Lake Kivu
According to computerannals, Lake Kivu in Rwanda is one of the most unusual lakes in the world. Big. 2700 square kilometers. Deep. Surrounded by mountains. It is one of the seven African Great Lakes.
Visa to Rwanda
Citizens of all countries receive a visa upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and at all land borders.
A single entry tourist visa costs $50 (exceptions apply for some countries) and is valid for 30 days.
A single-entry conference visa costs $30 and is valid for 30 days.
The multiple entry business visa costs $50 and is valid for one year.
The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda, costs $100 and is valid for 90 days.
For more information on visas or work permits, please contact the Rwanda Immigration and Emigration Authority.
Visa applicants must be in possession of a valid passport or other acceptable travel document. The document must be valid for at least six months on the date of entry into Rwanda.
Visas can be issued in advance by applying online, with the option to pay online or upon arrival. Alternatively, applications can be submitted at Rwandan diplomatic missions in the country of residence.
Visa extension applications should be submitted to the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. An extension visa must be applied for while the original visa is still valid.
Important details before the trip
PCR tests for coronavirus and other medical requirements and features
To enter Rwanda, you must first pass a PCR test for coronavirus in a certified laboratory, as well as fill out a medical form at the link: https://travel.rbc.gov.rw/travel. After filling it out, you should choose the method of payment for the PCR test for coronavirus upon arrival – by credit card on the website or on the spot. PCR test cost: $60.
PCR tests for coronavirus in Rwanda are required before any activity related to interaction with primates: whether it is trekking to mountain gorillas, or chimpanzees, or golden monkeys. Even visiting the suspension bridge in Nyungwe, which is home to 13 primate species, requires a negative PCR test. It is important to bear in mind that during such activities, in addition to this, it is mandatory to wear a medical mask.
Stock up on patience and hand cream: hand treatment with an antiseptic gel in Rwanda is mandatory when visiting any public place, as is temperature measurement. But such rituals make Rwanda one of the safest countries in the world in terms of the spread of coronavirus infection!
There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Rwanda from Russia.
Visa
Russian citizens need a visa, which can be obtained at the airport upon arrival or can be applied online in advance. Visa on arrival fee: US$50. The cost of a visa when applying online through us: 70 USD.
Weather
The weather in Rwanda is changeable, especially in October-November and our spring. As a rule, the rains are short-term, and soon give way to the sun, but it is impossible to know for sure in advance. Be sure to take warm clothes with you: thermal underwear (if available), fleeces, jackets and raincoats. The most important thing is trekking shoes with ankle support and long trousers, which we recommend tucking into socks during trekking. The rest will be provided by the hotels: hats, backpacks, leggings, rain ponchos, water and backpack covers. A wooden walking stick is also provided on site, however, if available, we recommend bringing trekking poles with you. There are thickets of nettles in the habitats of gorillas, so you can take thicker trousers or wear thick thermal underwear under your trousers. On Lake Kivu, be sure to use sunscreen: even if there are clouds in the sky, a small amount of sun reflected from the water surface of the lake is enough to get a sunburn. Most of Rwanda is highlands with an average altitude of 1500m. above sea level, so there are few mosquitoes here, but it will not be superfluous to take repellent on the road.
Additionally
In Rwanda, single-use plastic products are banned, let’s protect nature together, preserving the amazing cleanliness of this state.
Hot water sometimes does not appear immediately when the tap is opened, but the wait is not long. Most places in the country use solar energy to heat water.
By tipping porters, guides and trackers in the parks, you are making a big contribution to the development of the tourism and conservation industry and helping the local community.
Keep a place for souvenirs in your suitcase – beaded jewelry and handmade wicker baskets, colorful fabrics, coffee and tea of the highest quality, drums, wooden figures – all this will meet you more than once on the way, immediately causing a desire to take a piece of Rwanda with you.
Please note, however, that if your itinerary includes domestic flights with Rwanda Air, your luggage is limited to 23 kg on those flights.
