ABOUT RWANDA.
Rwanda is popularly known as the land of a thousand hills which is stable East African country, easily accessed overland from Kenya and Uganda. It is relatively easy, safe and simple to travel around. Air Gate way to Rwanda. The Air gate way to Rwanda is Kigali International Airport which is located on the top of the hill few kilometers from the main capital city center Kigali. A number of Airlines operate flights and grace the skies of Rwanda.
These include Kenya Airways (KQ), Air Burundi, Ethiopian Airlines (ET), Brussels Airlines (SN), Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM), South African Airways (SAA), Qatar Airways (QR), and Turkish Airlines (TK). Rwanda Air (WB) is the national carrier and it operates flights to all the East African capitals and Southern Africa. Most Airlines operating at Kigali International Airport have offices at the passenger terminal building. Local currency. The national currency is Rwandan Franc (RWF), which can be exchanged against other major foreign currency at any bureau de change or banks within the capital and major big towns around the country.
The smallest-value note is a 500 RWF, note which is the smallest note in the physical size as well. There are notes also in denominations of 1000, 2000, and 5000 RWF, which is the larger note and becoming slightly larger in physical size too. There are also coins of 50, 100 RWF. There are few places in Rwanda that accepts credit cards therefore travelers are advised to carry cash if travelling outside Kigali to avoid embarrassments especially if staying long days. There are ATMs all over Kigali in every bank branch, depending on your bank card; this can be much cheaper way of getting Francs because ATM uses a much better exchange rate than currency exchangers.
Tipping Tipping is not a standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at a tourist oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always be tipped even porters who might accompany you.
Language Kinyarwanda is the local indigenous language which is widely spoken nationwide in Rwanda, however the official language is French and English used in official meetings but don’t be surprised when all discussions are held in Kinyarwanda, even in government and private offices. Health It is recommended you get anti –malaria shot before arriving in Rwanda. Travelers should also have a yellow fever shot before arrival. Therefore you are advised to carry a yellow fever certificate for proof of vaccination. It is also recommended that you have a travel and health insurance cover before coming to Rwanda. Time zone: CAT/UTC+2/GMT+2 When to visit Rwanda.
Rwanda experiences two rain seasons-the long rains between February to June and the short rains between mid- September to mid-December. Dry month are January, July, and August to mid-September. The country can be visited at any time of the year.