Despite Rwanda’s dark past, the country has managed to do significantly better than its southern neighbor who was once a single Belgian mandate. Rwanda is leading Africa’s digital revolution creating access to 4G for 95% of the population and bringing free wifi to restaurants, hospital, taxi parks, and even public buses.

Travelling info

Every visitor traveling to Rwanda must have a valid passport. Entry requirements vary depending on visitors nationality. Citizens of several different countries may enter the country without the requirement of obtaining a visa. Citizens of all other countries may get a visa either online or on arrival. Visitors who wish to drive in Rwanda must obtain an international driving permit as driving without it is illegal. Visitors must beware that an IDP is only a translation of the original driving permit and does not substitute for it. Both documents must be with the driver at all times. IDP may only be obtained in the visitors country of origin.

Travelling hazards

The main roads in Rwanda are in relatively good condition, but during the rainy season, many side roads are passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles. Nighttime driving, particularly outside major cities, is hazardous and is discouraged. Often, roadways are not marked and lack streetlights and shoulders. Many sections have deteriorated surfaces. Due to possible language barriers and lack of roadside assistance, receiving help may be difficult. You may be stopped at police roadblocks throughout the country, where your vehicle and luggage may be searched. Service stations are available along main roads. You should especially exercise caution at traffic circles and traffic lights, as drivers do not always respect the right-of-way. Excessive speed, careless driving, and the lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles are hazards on Rwanda’s roads. Many vehicles are not well maintained, and headlights are either extremely dim or not used. Drivers tend to speed and pass other cars with little discretion. Some streets in Kigali have sidewalks or sufficient space for pedestrian traffic, while others do not, and pedestrians are forced to walk along the roadway. Street lighting is limited and drivers often have difficulty seeing pedestrians. Additional road hazards include cyclists, pedestrians, and livestock.

Environmental hazards

Despite Rwanda’s small size, the country is full of incredible animals. The African bush elephant is the largest land roaming animal on earth. Despite its not aggressive nature, these animals can be deadly if angered or startled as they can easily trample people, flip over a car or even break trees. Hippopotamuses, despite their docile look, are some of the most fierce animals on earth. Hippopotamuses are responsible for more deaths than elephants, lions, and crocodiles taken together. These animals are very territorial and will attack any intruders including even crocodiles. Lions are among the largest predators on earth and are the apex predators of Africa. These large felines are responsible for over 250 deaths a year. Rhinos can be found in Rwanda. These animals belong to some of the most aggressive on earth. This is due to their poor eyesight, making them act defensively when approached by virtually anything. There are numerous lethally venomous snakes in Rwanda among which are the black mamba, Egyptian cobra or puff adder. Surviving a bite often depends on the proximity of the nearest hospital or emergency services response. Crocodiles can be found in the rivers and other water bodies around Rwanda. These large reptiles are responsible for many deaths across Africa. Crocodiles attacks have increased in Rwanda due to the dry spell.
Rwanda has limited cases of disaster resulting from natural hazards but has sometimes experienced localized flooding and landslides and drought. Flooding is responsible for most damage and carries the biggest death toll.

Health hazards

The government of Rwanda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever or a country with an active yellow fever outbreak. Apart from the yellow fever vaccination, there are no other requirements. There are however several vaccines which are recommended to ensure a disease-free trip. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies vaccines. Unfortunately, there are no vaccinations against Zika and malaria. Both of these may be contracted through mosquito bites in Rwanda. Despite the fact that there is no approved vaccine against these, there are alternative ways to protect against contracting Zika or malaria. Using mosquito repellents and installing mosquito nets in the windows of your accommodation is a great way to protect against these disease ridden bugs. There is also medicine on prescription against malaria which should be available after consulting your local general practitioner. Pregnant women are advised to reconsider travel as contracting Zika virus causes serious complications and threatens the life of an unborn child. Rwanda is improving its healthcare and soon may become the regional leader in that field. The public healthcare has improved and is delivered for free to Rwandan citizens. The death toll of malaria decreased significantly in the country. Private facilities are mostly located in Kigali. Private hospitals and clinics deliver a better quality of service however they come at an expense and are usually only used by wealthy Rwandans and expats. Make sure to purchase medical insurance to cover for your potential medical expenses.
In case of an emergency dial 912.

Crime

Crime in Rwanda is rarely violent. Pickpocketing in crowded public places is common, as is petty theft from cars, hotel rooms, and other public places, including churches. Thefts of portable, mobile computing devices are common.
Residential crime tends to be a crime of opportunity, with unsecured items that are easy to transport and sell being stolen from yards or unsecured homes. There has been no increase in the forcible entry of homes to commit robberies, however, homes are generally targeted when residents are not at home. Visitors have reported a slight increase in residential theft throughout Kigali. Although violent crimes such as assault, robbery, rape, and home invasion occur in Rwanda, they are rarely committed against foreigners. There is no risk of terrorism in Rwanda. Drugs in Rwanda are strictly illegal and highly punishable.

Summary

Rwanda is certainly a place to go. There are numerous activities tourists can take part in only in two other countries. Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is one in a lifetime experience available only in Rwanda. Enjoy the unforgettable beach escape at the Lake Kivu. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=13
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/rwanda