Is Rwanda Safe for Tourists? Here are some suggestions for safe travel to Rwanda, whether you’re going to see the gorillas or explore the local culture.

Is Rwanda Safe for Tourists?

1. Violence in Rwanda

For solitary visitors, Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa. Visitors occasionally encounter little criminality, but overall crime is low. Residents are hospitable, welcoming, and kind. Pickpockets are busy in populated areas like markets, and rental automobiles may have valuables broken into. Travelers are rarely the victims of violent crimes. Dressing modestly is encouraged for female travelers as a sign of respect for the community.

2. Border security

Uganda and Rwanda

A political dispute between the two nations has gotten worse over the past two years, leading the Rwandan government to close its border with Uganda and advise its residents not to visit there. Before attempting to cross, travelers should verify with the relevant government agencies.

Burundi and Rwanda

Travelers are advised to reevaluate their need to travel within 6 miles (10 km) of the border owing to crime and the ongoing violence between the government and rebel groups, according to government travel advice. Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park are also located in this region.

As a result of Burundi’s prohibition on Rwandan public transportation and Rwanda’s trade restrictions on food entering the country from Burundi, relations between the two nations are tense. At any time, border crossings may close. Due to the high danger of security, Burundi is regarded as a no-go area. High levels of terrorism, conflict, and violent crime are present in the nation.

Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda

Travelers are cautioned not to rely on the border crossings between Rwanda and the DRC because government travel advisories indicate that they could close at any time. Due to regional battles between government forces and militia groups in the provinces of North and South Kivu, there is also an increased security concern close to the border. Robberies, sexual assaults, and kidnappings have all happened.

For anyone entering Rwanda from a DRC area where there has been an Ebola outbreak, the Rwandan Ministry of Health has implemented a quarantine mechanism.

3. Plastic Bags

Rwanda is incredibly clean; the government outlawed all non-biodegradable polyethylene plastic bags in 2008. This is something you’ll notice while exploring the country. There are prominent signs at the airport informing tourists that their baggage may be searched, and depending on the severity of the offense, people found in possession of these bags may be fined 50,000 Rwandan Francs (US$61) or perhaps imprisoned. Get rid of the disposable bags and travel responsibly.

4. Regional Laws

Drug usage, trafficking, and possession are all prohibited in Rwanda, and violators face steep penalties and possible jail time.
It is not permitted to take pictures of military, governmental, or border crossing facilities.
The crime of drunk driving carries a fine and maybe jail time. It is prohibited to use a cell phone while driving.
Talking about the Rwandan genocide in an inappropriate or contentious way can result in fines and/or jail.

5. Genocide in Rwanda

During the civil conflict in Rwanda in 1994, the government started a genocide that resulted in the killing of hundreds of thousands of Tutsis, moderate Hutus, and Twa people. With many people missing and families torn apart, more than two million Rwandans were forced to flee their homes. Since the genocide, the government has undergone several changes, and much work has been done to move past this terrible and tragic event and build a more promising and secure future for all Rwandans.

Laws pertaining to the genocide are closely upheld, and it is unlawful and punishable by fines and imprisonment to promote racist or divisive behavior. It is advisable to avoid discussing the genocide and to speak about it in a civilized manner. The event has traumatized many locals who still suffer as a result. Additionally, tourists should refrain from referring to natives by their ethnicity. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to find out more.

6. Traveling Securely

A dependable and well-established bus network connects Rwanda’s major cities, communities, and neighboring nations. Ensure that you purchase your tickets from the bus company counters since con artists and touts prowl the transportation hubs looking for unwary passengers. Around the capital city of Kigali and to other important towns, minibuses are a typical mode of public transportation. Although they are less expensive, the drawback is that there is no set schedule and the bus won’t leave until it is completely packed. Additionally, they can be crowded, uncomfortable on lengthy excursions, and frequently result in automobile accidents.

Licensed taxis are readily identifiable by their white exterior, orange roof sign, and orange stripe at Kigali International Airport and other locations throughout the city. They are the safest form of private transportation, albeit they are more expensive than public transportation. You must either hail one at a designated rank or ask your hotel or restaurant to do so. If the cab doesn’t have a meter, haggle the fare before getting in.

You can rent a car to go across Rwanda, although it is not recommended to drive at night due to the poor road conditions and dark country roads. During the wet seasons in autumn and late spring, vehicles may also be at risk from landslides and flooding.

7. LGBTQ+ Protection

Although homosexuality is not against the law in Rwanda, it is not universally accepted and is nonetheless stigmatized. The nation is still conservative, and local LGBTQ+ persons face prejudice; nevertheless, other African nations are thought to be more homophobic. There are a few gay-friendly places in Kigali, however it’s advised for safety reasons that LGBTQ+ visitors always keep their identities hidden.

8. Travel Protection

Anyone visiting Rwanda is required by law to have health insurance. You have 30 days to arrange it if you enter the nation without it. A travel insurance policy with comprehensive medical coverage, including air medical evacuation, is absolutely necessary for anyone traveling to Rwanda because the country’s medical facilities and services are quite rudimentary.

Your medical costs could be high if you get sick or hurt abroad suddenly. Make sure to carry emergency aid and travel insurance.

9. A Safe Gorilla Trek

One of Rwanda’s top tourist attractions are the mountain gorillas, and the government has taken action to safeguard these animals and promote sustainable and secure tourism. To avoid dangers like bandits, civil turmoil, potential harm, and for the safety of the gorillas themselves, tourists must reserve a guided tour in order to visit the gorillas. Controlled tourism eliminates any potential threat to the gorillas’ health because they are vulnerable to infections and lowers the chance of dangerous encounters between humans and gorillas.

10. Malaria

The government of Rwanda has made substantial efforts to try and eradicate malaria through a number of community activities, including the usage of mosquito nets, home spraying, and quick medical diagnosis and treatment. Check out our travel health post for Rwanda to find out more about how to keep safe and healthy while on the road.

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• Amazing Game Viewing: View the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo) and additional wildlife found only in Africa.
• Walking safaris, hot-air balloon safaris, and cultural exchanges with the locals all qualify as rewarding experiences.
  The Luxury of Time: Take advantage of being disconnected from the outside world in some of Africa’s most remote regions.
• Enjoy Your Senses; sip sunset drinks while giraffes amble over the rosy horizon and indulge in fine African cuisine.
• The finest itineraries incorporate Africa’s major destinations, according to Beyond the Wild.
• Traveling with a Purpose: Every African safari contributes to deserving conservation and community development projects.

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KIGALI

Rwanda’s capital and largest city is Kigali. It’s interesting to visit Kigali. Visit Richard Kandt’s House, the residence of the first colonial German governor, the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center in Gisozi, which depicts genocide, and the historically significant Kimoromko Market.

In Rwanda’s far northwest is where Volcanoes National Park is located. The park is renowned for locating rare mountain gorillas in the eerie closeness of the rain forest. Additionally, the park is home to over 200 kinds of vibrant birds and chattering, endangered golden monkeys.

NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Nyungwe National Park, which is located in Rwanda’s far northwest, safeguards the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range, which is home to the critically endangered mountain gorilla and a diverse mosaic of montane ecosystems, including evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp, and heath.

GISHWATI MUKURA NATIONAL PARK

The biodiverse Albertine Rift in the west of the nation is where Gishwati Mukura National Park is situated. Over 60 different tree types, 20 different chimpanzee groups, golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s and blue monkeys, over 232 different bird species, and more can all be found in the national park.