How to Find Hotels in Rwanda

Rwanda is a small country in Central Africa still recovering from a deadly civil war that occurred during the 1990s. During this time, it is estimated that nearly 1 million men, women and children were executed in a sweeping genocide across the nation. Now, Rwanda is in a period of healing, welcoming visitors with open arms. Here, beautiful countryside and friendly locals can make your stay a pleasant one. Gorilla trekkers come here yearly to follow the paths of these mighty giants.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Visa (issued upon entry)
• Passport
• Computer with Internet access for making reservations

Find Suitable Accommodations in Rwanda

1. Take your pick from about a dozen hotels in Kigali that qualify as tourist accommodations. Here, rates typically run between $100 and $200 a night, regardless of rating. Note that the Intercontinental is no longer owner of their property in Rwanda, so service here may suffer for it.

2. Catch a rare glimpse of a silverback gorilla in the wild. Hotels in Gisneyi and Ruhengeri cater primarily to gorilla trekkers and safari expeditions.

3. Fall asleep to the sound of distant lions roaring. Rwanda has several well-maintained safari camps that allow you to stay in the bush while enjoying basic amenities. A few of these places are even quite lavish, catering to luxury safari guests.

4. Head to the capital city of Kigali if you're seeking traditional hotels with Western-style amenities.

Get Around Rwanda

5. Take a direct flight from Belgium or Kenya into Kigali's international airport. Some people also fly into Entebbe or Uganda and take a bus into Rwanda to save money.

6. Travel short distances in town by walking or taking a bicycle taxi called a 'velotaxi.'

7. Use motorcycle taxis in Kigali to get from one side of town to the other.

8. Ride on a 'Matatu,' or minibus, to get from one Rwandan city to another, but know that they can be quite cramped and dirty.

Take Precautions for Your Health and Safety in Rwanda

9. Receive Yellow Fever and Malaria vaccinations before entering Rwanda.

10. Present your passport for entry as well as a certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination to get in and out of Rwanda. A 90-day visa is issued for free when you arrive.

11. Do not attempt to enter or exit through the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This border is restricted and very dangerous due to political instability.

12. Avoid making eye contact with elders. Women, especially, should show public deference to elders and men.

13. To book accommodations in Rwanda, call Ministry of Tourism at (250) 574725 / 574734 or visit the link below.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that, for the most part, accommodations in this country are simple and pricey for what you (don't) get.
• Stick to large cities like Kigali in order to find the most modern and safe accommodations.
• Medical facilities, even in large towns in Rwanda, are often lacking proper medical supplies and medication. There is also an American missionary hospital in the southwestern Rwanda town of Kibogora, as well as other American facilities in Ruhengeri and a Chinese facility in Kibungo.