Rwanda is a landlocked republic in Equatorial Africa, situated on the eastern rim of the Albertine Rift, a western arm of the Great Rift Valley, on the watershed between Africa's two largest river systems: the Nile and the Congo.Much of the country's 26,338km2 is impressively mountainous, the highest peak being Karisimbi (4,507m) in the volcanic Virunga chain protected by the Parc des Volcans. The largest body of water is Lake Kivu, but numerous other lakes are dotted around the country, notably Burera, Ruhondo, Muhazi and Mugesera, some of which have erratic shapes following the contours of the steep mountains that enclose them.

ECONOMY:
Primarily a subsistence agriculture economy, Rwanda nonetheless produces for export some of the finest tea and coffee in the world. Other industries include sugar, fishing and cut flowers for export. For more information about Economy and investing in Rwanda, please go to the Economy and Investment section of this Web site.
GETTING THERE:
All International flights arriving in Kigali are with SN Brussels, Kenya Airways Ethiopian Airlines, Air Burundi,South African Airways and Rwandair Express.
All international flights arrive at Kigali International Airport,10 Km from central Kigali .There are two flights a day from Nairobi, two per week direct from Brussels and two per week from Johannesburg For information on connections from Nairobi Entebbe and Johannesburg,

WHAT TO BRING:
Binoculars will greatly enhance game drives and forest walks, as will a good field guide to East African birds. Bring a camera and an adequate stock of film. Print film is available but transparency film is not. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.

COMMUNICATIONS:
Rwanda has an excellent cell phone network covering almost the entire country. International phone calls can be made easily. Appropriate SIM cards for the network are readily available everywhere, even in remote towns, and cell phones can be purchased or rented from major shops in Kigali. Most towns of any size will have several Internet cafes and computer centres.

GETTING AROUND:
All of the major centres are connected with local and luxury bus services. Air charter services are available anywhere in the country and well advertised.

HIKING AND BIKING:
The fine road network, with little traffic, offers wonderful opportunities for long bicycle trips across the verdant hills and valleys. Mountain biking and hiking can be enjoyed on the thousands of kilometres of fine rural trails linking remote villages, criss-crossing the entire country.

GORILLA PERMITS:
Gorilla Permits can /should be booked ahead of time through the Office Rwandaise du Tourisme et des Parcs Nationaux (ORTPN).

SAFETY AND HEALTH
A certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required. Much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are strongly recommended. It is advisable not to drink tap water. Bottled mineral water can be bought in all towns. Hospitals are located in all major towns.

SEASONS AND CLIMATE
A combination of tropical location and high altitude ensures that most of Rwanda has a temperate year-round climate. Temperatures rarely stray above 30 degrees Celsius by day or below 15 degrees Celsius at night throughout the year. The exceptions are the chilly upper slopes of the Virunga Mountains, and the hot low-lying Tanzania border area protected in Akagera National Park. Throughout the country, seasonal variations in temperature are relatively insignificant. Most parts of the country receive in excess of 1,000mm of precipitation annually, with the driest months being July to September and the wettest February to May

INFORMATION ABOUT RWANDA GORILLA SAFARIS

• In case of a gorilla charge, the Guides would show you how to act in a submissive manner.
• You may not be allowed to stare directly into the eyes of the Mountain gorillas.
• In case of a charge (witch is usually a mock), you are required to stay still or crouch down.
• Flash photography is prohibited
• Mountain Gorillas share up to 98% DNA with humans and are endangered. Minimizing disease transmittal is through the following methods:

1. a) If one has a cold or severe flu, they are not allowed to visit the gorillas and a refund would be processed in such a scenario. This though has to be communicated before the trek.
2. b) sneezing towards the Mountain Gorillas is not permissible.
3. c) On the Gorilla tour, one is only allowed to spit in issue and if one wishes to defecate, a hole in the ground will be availed with assistance by the Gorilla guides using a machete.

Rwanda aGorilla Safari involve some strenuous walking and should only be considered based on the level of fitness.

• Some of the Gorilla Trackers, Gorilla guides were once poachers and know the forests really well. They will offer more information too about the general tourism of these areas.
• One is not allowed to eat in the vicinity of the Mountain Gorillas.
• Please do not tease or imitate the Gorillas as this could be taken as a battle for dominance.
• Only people of 15 years and above can participate in gorilla tours

Mountain Gorilla Safari Rules

• When you encounter the gorillas always remember to be submissive
• Do not look at them straight in the face rather give a sideways glance.
• Do not stand over them-crouch instead, stay in a tight group
• Speak in whispers
• Do not use flash photography
• Gorillas are wild

Most visitors might be tempted to think that the gorillas are tame. On the contrary, our gorillas are wild and they should not be provoked in any way. The ORTPN does not take any responsibility for any injury sustained by wild animals in their habitats, hence

• Keep your flight distance about 7 metres from them and bear in mind that gorillas have freedom of way
• Do not feed the gorillas
• Do not entice them to get into contact with you in any way.
• Do not eat in the vicinity of the gorillas
• Environmental Consciousness
• Do not litter the park
• Always burry your faecal
• Health of the Gorillas
• Gorilla visits should be avoided if one develops a sever case of flu.Refunds would be considered.
• Do not sneeze towards the Gorillas
• Do not track if under age- Only 15 years and above can track.

Packing List :

• Good trekking/Hiking boots
• Gloves for protection against nettles on the gorilla tour.
• Rain proof rack-sack on the gorilla trek for your camera
• Warm clothing
• Sun hat or a poncho just in case of rain in the gorilla forest.
• Long pants and long sleeved shirt
• Enough film or Memory for the Digital Cameras.

Rwanda Gorilla Safaris