The Basics
Country: Rwanda
Where is it?: Just south of the equator, Rwanda is west of both Tanzania and Kenya near Lake Victoria
Why do people go here?: Generally travelers come to check out some of the last inhabitants of mountain gorillas. More aid workers and volunteers populate the country than travelers.
What are the main entry points?: There are flights into Kigali via Nairobi, Kenya and Johannesburg, South Africa. Overland travel is best, and safest, through Tanzania and Uganda.
Currency used: Rwanda Franc
Country Code for Phones: 250
Area codes for Major Cities: Kigali 070
Religion: Roman Catholic 65%, Animist 25%, Protestant 10 %
Population: 10 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Hutu 90%, Tutsi 10%
Government: Republic
Languages: French, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahil
Travel Information
Major Cities: Kigali, Butare
Attractions: Parc National des Volcans, Gisenyi, Kigali
Accommodation: Rwanda Hostels, Rwanda Hotels
Tourism Office locations and links: Office of Tourism & National Parks, B.P. 905 Kigali, Rwanda 250-76514, http://www.sas.upenn.edu/African_Studies/Country_Specific/Rwanda.html
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Nyungwe Forest
Health Issues: Of the favorite health issues are present – Malaria, Cholera, Hepatitis, Typhoid and Yellow Fever
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Rwanda can visited almost year round. The rainy seaon from March to May is the best time to avoid
Common Phrases: Hello = Bonjour, How are you? = Comment allez-vous?, Good = Bien or Bon, Yes = Oui, Okay = D’accord or OK, No = Non, Thank you = Merci, Please = S’il vous plaît, Goodbye = Au revoir
Specific Events/Holidays: Democracy Day: January 8, National Day: July 1, Harvest Festival: August 1, Culture Day: September 8
Getting Around: Minibuses service all the major roads. Hitching is an easy option because of the high number of aid organizations operating around Rwanda
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Rwanda is the Kigali International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Rwanda travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
