Rwanda

All in one destination: Rwanda

People, Culture, Food, Wildlife and Scenery

Rwanda, is a landlocked country lying south of the Equator in east-central Africa. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Rwanda is often referred to as le pays des mille collines (French: “land of a thousand hills”). The capital is Kigali, located in the centre of the country on the Ruganwa River.

Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains.

Travellers come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the magnificent gorillas, yet there is so much more to see and experience.

Credit: Britannica, Visitrwanda.com

Rwanda

Travel Tips & Information

Dear Nature, cultural, travelers, adventure and wildlife lovers, as one of our obligations, we care to worry for you and therefore, we have summarized some information and tips for you that are interesting and important to know when preparing your trip. We are of course happy to answer any questions you may have.

Air Flight

Baggage

Vaccinations

Insurance

Visa

Money & Payment

Clothing

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our e-mail or telephone number (in English or German) during booking, before and after arrival at the airport.

Since our guests come from many different countries, the flight booking is done mostly on your own unless stated in our packages as an option.

We can recommend Turkish, KLM and Brussels in terms of price-performance ratio. So far, our guests have also been satisfied with RwandAir (National Carrier), Qatar, Emirates, EgyptAir, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines from areas where they fly.

The easiest way to compare prices is via an online travel portal such as Expedia or Opodo and fare compare as the prices also depend on the departure airport in Europe. With most providers, it is worth making a comparison directly on their website. Advice from a travel sight can also be helpful. We can pick you up at the airport at any time of the day or night. When arriving and departing at night, the journey from the airport to the hotel or accommodation is significantly shorter (30 minutes, up to 2 hours compared to 3 to 5 hours during the day) depending on location of accommodation. Please inform us of your arrival and departure dates early after your booking so that we can plan your pick-up and return journey accordingly. At the airport, one of our drivers will be waiting for you at the terminal exit with a “Jeruz Team ” sign.

If you cannot find the driver or are held up, we recommend you to call or use all our numbers

The baggage regulations of the various airlines are quite different and range from 20 to 46 kg per person. The information should be included on your online ticket or on request from the respective airline. Endeavor to check your flight details before setting off to the airport.

Below is a list of things you pay attention to:

Suitcase or duffel (check weight restrictions for internal flights)
Day pack for daily activities and easy access (rain cover is nice)
Waterproof plastic bags for organizing gear and dirty clothing (ziplocs and garbage bags work)
Packing cube, compression bag, stuff sacks, clear toiletry bag for airplane
Money belt, security pouch, document organizer

Unfortunately, it is exceedingly difficult to make vaccination recommendations, in general there is currently only one mandatory vaccination for yellow fever and probably also a corona vaccination in the future. The German Foreign Office and other state Governments recommends the following vaccinations: “Yellow fever (strongly recommended), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) and polio (polio), mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), pneumococci and influenza. As travel vaccinations are hepatitis A, at Long-term stay or special exposure, vaccinations against hepatitis B, meningococcal disease (ACWY), typhoid and rabies recommended “As the German Foreign Office writes, meningococcal, hepatitis B, typus and rabies are only recommended for long-term stays. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that there will never be an exception. Every traveler should decide for themselves which vaccinations they think are necessary so that they feel safe and comfortable here. This also applies to any malaria prophylaxis; Malarone is usually recommended as a drug. Many guests also drink Artemisia tea (annual mugwort) as an alternative to drug prophylaxis. There is currently no medical study on the effectiveness of the tea, but we have had good experiences with it here on site. The tea can usually also be purchased cheaply in our community medical centres on site. In Europe it is often available through online pharmacies. If you follow the “normal” rules, i.e. sleep very practically under a mosquito net (which is available in hotels and all lodges) and in the evening long sleeves and mosquito spray (e.g. Nobite or anti-hum), you are already very well looked after.

In the meantime, the costs for drug prophylaxis are covered by some health insurance companies! If someone does get infected, the doctors in Uganda know how to deal with it very well and you are back on your feet after three days. You can get information from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute. Please take your vaccination certificate with you, in case of emergencies and as proof of the yellow fever vaccination. Otherwise, please carry a yellow fever vaccination card or letter from the tropical doctor (in English) about the non-tolerability of the vaccination in your hand luggage. These documents must be presented at the counter upon entry.

