Many travelers travel to Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills today than before! Thanks to its immense tourist attractions including the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, unique culture and traditions, scenic beauty and more. There are lots of adventure activities that visitors to Rwanda engage in during their holiday in Rwanda. The most popular adventures are gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, game viewing in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest, visits to the genocide memorial sites etc. On our last holiday in Rwanda, we got the chance to do the popular gorilla trek in the Volcanoes National Park found in Musanze District, Northern Rwanda. When we were still making a decision to take a trip to Rwanda, we were faced with a problem of whether Rwanda is a safe destination to visit. Though most travelers think that traveling to Africa is not safe, there are many countries that are safe for travel and holiday including Rwanda.
Today most parts of Rwanda can be safely visited by travelers, provided they take common sense safety precautions, much as recommended in most countries and big cities.
Here is some good Rwanda safety advice:
- Avoid deserted areas in Rwanda at night, stick to busy and well-lit streets.
- Don’t wear flashy jewellery while in Rwanda – in fact leave it at home.
- Keep photographic equipment close to you at all times.
- While traveling in a car in Rwanda, always keep car doors locked and windows closed, and carry a map in case you should get lost. Don’t leave bags or valuables on the seat next to you – rather lock them in the boot. Park in well lit areas
- Don’t leave luggage unattended.
- Store valuables in the hotel safe and leave your hotel room door locked at all times, even when you are in it.
- Limit the amount of money you carry on your person while in Rwanda. Don’t accept offers of assistance at ATMs and keep your pin numbers out of the view of others.
- When using a credit card in Rwanda’s’ restaurants, ask the waiter to bring a portable credit card machine to your table. Report stolen or lost cards immediately.
- If you’re in doubt about a place you wish to visit in Rwanda or how to get there, have a word with your hotel concierge first or contact the Rwanda development board. If you need a taxi, ask the hotel to order one on your behalf from a reliable service.
- In Rwanda’s rural areas, watch out for wild or farm animals – road signage will warn you when you need to take care.
Drinking Water
It is advisable to only drink bottled water during your holiday in Rwanda. Bottled water is readily available in Rwanda.
It is advisable to avoid drinking tap water.
Medical Facilities
Only limited facilities are available, particularly in areas outside of Kigali. In the event of a serious accident or illness an evacuation by air to Kenya or South African may be required. Please make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the costs of any medical treatment abroad or repatriation.
Safety
Rwanda prides itself on being a safe country and is considered as one of the safest in Africa. Crime levels remain low, however, normal safety precautions should be taken such as caution when walking at night, and not carrying large amounts of money. Caution is advised by several diplomatic missions for travel to bordering countries of DRC and Burundi where there is instability.