Rwanda

Rwandahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/rwandaRwandahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/africa/rwanda/travel-healthMalaria is found throughout Rwanda, and there are other health issues travelers need to consider. Find out how to stay healthy while traveling in this east African country.2019-03-18T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/rwanda/travel-healthhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><strong>Important Note: by law, anyone who is traveling in Rwanda must have health insurance. It's vital that any traveler visiting the country has a comprehensive travel insurance policy with adequate medical care, including air medical evacuation, prior to arrival into Rwanda.</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#vaccinations">Vaccinations for Rwanda </a></li> <li><a href="#medical"> Medical Treatment </a></li> <li><a href="#mosquito"> Malaria </a></li> <li><a href="#virus"> Other Diseases </a></li> <li><a href="#altitude"> Altitude Sickness </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="vaccinations">Vaccinations for Rwanda</h2> <p>Travelers to Rwanda need to check that their routine vaccinations are up to date (measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria) and the following are recommended:</p> <ul> <li>Hepatitis A</li> <li>Typhoid</li> <li>Rabies (mainly for travelers who are spending extended travel time in rural locations and outdoor activities where they may come in contact with animals such as dogs, monkeys <g class="gr_ gr_91 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="91" data-gr-id="91">and</g> bats.)</li> </ul> <p>Yellow fever is not present in Rwanda, however, proof of vaccination card is required if you are arriving into the country from <g class="gr_ gr_89 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="89" data-gr-id="89">a yellow</g> fever affected country.</p> <h2 id="medical">Medical Treatment</h2> <p>Rwanda's medical services are basic, with serious and emergency cases evacuated to Nairobi in Kenya or South Africa.</p> <p>It's a good idea to pack a decent travel first aid kit, especially if you are heading away from the capital or other major towns.</p> <p>If you need to take medications while traveling, bring what you need for the entire trip as well as a doctor's letter outlining each medication, its use, dosage etc. <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/medications-and-travel">Read our article</a> on traveling with medications to learn more.</p> <h2 id="mosquito">Malaria</h2> <p>Rwanda lies in the malaria belt of Africa (except above altitudes of 6,561ft (2,000m)) so it's a must for travelers to <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/mosquitoes-and-bite-prevention">protect themselves</a> during the night when the female <em>Anopheles</em> mosquito is active. <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/malaria">Learn more</a> about malaria with our travel article.</p> <h2 id="virus">Other Diseases</h2> <p>Food and water-borne illnesses, such as typhoid, hepatitis A and <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/travelers-diarrhoea-health-tips">traveler's diarrhea</a>, are present in Rwanda. Don't drink the local tap water, <g class="gr_ gr_281 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="281" data-gr-id="281">instead</g> <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/bottled-vs-filtered-water">use purified/treated water</a>, practice good personal hygiene and <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/food-safety-on-the-road-or-how-to-avoid-gastro">take precautions</a> when eating out. </p> <h3>Ebola</h3> <p>The <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/travel-health-ebola-virus">Ebola virus</a> is currently not present in Rwanda however, if you are planning to travel to Rwanda from North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Ebola is present, you must inform the Rwandan Ministry of Health prior to your arrival; a 21-day quarantine period will need to be observed before any further travel through the country.</p> <h3>Schistosomiasis</h3> <p>Avoid swimming in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as schistosomiasis.</p> <p>Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic worms called schistosomes carried by freshwater snail species and is commonly found in tropical regions. Symptoms are similar to African Sleeping Sickness plus throw in chills, coughing and stomach pain. Seek medical treatment as quickly as possible. If treated early, the infection can clear in a few days.</p> <p>More than a billion people are at risk of the disease worldwide and 300 million are infected. The parasite larvae develop in snails which infect humans. The human body is the host in which they mature and reproduce.</p> <h3>Sleeping Sickness</h3> <p>African Sleeping Sickness is present in Rwanda. It's an infection caused by a parasite, <em>Trypanosoma <g class="gr_ gr_69 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="69" data-gr-id="69">brucei</g> <g class="gr_ gr_70 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear ContextualSpelling" id="70" data-gr-id="70">rhodesiense</g>,</em> carried by the Tsetse fly, which is found in rural locations.</p> <p>When an infected fly bites you, the infection spreads through your circulatory system and can it result in swelling of the brain. Symptoms include headaches, skin irritation, fever <g class="gr_ gr_76 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="76" data-gr-id="76">and</g> joint pain, with advanced cases exhibiting disorientation, a lack of coordination and change in behavior.