What you need to know before you travel to Rwanda...
When packing
Do not forget a windbreaker or a light raincoat. When tracking for gorillas you will be in a rain forest, so it will more likely than not, rain. You will need good hiking boots, and a hat if you are gorilla tracking. Garden gloves, to avoid stinging nettles, and gators, are recommended.
A light sweater for the evenings is recommended and generally long sleeves and trousers worn at this time will help keep the mosquitoes away.
If you swim, bring your swimming costume, the main hotels in Kigali all have swimming pools. If your itinerary includes Lake Kivu at either Kibuye or Gisenyi you will have the opportunity to swim in the lake.
A torch should be recommended for every adventure destination and Rwanda is no exception.
Voltage
Voltage is 220V
Drinking Water
It is NOT advisable to drink water from the taps. You will be able to get bottled water wherever you go. One must also remember to carry water with them on the actual tracks.
Credit cards
The unit of currency is the Rwanda franc. The US dollar is the hard currency of preference. Very few places in Rwanda accept either credit cards or traveller's checks. Only the major hotels in Kigali and Kivu Sun Hotel in Gisenyi plus a few airlines accept them.
Camera and film
Bring both. Lots of the latter. Do not forget plenty of batteries.
There is no charge for private filming in the parks but there is a fee for commercial filming and prior arrangements have to be made. |
