Rwanda – ‘the land of a thousand hills’ – is made up of hills, mountains and volcanoes, and forms a natural buffer state between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The country is one of the most densely populated areas on earth, with virtually every hill terraced and farmed to make maximum use of the land. The only exception is the handful of national parks that Rwanda is home to, where the rain-forested hills reaching to the horizon makes for stunning vistas.
The Virunga volcano range is home to a fair portion of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas – estimated at only 700 in the wild. Tracking mountain gorillas in their natural habitat through tropical jungles and rainforests is unquestionably the highlight of any safari in Rwanda, though other primate and money trekking opportunities are also available.
Visa Requirements
For further information on visas or work permits, please consult the Rwanda Directorate of Immigration and Emigration.
Applicants should have a valid passport or another acceptable travel document. The document must have a validity of at least six months on the day of entry into Rwanda.
Visas can be applied for before departure, by submitting an application online, with the option to pay online or upon arrival. Alternatively applications can be submitted at the Rwanda Diplomatic Missions of the country of residence.
Visa extension applications should be submitted the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration offices. Details on each class of visa are set out in the Information section. Visa extensions should be applied for whilst the initial visa remains valid.
Basic Vaccinations: Advised if you are not up to date on measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and whopping cough vaccinations.
Heptitas A can be transmitted through food and water. We recommend travelers get vaccinated if they have failed to do so already.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. Although it is rare that tourists will come into contact with these fluids we still advice clients to take precautions by getting vaccinated.
Typhoid exposure may occur through food or water. We advise clients to get vaccinated if they are planning on visiting rural areas or volunteering in smaller villages.
Yellow fever is the only vaccination that is required for both Uganda and Rwanda, and should be given ten days before arrival. Some form of proof of the
vaccination may be needed when you travel, which can be given by a doctor