</p> <p>You will know when a tsetse fly bites you – it's a painful sting. You should take precautions to prevent bites and seek medical treatment immediately if you feel unwell.</p> <h2 id="altitude">Altitude Sickness</h2> <p><a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-deal-with-altitude-sickness">Altitude sickness</a> can cause serious illness for travelers who plan to trek in the Volcanoes National Park as several peaks are over 8,200ft (2,500m). Travelers should take the time to acclimatize as they ascend.</p>GettyImages/Robert_Ford 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/africa/rwanda/rwanda-travel-safetyHow safe is Rwanda? If you are going on a gorilla trek or on a safari, learn 7 tips for safe travel in Rwanda. 2026-02-23T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/rwanda/rwanda-travel-safetyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Today considered a leader in conservation and sustainable tourism, Rwanda’s civil war legacy of the mid-1990s seems like a distant memory. Nicknamed “the land of a thousand hills,” this Central African nation’s lush, hilly terrain is plentiful with volcanos, lakes, and wildlife and the gateway to incredible outdoor adventures, from long distance cycling to volcano climbing to gorilla trekking. I’ve been traveling around Rwanda since 2015 and have lived there twice since 2017. When planning a trip here, these are several things to consider for Rwanda safety.</p> <h2>Gorilla safety</h2> <p>Many travelers are initially drawn to Rwanda for <a href="https://visitrwanda.com/interests/gorilla-tracking/">mountain gorilla tracking</a> in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world (alongside Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) that is <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/get-inspired/inside-look/mountain-gorilla-silverback-facts-where-they-live/">home to the just over 1,000 mountain gorillas</a> living in the wild.</p> <p>From rainforest terrain to interacting with endangered primates, there are several things to think about to stay safe while gorilla trekking in Rwanda.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Bring proper gear: </strong>This isn’t a curated experience but one in the mountainous rainforests of northern Rwanda. Sturdy hiking boots, breathable waterproof pants, a rain jacket, and a walking stick are essential.</li> <li><strong>Make sure you’re healthy: </strong>We share over <a href="https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/fascinating-facts/gorillas">98% of our DNA</a> with mountain gorillas, which means that they are susceptible to many of the same illnesses as humans. To ensure the safety of these endangered creatures, you’re can’t gorilla trek if you’re sick, even with something as simple as a cold. It’s easy to pick up a cold or flu on your flight over, so give yourself several days between arriving to Kigali and your gorilla experience to allow time to recover from any potential illness.</li> <li><strong>Follow the instructions of your guide: </strong>Before your gorilla trek, you’ll meet at the Kinigi Park Headquarters for Volcanoes National Park. After being divided into groups based on gorilla families, you’ll meet your guide who will set out important guidelines including not using flash photography, keeping at least seven meters away from the gorillas, and avoiding direct eye contact (which can be perceived as a threat).</li> <li><strong>Stay present while on the trek: </strong>Staying present helps you make the most of your experience—and it also ensures your safety. Rainforest terrain can mean twisted branches to climb over and dense trees to move through. The more aware you are, the more carefully you can navigate. Presence will also help you safely interact with the gorillas and follow the safety guidelines. For example, even though you’re instructed to keep your distance from them, the gorillas may approach you. Breathe and stay calm if this happens.</li> </ol> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/rwanda/rwanda-two.jpeg" alt="A wild silverback gorilla" /> <figcaption> Photo credit: Alicia Erickson</figcaption></figure> <h2>Wildlife safety beyond gorillas</h2> <p>While famous for its mountain gorillas, Rwanda is home to a lot of other wildlife. In Volcanoes National Park, you can <a href="https://www.volcanoesparkrwanda.org/information/golden-monkeys-volcanoes-national-park/">trek with golden monkeys</a> and in <a href="https://www.nyungweforestnationalpark.org/">Nyungwe Forest National Park</a> you can <a href="https://www.nyungweforestnationalpark.org/chimpanzee-trekking-nyungwe-forest-national-par/">trek with chimpanzees</a>. These areas require similar protocols for gorillas, though not necessarily as strict. Sturdy shoes, moisture-wicking layers, and a respect for their territory are all important.</p> <p><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/africa/rwanda/a-wild-safari-and-camping-in-akagera-national-park">Akagera National Park</a> in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, is Central Africa’s largest protected wetlands and home to over five hundred bird species, as well as the Big Five, antelope, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocs, and more. Akagera is a phenomenal spot for a safari, with options from camping and self-drive adventures to premium lodges in remote sections of the park.</p> <p>If you’re embarking on a solo safari, rent a 4x4 vehicle that can traverse the bumpy terrain, which becomes muddy with rain. It’s recommended to hire a guide from the visitor’s center for the day if you’re a safari first-timer, as they offer nuanced knowledge about the park and its flora and fauna—and can also help you navigate any wildlife encounters, such as a territorial elephant.