• US Citizens must either pay for a visa upon arrival in Rwanda at the airport or now there is the option of pre paying online ahead of your travel.

• Cost is $50

• Can be paid with cash or credit card

• Credit cards are accepted in many, but not all places in Kigali. The hotels, most restaurants and some shops do accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to bring some cash for personal purchases at more local markets.

• We recommend bringing approx. $500- $1,000 in cash for the craft markets, fabric stores, and basket market in Gashora. This is most likely more than you need but good to have cash. (dinners and transportation will be taken care of)

• Money can be exchanged at the market on the first day and then at the hotel throughout your stay (though that rate will not be as good as the market).

• CASH: Please also note that in Rwanda they are very particular about the US dollar (because of counterfeit issues in Africa) and will only take bills that are newer than 2006. You will also get a better exchange rate for $50 and $100 dollar bills though it is still a good idea to bring some $20 bills.

• The voltage in Rwanda is 220, so you will need adapters for any electrical items you bring (ipods, camera charges, computers, etc.)

• Rwanda electrical outlets are the same that are used in France, for example; they are the round two prong types. These days it is easy to purchase universal adapters on amazon.com for example and they cost about $7 each.

• The Marriott does have regular US plugs as well.

• US Phones will work in Rwanda assuming you have an international plan. We advise that you check with your carrier before you leave to confirm your plan. Even with an international plan, calling and data in Rwanda can be quite expensive. Some carriers (I know ATT has) have added Rwanda to their international plan, so if you have that activated on your phone, the cost should be $10 per day. Many phones are now “unlocked,” meaning once you enter Rwanda, you could purchase a Rwandan SIM card and replace it with your current SIM card in your phone. You will then be able to use your phone while in Rwanda.

• The hotels all have WI-FI, so you can connect your phones, iPads and other electronic devices when you are in your hotel room.

• There are also free apps that you can download such as WhatsApp that allows you to text or call internationally for free when connected to WI-FI.

• The best advice we can give is to visit a travel doctor so they can review your current vaccination history with you and guide you on what other vaccinations you will need before going to Rwanda.

• Yellow Fever vaccine may or may not be required. This changes frequently and will depend if you plan on traveling to other countries before or after your time in Rwanda. Talk to your travel doctor for the best advice. Yellow Fever Vaccine is now good for life, so if you have it once, you shouldn’t need it again.

• Malaria is present in Rwanda. It is not as common in Kigali, especially staying in the hotel with air conditioning, however it is more present in the countryside. You should discuss with your doctor what prevention is best for you.

• Tap water is not safe to drink. We recommend drinking only bottled water and also using the bottled water to brush your teeth in the hotel. All of the restaurants where we will be eating are safe for food and drink. Many of them have reverse osmosis water purifiers so the ice is ok. We will advise where it is ok to have ice.

Two outstanding travel doctors in Bellevue/Seattle area are Dr. Edward Leonard , Virginia Mason and the University of Washington also have travel clinics throughout the Eastside and Seattle.

• Again, your travel doctors will review this with you as you may need to take some medications for malaria prevention or other personal prescriptions while you are in Rwanda.

• We suggest bringing bug spray with strong deet, Imodium A-D, and Tylenol or Advil.

• Ask your doctor about taking Ciproflaxin and/or a Z-Pack with you just in case you need something like that while you’re gone. You may never need any of these medications, but it is a good idea to have them just in case.

• Bring all of your personal medication with you in your carryon luggage.

There is relatively low crime in Rwanda and it is one of the safest countries in Africa. However, you should still travel with caution as whenever you go overseas. Register with Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) which will enroll your travel dates with the nearest embassy. When in Rwanda, stay with our group and always let someone know where you will be at all times and notify anyone if your itinerary changes (such as adding or canceling a travel destination like gorilla trekking). No matter where you’re traveling, it’s always a good idea to check the State Dept. website to see it there are any updates or recommendations for safety.

• The temperature is relatively constant, the days are around 80 with nighttime being cooler. There are two rainy seasons and two dry seasons in Rwanda. It’s always a good idea to bring a light rain jacket just in case.

• Cotton fabrics are best for the hot and humid weather though you may want to bring a sweater, wrap, long-sleeved shirts, or light jacket for the evenings. Rwandans are somewhat conservative in attire, but you don’t have to worry about that too much. Just dress comfortably and bring a couple of nicer outfits for a meeting or dinners.

• For ladies, skirts (to the knee) are a great option for the culture and the climate.

• Men in Rwanda don’t typically wear shorts although you will see tourists wearing them. Men wear more long pants, khaki pants are great to be comfortable and casual.

• Comfortable shoes are ideal for walking and closed-toed shoes are a good idea when out in more rural areas or settings.

• If you are going gorilla tracking, bring a fleece, long sleeved shirts, and long khaki/hiking pants. Hiking shoes and/or sturdy running shoes would be best for this as you will do some climbing and walking through more wooded areas. Some people also like to bring gardening gloves or some sort of gloves to protect their hands when going through the forest. There can be prickly bushes.

• If possible, bring a second suitcase or fit a smaller suitcase or duffle bag inside of a bigger suitcase when traveling. You will inevitably be purchasing items that will be hard to carry-on such as baskets or fabric. If you have a second bag, it will help with your travel home.

• It is a good idea to bring a few favorite snacks. When on the move it is hard to find quick things to eat. Protein bars and nuts are always good to bring along. We also usually throw in some EmergenC or some other type of hydration powder that can be easily added to your water bottle. You can also ask the hotel for bags to grab some fruit and nuts after breakfast.