We recommend that you take out international health insurance (including repatriation). In case of illness there are good doctors in Kampala that you can visit, and the doctor’s visits are unbelievably cheap. See also the following links:

Travel health insurance
Travel Insurance
Documents
The passport must be valid for six months after the planned end of the trip. You should carry your passport (and your vaccination card / yellow fever vaccination certificate) with you. Here on site, we can keep the documents in the safe. It is helpful to make copies of all important papers and documents and to keep them separately. They can be extremely helpful if the originals are lost.

No more queues at the airport, get your evisa online. Apply for your eVisa online fast and safely – anywhere and anytime and get it within 48 hours. You can find the application under the link below, as well as a small instruction for filling it out.

Kenya – Visa-Eligibility

The visa must be paid online in advance after completing the application. The application will not be processed without payment. After a few days you will receive a response by e-mail, which you must print out and show on arrival. If you do not receive any feedback, you can call up the status or the approved visa directly on the application page under check status (at the bottom of the page). If you are considering another trip to Uganda, Tanzania, or Rwanda, the EAC visa is a good alternative. This can also be applied for on the application link above.

Entry with Children:

Minor children from Germany, Austria and Switzerland need their own passport.

The Kenyan currency is the Rwandan Francs (RWF). Cash can be withdrawn at ATMs with credit cards and Bankcards from European banks with the “Cirrus” and / or “Maestro” logo. Power supply You need a type G adapter to be able to use electrical devices from Germany everywhere.

You can pay your bills with us in Rwandan Francs, EURO or US dollars. Payment by credit card (VISA / MASTER / American Express etc.) is also possible. There is a five percent fee for credit card payments in Kenya. The applicable fees vary depending on the bank.

For the relevant account connection, please contact us:

For purchases or activities outside of our program, you can exchange EURO or US dollars for Rwandan Francs at the airport or in the surrounding cities. An advance exchange in Europe is unfortunately not offered. Credit cards can also be used to withdraw local currency from many ATMs. The fees also vary depending on the bank and some banks have a tight withdrawal limit. Therefore, please clarify the regulations of your bank in advance and increase your credit limit if necessary.

In general, light, light summer clothing is suitable, special tropical clothing is not necessary. Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferably moisture-wicking and non-cotton.

Light jacket and long trousers for the evening or for cool days are recommended, sunglasses and a hat if the sun is shining.

Your daily activities may get your shoes dirty or muddy. Streets can be uneven. Light sandals are not good for daily tours and hikes, but they are nice for relaxing at your hotel.

Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferably waterproof
Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops
Comfortable, breathable socks

The following could also be potential necessities:

A flashlight, in case of any load shade which is also unusual.
Rain protection, sun protection and mosquito spray
Adapter (an English three-point plug, please ensure that it is not an African French three-point plug), the voltage is 230V alternating current
Contact lens supplies if needed
Small first-aid kit, although Rwandan clinics and medical centers are well equipped.
Orophax for those who are sensitive to noise, unfortunately there is no mandatory night’s sleep in Rwanda, so you can sometimes hear the neighborhood at night
Sufficient hygiene articles, as these are rather expensive or not available in Rwanda
For Artemisia tea, a tea infuser or tea bags If you would like to donate to our other art, culture, and community projects, please contact us for suggestions and recommendations: We hope this overview will help you further and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time. Greetings from Rwanda and hopefully see you soon,

Relevant Links
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/aussenpolitik/laender/ruanda-node/ruandasicherheit/212026

You’re Jeruz Team

10 Reasons to Visit Rwanda

Visit Rwanda

The Magical Landscape

Valleys and Hilltops
Rwanda is a land of contrasts and although there is plenty to experience in its valleys, heading for hilltops offers perspective. From up high, you’ll understand why the country is referred to as “The Land of a Thousand Hills.” A lush carpet of green in a myriad of shades covers the undulating peaks. Rooftops and banana trees fill in any gaps between the tea plantations and bright blue skies. Capturing it in photos is only the beginning. Travelers should give in to the temptation of a hike, bike ride or stroll, with enough time to breathe deeply and pause often.