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/rwanda/rwanda-five.jpeg" alt="A wild rhino in Rwanda" /> <figcaption> Photo credit: Alicia Erickson</figcaption></figure> <h2>Road safety</h2> <p>Whether you’re planning to self-drive, hire a driver, cycle, or take public transportation, there are a few things to consider when safely planning your route around Rwanda.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Roads are winding—proceed cautiously. </strong>There are few straight roads in Rwanda, which can make for tedious cycling or driving up and down hilly, mountainous roads. There are often big trucks that slow down the journey. Use caution when navigating the roads and passing slower vehicles.</li> <li><strong>Watch your speed. </strong>Rwanda proudly abides by its rules, and traffic rules are one of them. In recent years, speed cameras have been installed along major roads across the country. If you clock in at 1km over, you automatically get a fine.</li> <li><strong>Be careful of non-vehicle traffic. </strong>Rwanda’s roads are narrow and not occupied by vehicles only. Bicycles (often carrying heavy loads), goats, motorcycles, and pedestrians share the road as well, especially when passing through busy towns.</li> <li><strong>Come prepared to safely ride motorcycles. </strong>Motorcycles are the most common form of public transportation around Kigali (and are a fun way to explore the mountainous country). Traffic can be busy in the city, though, and while motorcycle drivers provide helmets, they almost never fit properly. It’s best to bring your own or invest in one in-country if you plan on zipping around on motos.</li> </ol> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/rwanda/rwanda-four.jpeg" alt="A busy street in Rwanda" /> <figcaption> Photo credit: Alicia Erickson </figcaption></figure> <h2>General crime and safety</h2> <p>Rwanda prides itself on its reputation as a clean, safe country. And it absolutely lives up to that standard—but that doesn’t mean that petty theft doesn’t happen occasionally. Watch your bags and valuables in crowded areas including markets and bus stations. Be careful of your purse when walking on the street, as motorcycle drivers have been known to snatch bags as they zip past. If you’re grabbing a taxi from the airport in Kigali, make sure to only get in an authorized light blue vehicle.</p> <p>Rwanda’s cleanliness and safety also come with some rigid rules. No plastic bags, no stepping on grass, and no eating on the streets, to name a few. Read up on these and respect these rules. Finally, dress modestly in Rwanda’s rural areas to reduce unwanted attention and show respect for the culture.</p> <h2>Sensitive topics to avoid</h2> <p>Political and ethnic topics are still highly sensitive in Rwanda. If your guide or driver offers a friendly discussion about Rwanda’s history, it’s okay to be curious and engage. It’s important to learn the history of where you’re traveling.</p> <p>However, refrain from commentary (in-person or online) about the country’s president or government. Ethnic terms are no longer used, and political activism is often criminalized, so stay away in the rare event that a protest breaks out.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/rwanda/rwanda-one.jpeg" alt="A woman in a safari car holding binoculars" /> <figcaption> Photo credit: Alicia Erickson</figcaption></figure> <h2>Border Safety</h2> <p>While Rwanda is a safe and politically stable country, some of its neighboring countries experience periods of volatility. As such, it’s important to avoid non-essential travel to the border regions with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).</p> <p>Situations continually evolve, so the best thing you can do is stay up to date with current events and remain vigilant if travel to those regions arise. For example, Gisenyi is a popular lakeside town in Rwandan on the border with the DRC. Evaluate the situation when in-country and if it seems questionable, choose another of Rwanda’s lake towns instead, such as Kibuye.</p> <h2>General Health</h2> <p>As with any developing country you’re planning to visit, there are some things to be aware of to ensure you stay safe and healthy.</p> <ol> <li>Drink bottled or filtered water. Tap water isn’t safe to drink.</li> <li>Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes, which have the possibility of schistosomiasis.</li> <li>Be careful of where you eat food and how it’s prepared.</li> <li>Sleep under mosquito nets and wear insect repellent to minimize risk of malaria.</li> </ol> <p>Health care access is still evolving in Rwanda (and I speak from personal experience dealing with health issues here). You’re okay to get tested for malaria, but the equipment to treat more serious injuries from topical infections to motorcycle injuries is still limited. Come prepared with basic supplies like bandages and disinfectant.</p> <h2>Finally, prepare for the unexpected.</h2> <p>Stay <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/rwanda-travel-advisory.html">up-to-date with Rwanda safety</a> before your trip, from potential natural disasters to political unrest near borders. Enroll in programs like <a href="https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step">Smart Traveler</a> to receive updates about your destination while traveling.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/rwanda/rwanda-three.jpeg" alt="A group of zebras" /> <figcaption> Photo credit: Alicia Erickson</figcaption></figure>Alicia Erickson 0