Well
prepared for your trip to Rwanda and surrounding countries?
Here are some useful
travel tips and suggestions.
Entry
Visas
Current information for
single or multiple entry for Rwanda you’ll find when clicking here, there is no
need to apply in advance.
For an East-Africa
Tourist Visa (including Uganda and Kenya) click here, if starting your visit in
Rwanda. If you start your visit in Kenya or Uganda please apply to the
authorities of these countries or their embassy in your country. For Tanzania a
separate visa is required. It is obtainable upon arrival or online as an
e-visa.
Electricity
Virunga Ecotours advise
you to take an international adapter with you for your electric equipment. The
system used in Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda is the British system. In the
DR Congo, the French system is used.
Baggage
For the local tours
with daily accommodation you can take any baggage. On safaris baggage is
limited to one soft sided bag per person, plus one small piece of hand baggage
for a camera and other portable items.
Insurance
Don’t forget to arrange
your travel insurance to cover loss of baggage or valuables, personnel accident
and medical expenses.
Money
The local currency in
Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc, in DR Congo the Congolese Franc. In Kenya,
Tanzania, Uganda the local currency is the Shilling. Our clients are advised to
carry foreign currencies like US Dollar, Euro or Pound Sterling. Some ATM’s
accept Visa, Mastercard or American Express credit cards, download a ATM locator app for your credit card.
Travelers checks are not accepted anymore.
Gorilla
Permits
It’s better to buy the
gorilla trekking permit as early as possible, at least 3 months in advance,
because of the limited number of permits available per day. Between June and
September and in December and January it is not easy to obtain gorilla trekking
permits (high season). The current (2020) Rwanda Volcanoes National Park fee is
1500 USD. The Uganda Bwindi forest and Mgahinga gorilla permit fee is 700 USD.
Health
Covid-19/Coronavirus:
Of course you should not travel if you are (or suspect to be) infected with the
coronavirus. Be assured that during your trip we’ll take all necessary
precautions according to WHO and local public health advice on coronavirus.
Yelow
Fever: A certificate proving that you have received a
yellow fever vaccination is obligatory when entering Congo, Kenya, Uganda, and
Tanzania. In Rwanda only if arriving from an African or South-American country.
A health certificate and a yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended.
Malaria:
All travelers, should carry anti-malaria tablets as recommended by your doctor.
Don’t forget an insect
repellent, mosquito net as well as suntan lotion, a first aid kit, cream for
bites or stings and diarrhea remedy.
Please consult your
doctor or pharmacist for up-to-date requirements. Use of bottled water or
canned drinks is recommended when you are travelling.
Language
Generally, the English
language is widely spoken especial in the Great Lakes Region except in DR Congo
where French is the official language.
When
to visit
All travelers can visit
Rwanda, DR Congo, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania at any time or any season
throughout the year. The rainy seasons are from March to early June and October
to mid-December.
What
to wear
As weather conditions
are generally warm to hot, bring light clothing while in cold area especially
at an altitude like highland areas (Kigali is at 16:30m, Musanze at 18:50m) or
mountain hiking you should carry a couple of sweaters. During rainy season a
light waterproof jacket is recommendable.
For
mountain climbing for course a more dedicated outfit is necessary.
For gorilla trekking:
wear comfortable shoes or jungle boots and cloth such as rain coat, gloves,
jeans, long sleeved shirts.
Safari
vehicle and guides
Virunga Ecotours
provides clients with safari vehicles of 4×4 drive, driver and guides. The
guide is responsible for the success of the safari and the well-being of our
clients. Virunga Ecotours have taken the responsibility in selecting our guides
who are fully trained in all aspects of wildlife identification and good
behavior towards clients and vehicle maintenance and good hospitality. Our
guides can fluently speak English, French, Swahili and other European
languages.
What
to bring
A passport and visa is
obligatory. When you visit to Game Reserves and National Parks it is
recommendable to carry binoculars and field guides book. Photographers will
need a zoom lens for game viewing and don’t forget to carry enough memory cards
with you.
Driving
Driving in Rwanda and
DR Congo is on the right-hand side and in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania on the
left-hand side. Visitors without extensive experience with local African roads
are advised to travel with a 4×4 vehicle with a professional driver.
Facilities
and accommodations
When touring on a small
budget, bathroom equipment and accommodations can be very basic in all
countries in this program.
Tipping
In all countries
tipping is not obligatory, but it is normally being appreciated. Sometimes a tip
can be small or up to 10% depending on services rendered. It is customary to
tip porters, drivers and guides, especially on national park activities.