Rwanda is generally regarded as one of the greatest destinations for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking due to its reputation for being stable, safe, and inviting to visitors. This is particularly true when vacations revolve around an organized safari that will take care of your travel and safety requirements.

Some countries issue travel advisories against visiting Rwanda’s more distant border areas, although it is crucial to highlight that popular tourist destinations like as Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Kigali are considered safe. For further information, read Is Rwanda Safe to Visit?

For further information, we suggest reviewing the appropriate travel advice and speaking with a safari consultant, who will have the most recent information.

Rwanda Health and Safety

Rwanda has also achieved significant advances in the area of health safety. The government takes active steps to avoid infectious disease epidemics and has implemented legislation to promote cleanliness and healthcare access.

Travelers’ health safety is typically excellent, but it is nevertheless important to take measures such as yellow fever vaccines and malaria treatment, particularly while visiting rural or wooded regions. Cleanliness at restaurants, hotels, and public areas is a top priority, reflecting the government’s efforts to improve public health for both residents and tourists.

Rwanda responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with severe health measures, earning credit for its rapid response, which included obligatory testing, quarantine regulations, and extensive cleanliness standards. These measures demonstrated Rwanda’s commitment to emphasizing health safety, boosting its image as a safe destination.

On safari in Rwanda.

• Avoid making continuous eye contact with gorillas or chimpanzees.
• Wear decent, sturdy walking boots.
• Prepare for rain by packing a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, rainproof pants, and a waterproof bag for your things.
• Sunscreen and a hat are essentials.
• When shooting images, do not use a flash.
• Talk softly and avoid using strong-smelling fragrances or deodorants.
• Always pay strict attention to your guide’s directions.
• Remember to take your favorite insect repellant to keep the pests at bay.

• The African sun may be harsh. Wear a hat and sunscreen, and have a bottle of water on hand to remain hydrated.
• During a guided Rwanda gorilla trekking or chimp tracking tour
• Always listen to your guide, who will keep you and the primates safe.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, gaiters, and gloves to avoid stinging nettles and other prickly plants.
• Your safari guides are highly educated and informed, and their first goal is to keep you safe in the bush. Always follow their instructions on how to act and what to do when on safari, particularly when seeing creatures such as gorillas and chimps in the wild.

Cash & Tipping in Rwanda

Rwanda’s currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). At the time of publication, US$1 equaled RWF 1,185. US dollars and Euros are generally accepted; therefore, it is good to have a supply of either money. Kigali is ideal for banking since options outside the city are limited.

Bureaux de change often provide attractive exchange rates. While credit cards, notably MasterCard, are accepted at several premium Kigali hotels and restaurants, their use is restricted in many other places.

In tourist-friendly establishments, a tip of 10% of the entire cost is standard. Hotel porters often demand roughly $1 each bag.

While tipping is not required for Rwanda gorilla trekking, it is traditional and much appreciated; amounts vary based on party size and the degree of support required. Your porter (if hired) usually gets the largest gratuity, followed by guides, trackers, and security guards.

It is worth noting that several guides, porters, and trackers were formerly poachers and now depend on visitors for a living, making your contribution critical to gorilla and chimpanzee conservation efforts. Engaging a porter may be useful throughout the journey, assisting you through difficult portions and carrying your day pack if necessary; paying your porter for outstanding service is advised.

When tipping, try to utilize Rwandan Francs, since locals may struggle to convert tiny amounts of international currencies.

When booking activities via a game lodge, you will often see tipping instructions in the rooms. If not, have a nice conversation with the manager, who will provide balanced counsel.

Tipping is always optional, but it is a means of expressing gratitude for excellent service.

Mind your Belongings

While Rwanda is generally regarded to be relatively secure, visiting large cities or major towns increases the danger of pickpockets and petty theft. Staying safe in Rwanda is simple if you take a few measures and preserve your street smarts. Tourists on scheduled safari trips should not encounter any problems.

Always be mindful of your valuables, and never leave your luggage unattended at the airport, train station, hotel lobby, or on the street. Keep your valuables out of sight, and never flaunt your cash. Be especially cautious while visiting loud and crowded venues such as marketplaces.

Mind your Manners

Rwandan culture is mostly Christian (Catholic) and conservative. Modesty in attire is especially crucial for women, since exposing apparel is likely to draw unwelcome attention. Greetings are significant to Rwandans. Younger individuals must welcome seniors first, whereas males should greet ladies first.

Handshakes often entail slipping the left hand behind the right forearm in a courtesy gesture. Common welcomes include “Muraho,” “Mwaramutse,” and “Mwiriwe,” followed by inquiry about well-being. Public interaction between sexes is discouraged. Pass goods to seniors using both hands; pointing with fingers is disrespectful, but you may use the head to convey direction.

Rwandans are courteous and respect privacy. They dislike loud arguments or emotional outbursts, thus it is critical to remain cool and polite while negotiating, since this yields better outcomes in every circumstance. Rwanda has deliberately attempted to overcome the trauma and shame associated with the 1994 genocide. Be sympathetic in this area and walk carefully, since everyone you meet has lost someone. Avoiding questions regarding ethnic origins and political connections, since they tend to cause discomfort.

Rwandans are noted for their friendliness and good temperament. Though it should not be an issue, get permission before photographing adults and children. This civility should apply to everyone.

Best Travel Practices

Always travel with tolerance, a sense of humor, and an eagerness to learn.
In addition to electronic copies of your passport and other travel papers such as itineraries and booking receipts, it is prudent to maintain a hardcopy in your bag in case of an emergency.

Travel with a portable power bank and backup your images whenever feasible.
Be cautious, but do not be terrified. Connecting with people from various cultures is one of the most enjoyable aspects of travel. Learn a few foreign terms and apply them wherever possible.

Always get travel insurance

If you are traveling to many locations, have a cache of $200 to $300 in tiny denominations. Having this on hand might be beneficial if you lose your bank card or are unable to get cash from an ATM.

Bring your own water bottle, which you can fill up at hotels. This will not only reduce your usage of single-use plastic bottles, but also save you a lot of money. For added piece of mind, invest in a decent filtered water bottle that also cleans your water. Have your water always to keep you hydrated most especially during the gorilla trek, since it’s a bit stramineous thus requires some physic to hike through the steep slopes.