TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR RWANDA

K
A
R
E
L
L
T
R
A
V
E
L
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RWANDA
This information is intended as a guideline only. It is accurate to the best of our knowledge.
Please note that we are providing links to external websites as guidelines for more information
only. Karell Africa is not responsible for the content thereof.
If you are traveling to South Africa and would like to print this information please follow
RWANDA PRE-TOUR INFORMATION (PDF) link
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR RWANDA
Passports are required by all foreign visitors to RWANDA and must be valid for at
least 6 months after the intended length of your trip.
New $30.00 per person VISA fee goes into effect on 01 November 2014 and will
affect most travelers.
We have been advised that the government of Rwanda will introduce a new fee
for almost all people visiting their country with effect 01 November 2014. Among
countries affected are nationals of Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Australia,
Israel, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.The
only exemptions are citizens of Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines and
Mauritius who remain exempted from having to pay a Visa fee for stays up to 90
days.
Visa applications can be processed on line, through Rwanda’s diplomatic
missions abroad or else on arrival in Kigali in person. Also available for tourists is the
Common East African tourist Visa at a cost of 100 US Dollars which covers
Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya and is valid for up to 90 days for foreign tourists.
Please note, however, that Tanzania is not part of this joint visa initiative and
persons travelling to Rwanda and Tanzania will have to purchase two separate
visas. These East African visas can only be arranged upon arrival in Kenya,
Uganda or Rwanda.
Visas may be required for RWANDA depending on the nationality of your
passport. It is is your responsibility to check the entry visa requirements with the
individual embassy of each country you intend visiting prior to departure.
It is essential to have at least two blank, consecutive pages for each country you
will be visiting. This excludes Amendment and Endorsement pages.
THIS IS SERIOUS, if you do not have the required blank pages, you could be
denied boarding of your flight before you even start your trip!
If you are a parent / guardian traveling with a minor (aged 18 or younger), you
must be in possession of a certified letter of consent from the non-accompanying
parent or guardian.
WWW.KARELL.COM
VISA STAMPS IN PASSPORTS UPON ARRIVAL IN EACH COUNTRY:
PLEASE CHECK THE DATES THAT THE OFFICIALS STAMP IN TO YOUR
PASSPORTS TO MAKE SURE THE ALLOTTED TIME FOR YOUR STAY IS
CORRECT BEFORE YOU WALK AWAY FROM THE COUNTER.
ON OCCASION PEOPLE HAVE BEEN GIVEN INCORRECT INCREMENTS
OF TIME TO STAY IN THE COUNTRY CONCERNED CREATING A LOT OF
UNNECESSARY AGGRAVATION AND INCONVENIENCE.
We also suggest that before you depart on any international trip that you take a
photo of the information page of your passport as well as any visas.
TRAVISA.COM Please note we have provided this website as a guideline for
further information, Karell Travel is not responsible for the content thereof.
CLIMATE IN RWANDA
RWANDA is located just south of the equator and as a result the tropical climate
does not change much throughout the year.
RWANDA experiences frequent rains throughout the year with an average annual
rainfall of about 40 inches. The heavy rain seasons are from January through April
and from October through December.
Average daytime temperatures in RWANDA are about 75 degrees Fahrenheit
while nighttime temperatures can drop in to the low 50s.
Please visit WEATHER.COM
CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS IN RWANDA
RWANDA’S unit of currency is the RWANDA Franc denoted by the symbol RWF.
1.00 USD = 791.941 RWF (As of Aug 1st 2016)
Credit Cards :
NOTE : CASH IS KING IN RWANDA – CREDIT CARDS NOT SO MUCH!
Credit cards are accepted by a few places in Kigali and a few hotels/lodges upcountry. In most places only cash is accepted.
Although ATMs are probably available in larger cities such as Kigali, they will
definitely not be available in smaller towns so we suggest you “stock up” before
you venture forth!
Please be aware that high denomination US Dollar bills are acceptable but bills
should be in excellent condition with no stains or tears.
For up to dates rates of exchange click on the following link. WWW.XE.COM
WWW.KARELL.COM
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR TRIP TO RWANDA -MORE
IMPORTANT THAN YOU MAY REALIZE – SO LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE
Most dietary requirements (kosher, vegetarian hindu etc) can be organized
provided we request them well in advance.
This is particularly important if you will be visiting game lodges.
You must remember that many of the game lodges you may be visiting are in
isolated areas so if you are not very specific in advance you may just go hungry!
You cannot just pop out to the nearest restaurant or 7-11 – you are in the African
bush.
We need to know about allergies too – gluten -lactose – peanuts etc.
Please also let us know if anyone in your party will be celebrating a birthday or
anniversary or any other special occasion!
FLASHLIGHT! DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT ONE!
Remember this when you are stumbling around in your tent/room when there is a
power outage!
