Rwanda Travel Guide

RWANDA SAFARI PREPARATION & TIPS

SAFARI FAQ

• Is it safe to travel to Rwanda?

  Emerging from a tragic past of a 1994 Genocide-associated civil war, Rwanda is one of the most peaceful and safest countries in Africa now. Your safety is our highest priority. We will brief you on all the safety measures while you are with us. Our safari jeeps have more than one spare tyre and a first-aid kit in case of problems, sudden sickness, or injury. The “Flying Doctors” are available for emergency evacuation in case of severe illness or injury.

• What are the major health risks in Africa/Rwanda?

  If you are cautious and adhere to common health protocols, there is no increased health risk in Africa.

• What happens if I get seriously sick on safari?

  Most camping sites, lodges, and hotels have on-site physicians, and if your condition is serious, we are in constant contact with the Flying Doctors Service. We can evacuate you to a nearby medical facility.

• What type of travel insurance is recommended?

  We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance for your upcoming travel plans. This insurance will provide you with protection in the event of an emergency. Additionally, we offer medical evacuation insurance for medical emergencies, but it’s important to note that this insurance only covers the evacuation and transportation by flying doctors from the point of evacuation to the hospital door. Therefore, it’s essential to have international medical insurance to cover the hospital bills.

• How many days do I need for safari?

  It depends on which destinations you want to visit. If you are only interested in gorilla trekking, you can do that within 3-4 days. However, if you are interested in more than seeing gorillas, you may need 6-9 days.

• What parks do you recommend visiting?

  Suppose you have 5-7 days or more to spend on safari. We recommend visiting Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimp and other primate safaris, and Akagera National Park to track Rwanda’s wildlife. Spending a few days at Lake Kivu will offer a fantastic experience if you have extra time.

• How many days do you recommend meeting local tribes, doing activities and visiting the parks?

  You would need 7 to 10 days.

• What can I expect after booking?

  Get ready for a stress-free tour! Once you have booked, we will send you a service voucher, our travel information, and a packing list. We will also provide a detailed safari package with your itinerary, daily tour details, and information about your accommodations. A few weeks before arrival, I will send some helpful final safari tips a few weeks before you arrive.

• Can I make changes after I book?

  Yes, we are here to assist you. If you need to modify your itinerary and the number of people, update your contact information, or change the start time or date, please get in touch with us at bookings@zoharafricansafaris.com . For cancellations, please review the relevant cancellation policy before making a booking. Please remember that while we will make every effort to accommodate changes, last-minute changes may be more challenging to arrange.

• What happens if I cancel my trip?

  Please read our booking terms and conditions, which include our cancellation policy.

• What kind of camera do you recommend I bring?

  A long fixed-lens camera is recommended for clear and comprehensible pictures in the bush. Small cameras are okay for normal pictures, such as a view of the city or market. All of these technologies can be bought in Africa, but due to import fees, the price may be two times higher than in the US or UK.

• What do we do if our flight is delayed?

  Please inform us immediately of any changes, whether earlier or at the last minute. If we are not informed promptly, you must arrange your airport transportation. Shuttles and taxis are available at the airport.

• Will a Zohar guide or representative meet me at the airport?

  Yes. Please send us your flight details at least 2-3 weeks before your arrival date. You will meet our representative holding a Zohar sign with your name in the public area outside customs.

• What do I do if my luggage arrives late or gets lost?

  If your luggage arrives late or gets lost, you will need to fill out a lost luggage form obtained from the airport and give it to the Zohar representative, who will follow up and bring the luggage to you at the hotel later when it arrives.

• Is the water safe to drink?

  Bottled or filtered water is always safe to drink, so we highly recommend it. Do not drink from the tap because the water may be of lesser quality or with an unbalanced pH. Bottled water can be purchased within the lodge where you are accommodated, restaurants, or shops around you. We provide safe mineral water throughout the program.

• Which currency is accepted?

  The local currency is widely accepted, but US dollars and Euros are also commonly accepted at hotels, some supermarkets, and shops. You can exchange your money for local currency at banks, the Airport Bureau of Exchange, or various exchange bureaus around town. ATMs are conveniently available at all airports and throughout the city.

• What is the current exchange rate?

  US $1 = RWF 1,312, 1€ = RWF 1,406. Currency conversion rates keep changing every day. Different denominations return different rates in RWF. US $50 and 100 bills always get the best exchange rates

• Can I use cash, credit cards, or checks?

