Is Rwanda Safe To Visit For Travel : Rwanda is listed among the best travel destinations in Africa, Rwanda the land of a thousand hills is a relatively small park attracting millions of tourists from all over the world. Tourists visited Rwanda because of the endangered mountain gorillas, the local culture, history and the unbelievable natural beauty of this land of a thousand hills.
As a tourists planning to travel to Rwanda for a safari, the first question that comes in the mind is “how safe is Rwanda for visit / travel”. This article provides all the answers to your questions.
Is Rwanda Safari For Tourists?
Yes, Rwanda is safe to visit for tourists from all countries, according to the Global Peace Index research from 2020, Rwanda is the 15th most safe African Country to travel to and stay in.
According to the Crime Index report, Rwanda ranks best of all Africa countries and surpasses other countries like Denmark, Netherlands and China in the same report.
According to the recent history of Rwanda especially with the 1994 genocide makes many people question whether things have really changed and the first moment you arrive in Rwanda your worry will fade into thin air.
Rwanda has moved on from the tribal genocide days and the reconciliation has greatly paved the way for everyone to enjoy the hospitable faces in all parts of the country.
Is Rwanda Safari for Solo Females
As a solo female traveler, you will be safe as any other visitor/ traveler. The crime rate in Rwanda is very low, however as a solo female traveler, you are advised to avoid sketch parts of any town most especially at night. Though it is not at the levels of other places, you might have to turn down some advances from men hitting on you but this happens everywhere in the world.
Is Rwanda Safe for Self – Guided Travelers
Rwanda is a small country and you can safely move from Kigali City – the capital city to any part of the country in under 3 hours. For most of the towns near popular attractions such as Ruhengeri, Musanze and Lake Kivu, you can easily get pubic buses that go there at any time of the day.
You will completely be very safe on the road and in places you visit, a self-guided traveler, make sure to plan extensively and book your accommodation a head of time.
Is Rwanda Safari For LGBTQ+
Like other most African countries, Rwanda doesn’t legalize same – sex relationships. While there are a few spots that are open friendly, it is not widely accepted and it might be best to exercise some discretion.
Public displays of Affection are not the norm for any sexual orientation in Rwanda.
Is it Safari To See Gorillas
Seeing mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park of Rwanda is safe and you shouldn’t be worried about anything, security – wise or being attacked by the gorillas. However travelers are advised to follow the rules and regulations passed on to them during the briefing.
The gorillas you visit and see on mountain gorilla experience in Rwanda are habituated and quite used to seeing visitors, so you won’t freak them out. You will also be briefed on how to conduct yourself and what to avoid doing to make sure the gorillas don’t fear you.
As for the safety of gorillas, you will only track them if you have no communicable diseases like cough or flu, you will also observe a distance of 8 meters from the gorillas.
Staying Healthy in Rwanda
Apart from the security concern, your safety also included health and well – being. The biggest health concern most especially to western tourists is usually malaria. Here are some tips to keep your body working and fit for travel in Rwanda
- Consult your doctor about taking anti-malaria medicine
- Sleep under a mosquito net
- Carry your regular medication
- Bring sunscreen to avoid sunburns, the tropics are always hot
- Disclose your dietary restrictions to avoid allergic reactions to food
- Be care about the street food especially if your stomach is sensitive
- Don’t drink tap water, bottled water and a reusable water bottle will work
- Long sleeve clothing and insect repellant to keep insects away most especially if you are visiting national parks.
To add more on health concern, you should always make sure to dirst consult your doctor for professional advice.
Places to Avoid in Rwanda
Though Rwanda is safe, you are advised to be cautious of the areas near the borders with DRC and sometimes the border with Burundi as well.
Every now and the areas near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo become places of caution especially if there is fighting across the borders as well as displacement of people.
If you are planning visiting these areas or crossing from Rwanda to the nearby places in DRCongo make sure to talk to your guide and stay informed on the safety situation in the area.
Safety Tips
While on your visit Rwanda, it is very safe and here are some of the common – sense safety tip to have in mind
- Don’t use or traffic drugs and substances
- Don’t walk alone/unguided in sketchy places most especially in towns and during night hours
- Keep your valuables like jewellery at your hotel
- Keep a copy of your travel documents
- Follow the instructions and guidance of your tour guide
In conclusion
Rwanda is a very safe country to visit and during your travel to this beautiful country you will enjoy mid-blowing experiences ranging from visiting the endangered mountain gorillas, captivating sights of the landscapes among others.
