Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to Rwanda in East Africa. When we set off on our Rwanda vacation, the biggest question you all had for us was about safety. Everyone wanted to know if it is safe to visit Rwanda. Most people think of the 1994 genocide when Rwanda is mentioned, so it’s not a place with positive associations for many people. So, today, we’re addressing safety concerns and giving your our Rwanda safety tips.
Is Kigali Safe?
We visited the capital city of Rwanda and found it to be very safe. People are out strolling the streets day and night. We visited some shopping malls and never felt unsafe. I never felt like I had to worry about my backpack or my pockets when we visited Kigali.
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Should I Drive in Rwanda?
Rwanda is known as the country of 1000 hills, so there are a lot of winding roads and there are a lot of distractions. It’s best to leave the driving to others. Even as a passenger, there are some safety tips you should heed:
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Bring motion sickness pills if you are prone to motion sickness
- Brace yourself for speed bumps; they’re big!
- Don’t leave valuables in your car when you get out
Are the Moto-Taxis Safe?
Chances are, you will take a moto-taxi during your visit to Rwanda. It’s a motorcycle taxi, and the law requires that they have a helmet to provide to their passengers. They might seem scary, but it’s all part of the experience. The moto-taxis in Rwanda really come in handy and they do a pretty good job of following the traffic rules and keeping you safe.
What About All the Guys With Guns?
Yes, you will see police or security guards who appear to be heavily armed. They may even do a sweep under your car. It’s really just standard security procedures, it’s nothing to be alarmed by. Similarly, some of the malls may employ metal detectors upon entry. While it may make you uneasy, it’s actually a sign that they take safety and security very seriously in Rwanda.
Is it Safe to Visit the Gorillas of Rwanda?
One of the major reasons people visit Rwanda is to see the mountain gorillas. It’s actually pretty safe to be around the gorillas, provided you follow the rules from your guide. For example, flash photography is not allowed around the gorillas. Make sure you wear the right clothes, including long sleeves, long pants, and good hiking boots. (Save the safari clothes for when you’re actually on safari!)
Are There Any Health Concerns on a Trip to Rwanda?
Rwanda is close to the equator, and you’ll spend a lot of time in the rainforest. So, be prepared with lots of bug spray and sun protection. A wide-brimmed hat will do a lot to protect you from the sun. You can even buy clothing that is pre-treated for bugs and sun protection. As far as vaccines for Rwanda, see your travel health professional for the latest recommendations. Whether or not you will need additional vaccines to visit Rwanda will depend largely on the activities you have planned during your Rwanda vacation.
We decided to take anti-malaria pills for our trip. The key, though, is to see a doctor first, and you have to start taking them before your trip. I do not recommend taking these on an empty stomach!
Can I Drink the Water in Rwanda?
No! Do not drink the water in Rwanda. Do not even brush your teeth with the water in Rwanda. Bottled water is readily available and plentiful wherever you go.
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What Can I Eat in Rwanda?
It’s safe to eat most of the food in Rwanda, especially if it is cooked. If you’re a vegetarian, you will be pleasantly surprised by all of the non-meat-based dishes in Rwanda. There are a lot of vegetables to eat. Regardless, you still might experience some tummy troubles, so always be prepared with a few medications to help any digestive issues you experience.
If your guide warns you about trying too much of the local hot sauce, listen to them! They do like their spicy foods in Rwanda!
What Are Rwanda Hotels Like?
Rwanda accommodations vary quite a bit. You can find every range of accommodation in Kigali. In the mountains, you will likely stay at some type of lodge. They are safe, but they do typically have armed security guards at the entrance.
In your hotel room, we always recommend using the room safe to lock up any valuables you might have, including passports and electronics. You can also put things in your suitcase and lock up your suitcase while you are away from your room.
Do I Need Cash in Rwanda?
Yes, cash is king in Rwanda, and you won’t find many places that accept credit cards. They will accept US Dollars if you have them, or the Rwandan Franc. There aren’t a lot of ATMs in Rwanda, so you’ll probably have a lot of cash on you when you arrive. Make sure you split it up and don’t keep it all in one place.
We loved our time in Rwanda, and we never felt uncomfortable during our visit. We brought our parents and our kids to Rwanda because we were confident we would all be safe. I would even dare to say that Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa to visit. Obviously, trouble can and does happen in any country in the world, but using these travel safety tips will go a long way. If you want more tips on family travel, check out some of our other blog posts: