Rwanda Travel Safety Tips: What Every Tourist Should Know

Although Rwanda has been dubbed the Singapore and the Switzerland of Africa, this East African country of a thousand hills is deserving of its own recognition. Despite its tiny size, Rwanda has a variety of reliefs, from the sloping surroundings of Lake Kivu to the undulating peaks of the Virungas. 

However, just like when traveling to any other place, it is crucial to be aware of safety to guarantee a pleasurable trip. Here are comprehensive Rwanda travel safety tips that every tourist should know before embarking on this unforgettable adventure.

Is Rwanda Safe To Travel To? 

Before you kick off your Rwanda vacation, most prudent tourists have this question: Is Rwanda safe to travel to? In Africa, Rwanda is thought to be among the safest places to travel. Every year, thousands of visitors travel to Rwanda, mostly for gorilla trekking safaris, and they are usually made to feel welcome and safe. Your vacation in Rwanda should be incident-free as long as you’re implementing the standard safety procedures.

Unfortunately, the country still carries the scars of its bloody past, and the word Rwanda still evokes apprehension and horror when people mention it. Although the Rwandan Civil War, or more accurately, the infamous genocide period, will always be remembered, the ruling party has gone to considerable lengths to make Rwanda a popular and safe tourism destination.

You need to prioritize your own safety and take the standard steps to avoid being a victim of a crime or tourist scam, just like in any other African country. In addition to cultural considerations that must be followed to avoid offending anyone, there are legal considerations that will help you stay within the law. Finally, Rwanda is a breathtakingly gorgeous country that is quite safe for most tourists.

In Africa, Rwanda is thought to be among the safest places to travel

Transport Options: Rwanda Travel Safety

The state of Rwanda's roads and its poor driving habits are among the least safe features of the country. In addition to vehicles that are frequently unsafe for the road, reckless driving and speeding are problems.

Most roads are unpaved and dimly lit, and the road infrastructure is in poor condition, especially outside of major cities and towns. Additionally, you will have issues with both people and animals crossing the roadways at all hours of the day.

It is highly recommended that you book your trip to Rwanda through a trustworthy travel agency that will drive you from point A to point B in a dependable, roadworthy vehicle. These are your options if you must take local transportation:

Transport options: Rwanda travel safety

Bus

Between major cities, communities, and neighboring countries, Rwanda boasts a reliable and well-established bus network. Buses are usually packed, dirty, and old, especially in urban areas, so do not expect a fancy bus.

Minibus

In the majority of African countries, a 16-seater minibus is among the most widely used forms of transportation. Although they are less expensive than cabs, the typical foreign visitor is not advised to use them. They "stop and go" as the driver pleases, do not leave until they are completely loaded, and some are not roadworthy.

Licensed taxis

From Kigali International Airport and the city's major shopping centres, you can hail a licensed taxi. With a sign on the roof and a white color with an orange stripe, they are easily recognized. They are a safer alternative to the local bus, but they are not inexpensive because they are typically priced for visitors. Before boarding the taxi, make sure to haggle over the fare. If you are not careful, you will be get ripped off.

Car hire

There are car rental companies located in the city center and at Kigali International Airport. Although this may seem like a decent alternative, it is not advised due to the poor quality of the roads, the dangerous drivers, and the fact that the routes are frequently unmarked. Instead, let a knowledgeable tour operator in Rwanda handle the driving.

Top Tips For Rwanda Tourism Safety

Be vigilante

Be cautious when walking Rwanda's big cities and towns. In busy market areas, pickpocketing, bag snatching, and small-time theft of phones and electronics are fairly common. In the big cities and towns, try not to draw undue attention to yourself. Keep your valuables at home or in a hotel safe instead of flaunting expensive jewelry, cash, or fancy camera equipment.

Avoid going out after dark at all costs, especially if you are alone. Although the majority of crimes in the city are not violent, the danger is not worth it. Your vacation plans could be derailed, at the at least, by a mugging in which you lose your phone, camera, and possibly important documents.

Be cautious when walking the big cities and towns of Rwanda

Don’t use drugs in Rwanda

In Rwanda, it is unlawful to possess, consume, or smuggle narcotics; violators risk severe fines and possibly even jail time. If you are offered to carry something in your luggage from an unknown or suspicious source, you run the risk of getting hired as a drug mule.

Don’t drink and drive

Driving after intoxication is prohibited and carries a steep fine or maybe jail time. Keep in mind that you are at risk if you become inebriated or extremely inebriated during a night out. You make bad choices because your senses are blunted. You run the chance of getting severely harmed, being followed home, and becoming the victim of a crime.

Learn about common tourist scams

You must be on the lookout for the same old tourist scams whether you are in Paris or Kigali. This covers overcharging, internet fraud, and card cloning. Learn about the common ways travelers are defrauded in other nations and be alert to avoid becoming a victim of whatever is popular there. Rely on your tour guide's guidance and assistance instead of placing too much trust in others.

You must be on the lookout for the same old tourist scams whether you are in Paris or Kigali

Book your holiday in Rwanda with a reputable tour operator

Always book a tour with a trustworthy travel operator for gorilla trekking safaris. These tour operators prioritize your safety and will promptly warn you of any hazards that could cause serious injury or place you in a dangerous position.

Choosing experienced operators is a key step to enhancing your Rwanda tourism safety and enjoying an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.

Be careful what you photograph

It is forbidden to take pictures of government buildings, military installations, and border crossings. Ask your tour guide for permission before taking any pictures if you are not sure if it is safe to do so.

Don’t mention the genocide

Any disrespectful or polarizing discussion about the Rwandan genocide is prohibited, and you might face a hefty fine or perhaps jail time. Don’t discuss the genocide with locals, no matter how innocuous you believe it to be. Many residents are still traumatized by that violent time and have been impacted by the horror.

Be respectful of local cultures

Although it is not against the law in Rwanda, homosexuality is nonetheless frowned upon and not universally accepted. LGBTQ travelers should refrain from showing public affection out of consideration for the locals, who are still primarily conservative but not homophobic. Kigali is more gay-friendly and offers a number of well-known eateries and bars where you can go without feeling uncomfortable.

Be respectful of local cultures in Rwanda

Safest Time To Visit Rwanda

The safest times to travel to Rwanda if you want to do gorilla trekking are during the long dry season, which runs from June to September, or the short dry season, which runs from mid-December to early February. Because malaria-carrying mosquitoes are more of a nuisance during the wet, rainy season, hiking in the dense forests is made simpler by the dry weather, which also reduces the chance of getting malaria.

The best times to visit Rwanda if you want to go chimpanzee trekking are during the two rainy seasons, which are mid-February to early June and mid-September to mid-December. The reason for this is that the apes are simpler to locate. Chimpanzees have a difficult time finding food during the dry season, therefore they often reach far into the center of the forest to forage. Because the trails are muddy and slick during the rainy season, it is not the safest time to go trekking. For the trip, pack high-quality hiking footwear.

You may have a fun and safe gorilla or chimpanzee trekking adventure if you keep these travel safety tips in Rwanda in mind.

Conclusion

Rwanda is an amazing place that combines safety, cultural diversity, and scenic beauty. You can guarantee a safe and pleasurable trip to this East African treasure by following these Rwanda travel safety tips.

It is strongly recommended to buy travel insurance before visiting Rwanda. It should cover evacuations, medical crises and loss. Check the fine print when buying travel insurance and other policies here.

If you're ready to plan your adventure, make sure you have all necessary documents prepared! Travelers can easily apply for a Rwanda eVisa via our website and avoid the trouble of going to the embassy.