Forests and National Parks
A decision to explore Rwanda’s forests is no small endeavour. With more than 430,000 forested hectares and four national parks, people looking for opportunities to escape into nature will find enough to fill their itinerary and warrant a return visit. Guided hikes are encouraged and help distinguish between the flora and fauna found in the Rift Valley. See it in every light: the pink of dawn, the bright white of a midday sun and the orange glow that comes with dusk.

Lakes & Waterfalls
Listen: you’ll hear the waterfalls long before you see them. The power of water falling 50 meters through the rocks and trees is one you’ll recognize immediately, but don’t rush. The six-mile (10km) hike to Kamiranzovu waterfalls is beautiful, and working your way slowly along the natural trail through the rainforest offers the chance to take it all in. While the blue-green waters of Lake Kivu that run along much of Rwanda’s western edge await your eyes. On coastal drives, it’s a 56-mile-long, fresh-water, ever-present temptation, beckoning you to pull over and take a closer look. Find a safe spot and do so. The contrasts between the emerald hills and the clear waters is breathtaking. You’ll be tempted to make plans as you stand there–to head towards the towns that get you closer to the water, or to cruise the waters themselves. For now, resist. Instead, take a few moments to bask in the majesty of the place from your spot, high above it all.

source: Nationalgeographic.com

Ease of Transport

Unlike some other african countries, Rwanda’s bus system runs on time and the roads are generally well maintained. Traveling in Rwanda, a country slightly smaller than Switzerland, also means it is possible to traverse the country in fewer than 10 days.

You will find road traffic quite pleasing and comfortable to use. While not on a long trip out of Kigali, you will also find “a moto” motorbike taxis very safe and quick for getting in and around Kigali. Buses out of the city have organized payment means to avoid in transition negotiations or arguments with conductors.

Inspiring History

Along the Cultural Heritage stretch that runs south from the capital of Kigali, you are invited to experience through the artifacts and remains from the painful memories of the past. At the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, you’ll find a replica of the traditional circa 10th century thatch hut palace right next to the 1931 concrete replacement. (The latter served the country’s last two kings.) Don’t miss a visit with the Inyambo cows in the back. The cows are a prestigious symbol of the former monarchy. Today, you’ll often see their long horns emulated by traditional Intore dancers across the country. Further south, the Ethnographic Museum in Huye offers a broader look at Rwanda’s culture through seven galleries that highlight the architecture, textiles, hunting weapons and more; designed, created and used by the people.

source: National Geographic

Upclose with the Gorillas & Other Primates

Rwanda is renowned for its gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, but the country is also home to chimpanzees as well a host of monkeys – colobus, golden, L’Hoest’s, owl faced, Dent’s, blue and vervet – alongside olive baboons as well as the nocturnal potto and bushbabies. Come face to face with these graceful and margestic creatures of the wild as you feed into stories about their existence, naming ceremonies and families.

Chimpanzees are found in the Nyungwe National Park as well as in smaller number in the Gishwati Forest. Sociable creatures, chimpanzees live in extended communities and move around every day, foraging for food or occasionally hunting smaller mammals. They build fresh nests in the trees each night.

It is common to hear the chimpanzees before seeing them, with their vocalisations reverberating through the forest as they call to each other in a sort of bonding ritual. Tracking starts early, at 5.30am, and can last anything from an hour to several hours depending on where the chimps are – visitors spend a maximum of one hour with them once they are found.

The terrain can be steep, slippery and muddy, passing through thick vegetation. Suitable footwear is essential, as well as a certain level of fitness. Permits can be booked online, at an RDB office or via a tour operator.

Golden monkeys are found in Volcanoes National Park as well as Gishwati Forest. In the former, there are two groups which can be tracked, one on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and the other in the bamboo forest on Mount Sabyinyo. This is also a standalone excursion, departing from the Kinigi headquarters once each day.

