Is Rwanda safe to tourists? Is Rwanda a safe country? Here are basic safe travel suggestions for Rwanda, whether you’re interested in enjoying the local culture or viewing gorillas. Here are the best tips that will keep you safe during the Rwanda safari.
- 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 huge signs at the airport informing travelers that their baggage may be searched, and depending on the severity of the offence, people discovered 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.
- Travel insurance.
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 travelling to Rwanda because the country’s medical facilities and services are quite inadequate. Your medical costs could be high if you get sick or hurt abroad suddenly. Make sure to carry emergency aid and travel insurance.
- Crime in Rwanda.
For lone travelers, 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. Travellers are rarely the victims of violent crimes. Dressing modestly is encouraged for female travelers as a sign of respect for the community.
- Getting around safely.
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 taxi 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.
- Border safety.
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.
Travellers are advised to reevaluate their need to travel within 6 miles (10 km) of the border due 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 transit 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.
- Local 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.
- Gorilla trek safety.
One of Rwanda’s top tourist safari 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. As gorillas are sensitive to disease, controlled tourism eliminates any potential health risk to the animals and lowers the possibility of dangerous encounters between humans and gorillas that could result in human injury or death.
- LGBTQ+ safety.
Although homosexuality is not against the law in Rwanda, it is not commonly 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.
- 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.
- Rwandan genocide.
In 1994, the Rwandan government instigated the genocide during the civil war, which saw hundreds of thousands of Tutsi, moderate Hutus and Twa people murdered. 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.
