Rwanda remains one of the most popular and affordable travel destinations in Africa to date. However, finding your way through the country can be challenging especially for a first-time traveller. It doesn’t have to be that way with our list of dos and don’ts that you can add to your Rwanda Travel Guide, making it simpler than ever to explore the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Don’ts
Here is a list of things that could get you in trouble if you’re not careful while on your travel.
1. Don’t Bring Plastic Bags
Rwanda is known as one of the cleanest countries on the continent. Today, there is little to no garbage on the streets, and there are significant national initiatives to support environmental action, programming, and awareness.
The Rwandan government outlawed plastic bags throughout the entire nation in an effort to reduce waste and encourage sustainable living. Avoid being the tourist who attempts to smuggle one in; not only will it probably be seized at the airport, but you’ll also be breaking one of the most innovative and significant environmental regulations in the world.
2. Don’t Expect Everyone To Speak English
To be fair, English is a language that is widely spoken in Rwanda. The country is multilingual as Kinyarwanda, French, and English are the three most widely spoken languages.
However, English is less prevalent outside of major cities, so you shouldn’t rely on the shopkeeper in a little rural village outside of Kigali to speak English well and then get upset when they don’t.
3. Don’t Make Any Disrespectful Talk About The Genocide
The genocide happened not so long ago and over a million people lost their lives. It remains a sensitive topic amongst the people of Rwanda. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk about it as it makes up a significant portion of the country’s history.
Just remember to approach the topic in a respectful manner.
4. Don’t Wear Your Safari Clothes As Daily Attire
Put those zip-off pants and safari hats away unless you’re on a safari in Akagera National Park or searching for mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Even at the fanciest restaurants and busiest bars in the city, many visitors are seen wandering around Kigali dressed in classic safari attire. Get out your evening attire and keep in mind that Kigali is rapidly developing into a global city.
5. Don’t Take Pictures Of People Without Their Consent
Take pictures of the gorillas you see, the food you consume, and the scenery you enjoy, but refrain from photographing Rwandans – adults or children – without their consent.
Having random tourists take unauthorized photos will be irritating to many individuals, and some may even demand payment.
Do’s
Here is a list of things that could do while on your Rwanda travel.
Be courteous
You should be courteous when dealing with Rwandans because they are very calm and welcoming people. If you feel up to it before going, learn a few words from the area to help you communicate.
Change your money
In Rwanda, foreign currency is accepted at the majority of tourist destinations and international facilities. To ably use your money in places where foreign currency is not accepted, such as in local marketplaces and towns, you should change a portion of your money into Rwandan francs.
Attempt New Cuisine
Rwanda offers a wide variety of regional and traditional foods. If you only ate the foods you were familiar with, it might get dull for you as a tourist. You’ve come to explore, so take advantage of it by trying some new foods like isombe, umutsima (cassava with corn), and mizuzu (fried plantains) (cassava leaves, spinach and eggplants).
Conclusion
We hope you find this article helpful, especially as a first-time visitor to Rwanda searching for activities to explore while there. Visit Gazelle Safaris Africa today to enjoy the best Rwanda Safaris we have to offer. Our Rwanda Travel Guide will give you the precise information you need to plan a custom vacation.