Do not be the one who is saying ” I should have listened to KARELL and brought a
flashlight and extra batteries”.
Take a small powerful flashlight (and extra batteries) with you – it will come in
handy. In fact it is the one essential item we tell every passenger to take with no
matter where you are traveling to.
LANGUAGE OF RWANDA
The official languages of RWANDA are English, Kinyarwanda (also known as
RWANDA, Ruanda or Rwandan) and French.
Swahili is spoken extensively particularly in the rural areas.
Gorilla treks are conducted in English.
LAUNDRY IN RWANDA
Laundry service is available at hotels, camps and lodges throughout RWANDA.
However in most camps/game lodges throughout RWANDA the washing is done
by hand and sun-dried so please allow between 24-48 hours for completion.
WWW.KARELL.COM
LUGGAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR RWANDA SAFARI
RULE OF THUMB – IF YOU WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN DO NOT PACK IT IN YOUR
CHECKED BAGS!
Medications, eye glasses, sunglasses, wallets, passports, computers, iPads, cell
phones, cameras, binoculars, jewelry etc should be carried with you at all times.
And why are you taking that expensive jewelry with you anyway? NOT A GOOD
IDEA! Do not take anything with you that is not replaceable or anything that you
would be devastated to lose! Most airports today do offer plastic wrapping of
bags for a small fee.
Luggage restrictions vary between airlines / countries and aircraft. Please check
with your travel consultant with regard to weight restrictions and quantity / size of
bags permitted.
If you will be traveling in vehicles and small aircraft with limited luggage capacity,
it is a requirement that you have a SOFT BAG without WHEELS, however, our
brand new “wheeled” Karell safari bags which are made exclusively for us are
unique as they have wheels but no solid frame which make them ideal for light
aircraft transfers to and from camps/lodges.
NO HARD SUITCASES WILL BE ALLOWED!
Ideal travel bag example:
The Karell Duffel bag pictured above has been selected specifically for use on
safaris utilizing light aircraft. It measures 26” x 14” x 12”, a perfect size and
dimension for this type of travel.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND BINOCULARS IN RWANDA
You are going to a photographer’s paradise wherever you go in Africa so do take
plenty of memory cards to record your trip. They will not always be readily
available everywhere you go. So to avoid disappointment take a lot with you as
well as spare batteries for flashes etc.
WWW.KARELL.COM
PLEASE NOTE: FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY IS PROHIBITED ON GORILLA TREKS
As a courtesy, it is recommended that you request permission to take
photographs of local Rwandan people.
Yes, A good pair of strong binoculars is a must on safari, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A
KEEN BIRDER OR “TWITCHER”. Trust us, we know.
For everything you need to know about buying cameras and binoculars we invite
you to visit : http://www.bhphotovideo.com
Or if you prefer to rent before you go: http://optics4rent.com/index.html
Camera equipment and lenses are so heavy and are included in hand baggage
allowances so for your convenience, there are certain game lodges that rent
equipment for the period of your stay.
Please contact one of our safari specialists for further information.
We have provided these websites as guidelines for further information, Karell’s
African Dream Vacations is not responsible for the content thereof.
POWER & ELECTRICITY IN RWANDA
All electrical appliances in RWANDA run on 230V. Outlets are made to fit round 2
pin “TYPE C” plugs.
Although adaptors are generally available at hotels/lodges/camps we highly
recommend taking your own.
If you are taking electric hair styling tools in any shape or form flatirons, curling
irons, hairdryers etc. or any other electrical appliances, you should make sure
they are dual voltage and remember to change the voltage if necessary when
you get to RWANDA or you can undoubtedly kiss them goodbye!
DUE TO THEIR REMOTE LOCATIONS, MANY CAMPS/GAME LODGES IN RWANDA
GENERATE THEIR OWN ELECTRICITY BY MEANS OF GENERATORS.
GENERATORS RUN FOR ABOUT 6-7 HOURS PER DAY PROVIDING POWER IN THE
ROOMS FOR LIGHTING AND POSSIBLY CEILING FANS.
NOT ALL CAMPS PROVIDE PLUG POINTS IN THE ROOMS SO IF YOU HAVE
EQUIPMENT THAT REQUIRES CHARGING SUCH AS CAMERA BATTERIES THE HOTELS/
LODGES WILL OFTEN HAVE CHARGING FACILITIES IN THE MAIN AREAS.
SOOOOOOOOOOO…………….YOU MAY AS WELL FACE IT LADIES, YOU WILL BE
HAVING SOME BAD HAIR DAYS AS AT MOST HOTELS/LODGES NO HAIR DRYERS, FLAT
IRONS OR THE LIKES ALLOWED!!!!! JUST GO WITH THE FLOW AND ENJOY.
