Rwanda is a landlocked country located in East Central Africa. It is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire), and Lake Kivu to the west. The country is divided into six topographical regions from west to east. (1.) The Great Rift Valley and Lake Kivu. (2.) The volcanic mountains of Virunga and the high lava plains of the northwest. (3.) The Condo-Nile Divide and the central plateaus east of the mountains. (4.) The savannahs and swamps of the east and southeast. (5.) The central plain and (6.) the arid desert as an area of the southeast. The nine largest lakes in the country are Ruhondo, Muhazi, Mugasera, Ihema, Rwanye, Burera, Rugwero, Cyohoha and Kivu, while the main rivers are Kagera, Ruzizi and Nyabarongo with their tributaries. Just a few years after the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has become a worthwhile and peaceful ecotourism destination despite what some people still believe: the country has been rebuilt and is a hive of activity, people are cheerful and friendly. , the roads are in good condition and safe. …
local culture:
The locals are friendly and welcoming, although many rural areas do not have running water, and a traditional way of life is followed in most areas. He understands that the genocide is part of recent history, in 1994, and is still fresh in everyone’s memory, so he avoids the subject.
The main ethnic group is the Hutu who represent 90% of the population, followed by the Tutsi who represent 9%. The smallest ethnic group is the Twa, who are Pygmies and make up 1% of the population. Foreign ethnic groups include Indians, Pakistanis, Arabs, and Belgians.
RELIGION
The Christian religions are a powerful force in Rwanda today, as evidenced by the large number of active churches throughout the country. Roman Catholicism leads the field with 65% adherence, followed by Protestantism at 9%. Some evangelical sects are now gaining ground. There is a small Muslim population of 1%, leaving 25% adherents of minority and traditional beliefs, some of which may have absorbed traces of Christianity.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Good Friday and Easter Monday, which fall on variable dates, are recognized in Rwanda. Other holidays are:
January 1 (New Year’s Day); February 1 (National Heroes Day); April 7 (Genocide Remembrance Day); May 1 (Labor Day); July 4 (National Liberation Day); August 15 (Assumption Day); October 1 (Day of Patriotism); December 25 (Christmas Day) and December 26 (Boxing Day).
CASH ON HAND
Credit cards have limited acceptance, and although traveler’s checks and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and exchange houses, it is advisable to have a supply of foreign currency on hand, as most businesses only accept cash.
MONEY
The monetary unit is the Rwandan franc. The US dollar is the preferred hard currency. It may be impossible to exchange traveler’s checks outside the capital. Credit cards are generally only accepted at major hotels in Kigali.
WHEN TO VISIT
May through November is generally the best time to visit, avoiding the long wet rainy seasons. The National Day, July 1, and the Harvest Festival, August 1, are the two most important festivals in both cities and rural towns.
CLIMATIZED
A combination of tropical location and high altitude ensures that most of Rwanda has a mild climate throughout the year. Temperatures rarely exceed 30 degrees Celsius during the day or fall below 15 degrees Celsius at night throughout the year. The exceptions are the cool upper slopes of the Virunga Mountains and the warm, low-lying border area of Tanzania protected in Akagera National Park. Throughout the country, seasonal variations in temperature are relatively insignificant. Most of the country receives more than 1,000 mm of precipitation a year, with the driest months being July through September and the wettest months being February through May.
FOOD:
The local cuisine of Rwanda is based on local staples such as fish, bananas, and rice or cassava. Some dishes are Isombe, finely crushed leaves of the cassava plant, often served with dried fish, bugali, cassava plant root ground into flour and cooked with water into a porridge, and plantain brewed in some regions.
TIPS:
Follow standard tipping rules and add a 10% tip for good service. Taxi fares do not require an additional tip.
COMMUNICATIONS
Rwanda has an excellent cell phone network that covers almost the entire country.
International phone calls can be made easily. SIM cards suitable for the network are available everywhere, even in remote villages, and cell phones can be purchased or rented at major stores in Kigali. Most cities of any size will have multiple Internet cafes and computer centers.
MOVE
Rwanda has possibly the best roads in East Africa. Most visitors who have booked through a tour company will have good private vehicles, usually 4x4s. All the main centers are connected with local and luxury bus services. Charter flight services are available anywhere in the country.
GET THERE
All international flights arriving in Kigali are with SN Brussels, Kenya Airways Ethiopian Airlines, Air Burundi and Rwandair Express.
All international flights arrive at Kigali International Airport, 10 km from downtown Kigali.
There are two daily flights from Nairobi, two per week direct from Brussels and two per week from Johannesburg.
PASSPORT AND VISAS
A valid passport is required. Visas, required by all visitors except citizens of the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sweden, Mauritius, South Africa and Hong Kong, cost USD 60 and can be purchased on arrival. .