In spite of political and social upheaval in the region, travelers are increasingly visiting Rwanda. The extraordinary Parc National des Volcans which is home to magnificent gorillas is the country's main attraction. With the constantly changing circumstances in Rwanda and the region, it is well advised to make arrangements with a reputable travel organization in your planning to visit Rwanda.
Capital: Kigali
Population: 8,154,933 (July 1999 est.)
Area: 26,340 sq km
Language: Kinyarwanda (official) universal Bantu vernacular, French (official), English (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in commercial centers.
Time: GMT +2
Electricity: 240 AC
Geography: Mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to east . Natural resources of gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane, hydropower. Rwanda is a landlocked and predominantly rural population. Since the country is mountainous, there is a great deal of terracing of the landscape.
Tipping: This is not part of the culture
Shopping: Most shops are open before 9 AM and remain open until 6 PM. Many small shops close for lunch.
Food and Drink: It is not advisable to drink the tap water. Bottled water is usually available as are soft drinks and beer.
Social: The country is dominated by a military atmosphere in which you can encounter identity check road blocks at any time. These checks are usually only a nuisance bu you must be prepared to have the inspectors go through your luggage. Do not take picture if government facilities or soldiers. Your film will be confiscated and your camera probably damaged in the process. Do not walk out at night - ever. Landmines do exist in the countryside. The people are otherwise friendly but as a rule do not know English.
Business: Business suit and business cards are necessary. Appointments well in advance is suggested if only to make sure that there will be someone to translate.
Money and Banks
Banking: There are not many banks and hours are very irregular. Best to find out from your hotel which bank they would recommend.
Currency: 1 Rwandan franc (RF) = 100 centimes
Money Exchange: Banks are a reliable place to change currency but rates vary wildly. Many exchange places also vary greatly but are far more plentiful. Always get a receipt.
Credit cards: The very unstable economic banking environment has created an erratic acceptance situation with many shops. Via and Master Card are the most widely accepted but those places are not many. Hotels and major restaurants do accept credit cards. Key - do not reply on your credit cards especially for ATM service.
Climate
Rwanda is temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April and November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible. | 