Suitable Weather

While traveling for holiday or adventure, weather is a crucial factor. Rwanda’s weather is forever moderate. Not too hot or cold, making it the best weather compared other destinations. Rainy season comes twice a year (from approximately October to November and February to May), and though getting around can become more difficult, it’s an easy trade-off for the lush green views and all the flowers.

source: www.theculturetrip.com

Canopy Walks

Suspended above a ravine in the lush montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, the canopy walkway provides an exhilarating perspective on the ancient treetops and wildlife.

The 160m long and 70m high suspension bridge is accessible as part of a guided tour along the Igishigishigi trail, or to those hiking the Imbaraga or Umuyove trails.

Having escaped the last ice age, the Nyungwe forest is a hotbed of biodiversity. Along the hour’s walk to the canopy walkway from the Uwinka Reception Centre, visitors will see countless butterflies, orchids and colourful birds, including many endemic to the region.

Thirteen species of primate live in Nyungwe, so a chance encounter isn’t out of the question, although those wishing to seek them out should opt for a dedicated primate visit.

The steep forested slopes have well-maintained footpaths, which can become muddy, especially after rain.

Source: visitrwanda.com

Breathtaking Kigali City

Kigali city has been internationally mentioned among the fast growing, cleanest and smart cities of the world. It is no suprise that this makes the top 10 list, capital to one of the smallest nations in Africa, Kigali has risen through the ranks to become a favourite destiation for world meetings and summits attracting multiple prominent people all throught the year.

The city population is relatively youthful, you will find a diverse range of engaging activities blended with a bit of history and culture. As Rwanda continues to emerge from a tragic past, Kigali represents the future; it has become a thriving center for business and economic development, while maintaining its charming character. Development has been well planned to preserve the natural contours of the surrounding hillsides. The city is divided into distinct districts, with one reserved for government and administrative buildings. In another district, the city center is surrounded by shops and markets.

People & Culture

Rwandans are notoriously kind and friendly individuals. From making sure visitors do not get lost in the city center of Kigali and going out of their way to help fix broken-down vehicles to sharing some laughs over a good meal or cold beer, these are just some of the reasons why hanging with Rwandans is always a lovely experience.

The town hosts a multitudes of talented artists from Local pottery, sculptures made of simple household string to paintings of mixed mediums, are only the beginning of the options art lovers will swoon over. Community co-ops showcase local carvers and weavers, making it easy to watch your chosen souvenir being made from start to finish. Options include gorilla-headed walking sticks (that conveniently separate into smaller pieces for packing), agaseke baskets of all shapes and sizes, and brightly colored woven jewellery (that slips easily into carry-on bags). And don’t miss the musicians and dancers who range from amateurs playing at community gatherings to the renowned Intore dancers, who tell the story of the country’s cultural heritage to the beat of wailing chants and ingoma drums.

Activities

For such a small country, there is so much to do. In addition to all the wildlife encounters, kayak or canoe through northwest Rwanda, explore art galleries in Kigali, hike around volcanoes, and more.

Even the most seasoned adventure traveler will find challenges in these hills. Horseback riding at Fazenda Sengha high above Kigali? Sure. A multi-day mountain biking expedition along the patchwork of dirt roads that wind their way through the rolling hills as part of the 141-mile long Congo Nile Trail? Yours for the taking. A walk along a 70-metre high, 160-metre long Canopy Walkway that sways in the wind above a natural rainforest? Just say when. Rwanda seems built for adventure and guests who bring their curiosity won’t leave disappointed.

Centrally Located

Consider Rwanda a jumping-off point for the rest of East Africa. Quick buses and planes to Uganda are fairly inexpensive, and getting to Nairobi, Zanzibar, Addis Ababa, and the Serengeti Plain is easy. Feeling adventurous? Cross the Rwandan border into the Democratic Republic of Congo to hike the Nyiragongo Volcano, home to the largest active lava lake on Earth.

Sources:

https://theculturetrip.com/africa/rwanda/articles/10-reasons-why-you-should-visit-rwanda/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/partner-content-seven-reasons-rwanda-next-destination
https://www.visitrwanda.com/

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