It’s a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley of Central Africa, where the African Great Lakes region and Southeast Africa converge
COUNTRY AT A GLANCE
Rwanda is a small mountainous country in central Africa and is bordered to the north by Uganda, to the East by Tanzania, to the south by Burundi and to the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country is divided by great peaks of up to 3000m (9842ft), which run across from north to south. Rwanda has good climate, vegetation, and it is no wonder that Rwanda is commonly referred to as ‘The Land of a Thousand Hills’. Rwanda’s tourism sector has rich and beautiful attractions. Among these are the Akagera and Nyungwe National parks, forests, various flora and fauna, and the famous Silverback Mountain Gorillas found in the Parc Nationale des Volcans or the Volcano National Park.
The Virunga volcanoes, which are home to the world’s most endangered and famed Mountain Gorillas, rises steeply from Lake Kivu in the west, sloping down first to a hilly central plateau and further eastwards to an area of marshy lakes around the upper reaches of the Akagera River, the most remote source of the Nile, where the Akagera National Park is situated. Dominated scenically by the labyrinth of swamps and lakes that follow the meandering course of the Akagera River, this is an archetypal African savannah landscape of tangled acacia woodland interspersed with open grassland.
Extending for 1,000 square kilometers across the majestic hills of southeast Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is the largest block of montane forest in East or Central Africa, and one of the most ancient, dating back to before the last Ice Age. Nyungwe is most alluring for its primates, home to 13 species in all, including humankind’s closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L’Hoest’s monkey and harbors almost 300 bird species of which two dozen are restricted to a handful of montane forests on the Albertine Rift.
The Parc des Volcans protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the rare Mountain Gorilla – and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
The bustling market town of Ruhengeri has a memorable setting at the base of the Virungas. On the outskirts of town, the natural bridge at Musanze – a solidified lava flow – is a fascinating relic of the volcanic activity that shaped this scenic area. Also within easy day tripping distance of Ruhengeri, are the seldom visited but lovely Lakes – Burera, Ruhondo and Karago. Ruhengeri offers a good selection of reasonably-priced small hotels and guest houses, including the newly renovated hotel, Gorilla’s Nest. Visitors could also base themselves in Gisenyi or Kigali and – with an early start – head to the Parc des Volcans and Ruhengeri as a day trip.
GENERAL INFORMATION – RWANDA
Rwanda Major Towns
History & People
Over centuries, the three socio-economic classes found in Rwanda, namely the Hutus, Tutsis and Twas, intermarried and many share clan linkages. Collectively, this helped to consolidate their commonality. Unfortunately, bad politics in the past failed to exploit this commonality as a basis for nation building. Instead, class distinctions were transformed into ethnic differences which were, in turn, used to sow seeds of alienation and exclusionism that led to the infamous genocide of 1994.
Nothing defines Rwandese culture better than the warm hospitality of its people, the thrill of the Intore dancers and singers as well as the ordinary people’s strong ethic for work and industry. No wonder some have described Rwanda as the Land of a Million Smiles.
Language
The country has three official languages, namely Kinyarwanda (vernacular), French and English. Most Rwandese are multilingual or at least bi-lingual. Swahili and other dialects from the region are also spoken, especially in major commercial centers.
Climate
Rwanda is a tropical country; its high elevation makes the climate temperate. In the mountains, frost and snow are possible. The average daily temperature near Lake Kivu, at an altitude of 1,463 m is 23°C (73°F). Rwanda is considered the lightning capital of the world, due to intense daily thunderstorms during the two rainy seasons (February–May and September–December). Annual rainfall averages 31 inches but is generally heavier in the western and northwestern mountains than in the eastern savannas.
Health
A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required. Much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are strongly recommended
Water
It is advisable not to drink tap water. Bottled mineral water can be bought in all towns. Hospitals are located in all major towns
Chemists / pharmacies
Travelers should carry an adequate supply of medicines and first aid accessories, however, most supplies are available locally.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Rwanda franc. The US dollar is the hard currency of preference. It may be impossible to exchange travelers’ cheques away from the capital. Credit cards are usually only accepted at the major hotels in Kigali.
Communications
Rwanda has an excellent cell phone network covering almost the entire country.
International phone calls can be made easily. Appropriate SIM cards for the network are readily available everywhere, even in remote towns, and cell phones can be purchased or rented from major shops in Kigali. Most towns of any size will have several Internet cafes and computer centers.
What to bring
Binoculars will greatly enhance game drives and forest walks, as will a good field guide to East African birds. Bring a camera and an adequate stock of film. Print film is available but transparency film is not. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities. Dress codes are informal. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing, supplemented by light sweaters for the cool evenings and heavier clothing for the Parc des Volcans and Nyungwe. When tracking gorillas, it is advisable to wear sturdier clothing for protection against stinging nettles and solid walking shoes. A hat and sunglasses provide protection against the sun, and a waterproof jacket may come in handy in the moist mountains.
Gorilla Permits
Gorilla Permits can be arranged by a travel operator, or can be purchased directly through the Office Rwandaise du Tourisme et des Parcs Nationaux (ORTPN) / The Rwanda Tourism Board, at the headquarters in Kigali, or at their office in Ruhengeri.
Visas
A valid passport is mandatory. Visas are required by most nationals and can be bought upon arrival at the Airport.
Time Differences
GMT + 0200
Religion
Rwanda’s population is predominantly Christian, with 56.5% Roman Catholics, 26% Protestants, 11.1% Adventist, 4.6% Muslim, 0.1% Indigenous beliefs and 1.7% belonging to no religious denomination.
Travel Insurance
Health and the usual travel insurance are recommended. Ensure your travel insurance includes emergency evacuation.EE
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