
- Genocide Memorials
The traveling plan of no tourist is complete without paying tribute to all those who lost their lives in the 1994 genocide. Many people visit the memorials as soon as they reach Rwanda. However, we suggest you do it at the end or in the middle. This is so that you can enjoy the rebirth of this country entirely.
- Volcanoes National Park
If gorilla safari is on the top of your itinerary, you should visit this park. That is because it is home to many of them. You can book your family a tour beforehand to avoid waiting. In the presence of trained guides, you can watch gorillas for an hour and learn more about them.
- Kigali
This is the capital city of Rwanda and a metropolis that is surrounded by lush valleys. There are many markets and famous eateries in Kigali that will offer you a fun experience. The nightlife of this city is also lively as there are various music spots for tourists.
Final Words
This is your ultimate travel guide to Rwanda. The country has been politically stable for many years now and is one of the safest countries on the continent. That is why you can be at ease when visiting Rwanda. Malaria is common in the region, so you should take precautions for that.
