Rwanda is a landlocked country in tropical Africa, situated on the eastern rim of the Albertine Rift, a western arm of the Great Rift Valley, on the watershed between Africa's two largest river systems: the Nile and the Congo. Much of the country's 26,338 kms is impressively mountainous, the highest peak being Karisimbi (4,507m) in the volcanic Virunga chain protected by the Parc des Volcans. The largest body of water is Lake Kivu.

Rwanda is one of the favourite tourist destination in central Africa. Also known as the "the Land of a Thousand Hills" Rwanda supports a variety of wild fauna and fauna species thus making it a superb tourist destination! Rwanda today has three main conservation areas where wildlife safaris can be taken. Each of these parks protects a combination of large mammals sought after by many safari holiday makers. Akagera National Park supports a typical savannah fauna dominated by a variety of antelope, as well as other grazers such as zebra, buffalo and giraffe, aquatic hippopotamus, and plains predators such as lions, leopards and spotted hyena.

Rwanda Overview

• Full Country Name: Republic of Rwanda
• Time: GMT + 3 hours
• Land area: 9,633 sq mi (24,949 sq km); Total area: 10,169 sq mi (26,338 sq km)
• Population: 24.7 million
• Head of State: Hon. Paul Kagame
• Capital City: Kigali
• Monetary Unit : Rwandan Franc
• Other Major Towns:
• Main Tribes: Hutu 84%, Tutsi 15%, Twa (Pygmoid) 1%
• Language: English, Swahili, Luganda & indigenous languages
• Religion: Roman Catholic 56.5%, Protestant 26%, Adventist 11.1%, Islam 4.6%, indigenous beliefs 0.1%, none 1.7% (2001)
• Electricity:
• Weights and Measures: Metric
• Economy: Coffee, sugar, cotton, tea, tobacco, textiles
• Literacy rate: 70% (2003 est.)
• economic summary: GDP/PPP< (2007 est.): $8.576 billion; per capita $1,000.
• Real growth rate: 6%.
• Inflation: 8%.
• Arable land: 46%.
• Agriculture: coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; livestock.
• Labor force: 4.6 million (2000); agriculture 90%, industry and services 10%.
• Industries: cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap, furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes.
• Natural resources: gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane, hydropower, arable land. Exports: $170.8 million f.o.b. (2007 est.): coffee, tea, hides, tin ore.
• Imports: $472.5 million f.o.b. (2007 est.): foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, steel, petroleum products, cement and construction material.
• Major trading partners: Indonesia, China, Germany, Kenya, Belgium, Uganda, France .

Travel Tips

How to reach by flight

Many international flights reach Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. In particular amongst the airlines are SN Brussels , Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Burundi and Rwandair Express. The airport is located 10 Km from central Kigali.

When to visit

Rwanda can be visited throughout the year. Gorilla tracking and other forest walks are less demanding during the drier months. The European winter is the best time for birds, as Palaearctic migrants supplement resident species.

Passport and visa

A valid passport is mandatory. Visa can be obtained upon arrival and costs 60 USD. The following nationalities do not require entry visa: USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sweden, Mauritius, South Africa and Hong Kong.

Health requirements

A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required. Much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are strongly recommended. It is advisable not to drink tap water. Bottled mineral water can be bought in all towns.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Rwanda Franc (RFr). One Dollar US is exchanged at about 550 RFr in 2006. The US dollar is the hard currency of preference. It may be impossible to exchange travellers' cheques away from the capital. Credit cards are usually only accepted at the major hotels in Kigali .

Language

In addition to the indigenous language of Kinyarwanda, French and English are official languages. French is widely spoken throughout the country. In the capital and other tourist centres many people speak English.

What to dress

It is advisable to bring light and practical clothes, supplemented by light sweaters for the cool evenings and heavier clothing for the Parc des Volcans and Nyungwe. When tracking gorillas, wear sturdier clothing to protect against stinging nettles, and solid walking shoes. Water proof rain jacket is important.

What to bring

Remember sun protection, sunglasses and hat. Binoculars will greatly enhance game drives, forest walks and bird watching. Bring a camera and an adequate stock of film.

Telephone

Rwanda has an excellent cell phone network covering almost the entire country. International phone calls can be made easily. Appropriate SIM cards for the network are readily available everywhere, even in remote towns, and cell phones can be purchased or rented from major shops in Kigali. Most towns of any size will have several Internet cafes and computer centres.

Roads

All of the major centres are connected with good road infrastructure. The fine road network, with little traffic, offers wonderful opportunities for long bicycle trips across the verdant hills and valleys. Mountain biking and hiking can be enjoyed on the thousands of kilometres of fine rural trails linking remote villages, criss-crossing the entire country.

Gorilla permits

Gorilla Permits can be arranged by a travel operator, or can be purchased directly through the Office Rwandaise du Tourisme et des Parcs Nationaux (ORTPN) / The Rwanda Tourism Board, at the headquarters in Kigali, or at their office in Ruhengeri.