  Most of the accommodations and shops accept cash only. You can use major credit cards in some big shops and hotels. Traveler’s cheques are not acceptable. If you bring cash, it will be a lot easier to make purchases.

• How much money do I need to come with?

  The amount of money you need depends on your personal expenses. Your safari package includes lodging, transportation, food, and other items as indicated in your “Price Inclusions”.

• What differentiates a tented camp from a lodge on safari?

  A tented camp is made of canvas and mobile, while a lodge is made of concrete walls and floors and has a permanent location. Tented camps are situated close to game areas, while most lodges are far from game areas and isolated.

• What is the local food?

  The most common local foods are potatoes, chicken, rice, pasta, corn meal (ugali), beans, various green vegetables, grilled beef, eggs, banana stews or mashed bananas (matoke) and seasonal fruits. All special dietary requests must be communicated upon booking.

• Can I use my phone / iPhone while on safari?

  Yes. You should unlock (if locked) your phone or iPhone before you leave for your safari and buy a SIM card for about $1 as soon as you arrive. The local SIM card will enable you to communicate locally and internationally (make calls, send text messages, read emails, etc.). The lodges and hotels also have Wi-Fi in the main areas and some in the rooms.

• What communication technologies do you propose I should bring?

  Phone, camera, binoculars and tablet. Please remove them from their packaging as customs officers might consider them “imports” if you don’t, incurring an additional fee.

• What kind of binoculars do you recommend I bring?

  For exceptional views take an Alpen 10 x 42, for very good views, take an Alpen 8 x 42. Our guides normally carry their personal binoculars (1-2), so if you are travelling individually or with 2 people, you can use the guide’s binoculars.

• What kind of electrical sockets are used in Rwanda?

  Rwanda uses types C and J. We highly recommend a strong and high-quality universal adapter, which can be purchased at any good electronics retailer. Additionally, many hotels and lodges will have an adapter that you may use. Rwanda operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

• Can I take my medication with me without problems?

  Yes. Over the counter medication (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen, cough or allergy medication), is freely permitted entry, provided it is clear the quantities do not exceed normal adult usage. Prescription medication is dependent on the class and nature of the medication, but provided the quantity is small and is proven to be for personal use, this should not give rise to any questions. Some prescription medicine such as morphine-based substances will ideally require a physician’s prescription. The rule of thumb is: “if you need a doctor’s note in Europe or the Americas”, you need one here. Although chances of being searched for this are minimal.

• Is our guide professional and speaks good English?

  Yes. Zohar guides have 5+ years of experience in the field. They are highly knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, diverse culture of Africa and geography. They are certified in first-aid and receive first-aid training annually. They also receive different training based on their respective fields three times a year to ensure they attend to clients in the best way possible.

• Will our guide be with us throughout the safari?

  Definitely yes, our guide is committed to be available to you whenever you need him, both day and night while on safari or around town.

• How much should I tip a guide?

  Most of our guests tip around $18 -$25 per person per day but you can tip more or less depending on how happy you are with your guide or the budget you have set for your trip.

• How many people are in a safari jeep?

  We have two kinds of Toyota Land Cruisers, one with five and the other with seven window seats. Each seat has a large, clear window that can be opened. Additionally, all vehicles have roofs that can be opened, allowing passengers to stand and enjoy an unobstructed view in every direction.

• I love getting near to animals, but I’m scared of wild animals potentially hurting me?

  Our guides are professionally trained to know how close you can get to the diverse species of wild animals that live in the African bush. You are advised not to get outside the jeep while in the bush. If it happens that you get outside the jeep, you will need to ask for the guide’s permission and stay as close as possible. Silence and as few movements as possible are highly needed when wild animals are close so as not to scare the animals away. Wild animals can get inches from the jeep. At that moment, you are advised to close your window and remain silent while watching them through the open roof of your jeep. AT ALL TIMES: please follow the instructions of your guide. He knows the animals and can judge the threats better than you as these are still wild animals capable of hurting you.

• With wild animals, is it safe for my (young) children?

  We do not recommend taking very young children, but generally, as long as they follow the exact instructions, they will be safe within the jeep. Not all accommodations will have suitable facilities for children under the age of 1 -3.  Please know the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is 15 years and older.

• Can I feed the animals in the national park?

  Feeding the animals inside the park is strictly prohibited. Feeding them may destroy the natural habitat and ecosystem.