Are you planning a visit to Rwanda? This African country is the destination for one million tourists per year, a great number considering how small the country is. This is because it is a great place to go trekking a see the gorillas real close. Unfortunately, due to its history, some people are concerned and wonder if it is safe to visit.
Rwanda is actually one of the safest African countries to travel to and even one of the safest worldwide. This counts for all kinds of tourists and solo travelers. In this article you will find out the travel safety you need to consider while visiting this beautiful country and all the tips.
Is Rwanda safe to visit?
In general, Rwanda is a very safe country for tourists due to the investment they have made in national security. The crime rate is very low, and the safety rate is 73.2, making it one of the safest in Africa.
It was hard for the country to recover from its tragic history. In 1994 there was a genocidal war and 800.000 people were slaughtered. Today, the country is at peace, but it is sometimes affected by the conflicts of proximal countries like Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. Because of this, it is advised to stay far from the borders.
Rwanda travel warnings
Even though this African country is one of the safest, you still must take some things into account when planning your visit. For example, buses are an excellent way to move around but always make sure to buy tickets directly from the company you are travelling with to avoid scams.
The most common crimes are pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft from vehicles. This is why you have to be careful, especially in areas that are very crowded, for example Kigali, the capital city. It is always important to keep your valuable articles in sight wherever you are in the world, and Rwanda is no exception.
Another important tip is to make sure that if you are travelling by car, you hold on to your bags if you are stopped in traffic and to not leave any valuable items visible when you exit the vehicle. It would also be beneficial to not show expensive items like jewelry or a lot of cash when you are walking around, since this can make you a target for thieves.
Even though Rwanda is safe for walking and driving, try to avoid more deserted roads or unfamiliar areas, it is better to stay in the main roads. This is especially important at nigh to avoid having a bad experience.
The rainy season in Rwanda
Due to its high altitude, Rwanda has a tropical weather. The average temperature is between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. If you are planning a trip, beware that the country has a rainy season between March and May.
The high amount of rain can cause flooding and landslides, especially in more remote areas, like the famous trekkings to go see the gorillas. So, if your dream is to see these charming animals, don’t plan your trip in the rainy season.
Extra cautions
As we mentioned before, Rwanda can be sometimes affected by conflicts in neighboring countries, but there are some cautions you must take so that you don’t have any problems with your visit. Something you can never do is take pictures of anything related to the government or military. This includes post offices, banks or border crossings.
Don’t make political comments or participate in demonstrations. Sometimes people that participate in protests have been arrested or gotten hurt. Even if you are close, you can get unwanted attention from the police.
The legal system is very strict and minor offenses such as drug possession can carry hefty jail sentences. You should follow the law carefully and avoid walking into forbidden areas. If you see a sign that forbids going somewhere, just don’t do it.
Is Rwanda safe for women?
Rwanda was ranked as a safe country for tourists, and this includes women. It was recently ranked as the second safest country in the world for solo female travelers. Over 60% of the parliament is made up of women and it is known for the community safety woman experience.
The culture in this African country is respectful and welcoming so it is a great place for women wanting to explore a new place. It is also great for solo travelers who want to discover themselves.
If you follow these recommendations, you will have a great experience in Rwanda. This country is one of the safest and most peaceful in Africa and in the world. We are sure you will have a fantastic adventure!
