Rwanda is a beautiful country found in East Africa. Located astride the Equator, Rwanda is a destination with astounding beauty, diverse wildlife, amazing natural tourist destination and hospitable people. There is nowhere in the world can some one over the space of ten days, visit the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, navigate the waterways in search of the elusive shoebill stork, hippo’s and elephants, explore the savannah grasslands teaming with thousands of mammals including the legendary tree-climbing lions, look out for birds that are over 1046 recorded species and marvel at the source of the longest river in the world, the River Nile. Rwanda offers an amazing opportunity for one to see all these unique treasures.
Rwanda is a landlocked country located in east Africa and among the hot selling tourism destinations in the world today. Much as some people still point to the 1993 Rwandese genocide and think that the country is still not politically secure, they are total wrong because what is on ground is quite the opposite.
Rwanda is now a very safe and secure country free from political instability and insecurity. Just like any other tourism destination,
Rwanda has a number of tourist attractions ranging from wildlife to unique landscapes, man made attractions and to top it all the great hospitality and unique culture of the people. Every day, the number of tourists to this amazing part of the world increases. Getting around in a new place with different economic ways and cultures is a little complicated but this is the how first time tourists in Rwanda can manage, get around and easily mingle while in the land of a thousand hills.
Currency: Rwandan Franc (RWF)
Moving With Enough Cash When Heading To The Countryside
The use of ATM cards in Rwanda is very efficient while in Kigali Rwanda’s capital city however while heading to the countryside especially while visiting one of the national parks in country, its very wise to move with enough cash that will take you through the period of time you will be spending there.
Its always better to travel with cash and most of it already exchanged to the local currency (Rwandan francs) to ensure exchange because there are surely no Forex bureaus in such areas. You can also move with a few dollars because some hotels and lodges in the countryside accept them.
Getting Around
Transportation within Rwanda is mainly by road and the good news is that Rwanda has well-developed roads extending even in local centers thus making it easy for the tourists to access the major tourism destinations in the country. If you want to travel by local means for more Rwandan experiences, you can take a mini bus if heading to the countryside. There are minibuses that transport people daily to and from Kigali.
If you are getting around Kigali, you can use a motorcycle to connect to the different tourist attractions around. Motorcycles of Rwanda are very safe to ride on because every motorcycle rider is required by law to have 2 protective gears (helmets) one for him and one for the passenger. This is an assurance of safety while on the ride.
Communication
Communication In Rwanda is basically made using three languages that are French, Kinyarwanda and English. The local people usually speak Kinyarwanda with a few educated speaking French and other few speaking English. English in Rwanda may not be so good but it’s understandable. Its usually spoken in major hotels and some business centers. The good thing about Rwandese is that they are always willing to communicate even if they cannot speak well the language you are speaking. They are very friendly and hospital and therefore while there do not hesitate to ask or talk to someone because you will even get a chance to discover more about the people of Rwanda.
Nightlife in Kigali
Kigali is the busiest city in Rwanda and has a number of happening and relaxing places that one can go to like nightclubs, bars and many other places for relaxation. Some of these are located on hotel premises and can therefore be easily accessed by hotel guests. A night in Kigali is very enjoyable as you sit back and listen to the cool music being played in the background or as you are being entertained by local artistes.
It may however not be wise to walk alone in the dark streets alone because there may be petty thieves just like in any other city.
Tourism:
With a total surface area of 26,338 square kilometers, Rwanda is a home to different and popular tourist destination known for its wildlife and natural beauty. The most key destinations include Volcanoes National Park (for gorilla trekking), Nyungwe Forest National Park (for chimpanzee tracking), and Akagera National Park (for safaris). The country’s eco-tourism efforts have gained international recognition.
Electricity
Rwanda has been investing in its energy sector to increase access to electricity, especially in rural areas. There have been efforts to diversify the energy mix by incorporating renewable sources like hydroelectric, solar, and methane gas. The extent of grid electricity in Rwanda us limited and it mainly concentrates in Kigali.