The following link may help: ELECTRIC PLUG EXAMPLE
WWW.KARELL.COM
TIME ZONE IN RWANDA
Your Guide
$10 US per person day
General Lodge Staff
$10 US per person day
Gorilla Park Guide
$10 US per person day
Gorilla Trekkers
$10 US per person day
Local time in RWANDA is GMT +2.
Which means it is always 6 or 7 hours ahead of us in the eastern United States
depending on the time of the year and daylight savings time.
So, if it is 8PM in KIGALI then it is 2PM the same day in NEW YORK !
Hope this helps. Probably won’t – you will be more confused than ever and will
more than likely call home and get it all mixed up.
The following link may help: WORLDCLOCK.COM
TIPPING/GRATUITY GUIDELINES FOR RWANDA SAFARI – TO GIVE OR
NOT TO GIVE, THAT IS THE QUESTION! AND IF SO HOW MUCH.
This is one of the questions we are asked most often prior to departure: How much
should we tip?
Tipping is not compulsory. However, if you are pleased with the service you
receive during your stay and would like to leave gratuities, you may do so using
the following guidelines.
VACCINATIONS REQUIRED FOR RWANDA SAFARI– OUCH!
Yes, RWANDA falls into a YELLOW FEVER region of Africa.
It is imperative that you obtain a YELLOW FEVER vaccination at least 10 days prior
to arrival in a yellow fever region.
Failure to produce an official YELLOW FEVER vaccination certificate upon arrival in
RWANDA may result in you being denied entry.
Additionally, other countries may deny entry or re-entry without proof of YELLOW
FEVER vaccination after a visit to a YELLOW FEVER region.
WWW.KARELL.COM
We highly recommend that you take precautions against MALARIA. Your
physician will be able to assist you with a prescription for prophylaxis for MALARIA
prior to your arrival in the MALARIA infested area.
Tips on avoiding Malaria :
Take a prescription antimalarial drug.
Use insect repellent liberally and wear long pants and sleeves to prevent
mosquito bites.
Sleep in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms or use bednets.
To maximize the benefit of inoculations/immunizations we suggest you see a
health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your
vaccines to take effect.
Please consult with your physician for recommendations regarding all
inoculations/immunizations.
For further information please click on the following link CDC.gov and/or WHO.int/
en/
WATER IN RWANDA
Although tap water may be fine in most areas for bathing and brushing teeth, we
recommend that you drink bottled water at all times.
WHAT TO PACK FOR RWANDA SAFARI (OR NOT) – RULE OF THUMB –
DON’T PACK TOO MUCH
The other most frequently asked question.
As a general guideline, comfortable casual wash and wear clothes are
recommended.
If you are going on safari and/or gorilla trekking, the less you take the better as
most lodges and hotels do offer laundry service if you are staying at least two
days.
Muted colors such as stone, khaki, beige or brown are recommended.
CLOTHING
A light weight breathable water/wind-proof jacket for trekking
A fleece jacket that will go under the jacket for the evenings
A strong pair of WATERPROOF walking/hiking boots for trekking, preferably
broken in before you go. Pants should be tucked in to socks and boots for
trekking.
Comfortable walking sandals for warmer days
WWW.KARELL.COM
BELIEVE IT OR NOT – for gorilla trekking it is recommended that you take an
inexpensive pair of gardening gloves. They will come in handy protecting your
hands during your trek!
Light weight shirts/blouses with long sleeves as protection from the sun and
mosquitoes
T-shirts
Shorts
Jeans or safari trousers
Pajamas
Socks
Underwear
A wide brimmed hat with under-chin tie to prevent it from flying away
A warm polo neck shirt
A beanie
Gloves
A warm scarf
“BUT WE ARE GOING TO AFRICA- WHY WOULD IT BE COLD?” Trust us, we know!
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
Sunglasses
Spare prescription eye glasses/contact lenses
Binoculars
Cameras and related paraphernalia like lenses etc and plenty of memory
cards and spare batteries
A small powerful flashlight and extra batteries
Travel alarm clock
Small purse size umbrella can come in handy
Small lint roller
A light packable backpack or tote to carry equipment and stuff on game
vehicles
A supply of Ziploc bags in different sizes may come in handy for dust or water
proofing cameras , wet bathing suits etc.
PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
Band aids
Antiseptic cream
Pain tablets
Heartburn relief
Eye drops
Insect repellant
Itch spray for bug bites
Sunscreen with high SPF factor
Hand sanitizer
Purse size kleenex packets
Eye drops
Chapstick
WWW.KARELL.COM
”make you go ” pills “make you not go” pills as well as any prescription
medications that you rely on on a daily basis.
ENJOY RWANDA!
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE LINK FOR RWANDA
YOU MAY LEAVE AFRICA FOREVER BUT YOUR MEMORIES OF
AFRICA WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU!
WWW.KARELL.COM