In 2008, the Rwandan government took a daring step by implementing a nationwide ban on plastic bags to encourage environmental conservation. There is no bag tax; they simply prohibited all of them, so not only are they unavailable, but if you arrive at the airport with one, it will be confiscated from you.
Honor the local community and always seek permission before capturing their images. Capturing images of government buildings, airports, military sites, and public monuments is not allowed and may lead to arrest.
You will find yourself capturing countless moments with your camera, but in Rwanda, managing battery disposal can be quite a challenge. So please bring them home with you or opt for rechargeables.
Public taxis, known as twegerane, frequently encounter military or police checkpoints along their routes. This is just another day in the journey, so no need to fret. It is to verify the drivers’ licence, etc. Always have a photocopy of your passport on hand in case you encounter any unexpected situations, even when journeying with a tour operator or driver guide.
Rwanda embraces a rich cultural heritage, where modesty in attire is an important aspect of daily life. You will uncover the quiet nobility that Rwandans possess. There is a profound appreciation for those who have come before us, for instance. They prefer to avoid conflict and grand displays of emotion. They handle matters with a calm demeanor and graciousness.
It’s an intriguing aspect, but many Rwandans, particularly from the older generation, hold strong superstitions, and one thing that certainly raises eyebrows is whistling. Particularly when the stars come out. And certainly not for women, as that implies they are women of the night, it seems.
Don’t judge a country by its quirks, however. According to the 2017 World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, Rwanda ranks fourth globally for gender equality, following Iceland, Norway, and Finland. You will need to journey all the way down to number 15 to discover the UK.
Dining in public is not a common practice in Rwanda. It is seen as impolite. Not in the streets, on public transport, or even at certain social gatherings where people are unfamiliar with each other. As time goes on, you will notice a shift, with folks enjoying peanuts or popcorn during those lengthy bus rides, for instance. Dining out has become increasingly popular, especially with a blend of global influences.
City cafes often serve a delightful assortment that includes potatoes, bananas, beans, rice, cassava, salads, and occasionally meat. Keep in mind, these aren’t the type where you can just indulge endlessly. It is a single plate affair, so expect some curious glances if you keep going back for more.
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