RWANDA
festivites
1. Umuganura: It is a harvest festival that takes place in Rwanda every August to celebrate the start of the harvest season. People come together to give thanks to God for a bountiful harvest. The celebrations involve traditional dances, music, and feasting.
2. Genocide Memorial Day: This holiday commemorates the genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994. It is celebrated on April 7 every year as a day of remembrance for the victims of the genocide. The day is marked with ceremonies at the national memorial sites where people come together to mourn and remember those who lost their lives.
3. Independence Day: On July 1st, Rwanda celebrates its independence from Belgium, which was granted in 1962. The day is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and cultural performances across the country.
4. Liberation Day: This holiday is celebrated on July 4th to mark the end of the Rwandan Civil War in 1994. The day is celebrated with parades, speeches, and other cultural events.
5. Christmas: Like many other countries around the world, Rwanda celebrates Christmas on December 25th every year. Christmas in Rwanda involves church services, feasting, gift-giving and spending time with family and friends.
6. Eid al-Fitr: This is the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is celebrated by Muslims in Rwanda with prayers, feasting, and sharing gifts with one another.
7. National Heroes Day: Celebrated on February 1st, this holiday honors the country's heroes and heroines, who fought for Rwanda's independence and contributed to the country's growth and development.
8. International Women's Day: Celebrated on March 8th, this holiday is observed globally and is an opportunity to recognize women's achievements and contributions to society. In Rwanda, it is celebrated with speeches, cultural performances, and other events that promote gender equality and women's empowerment.
seasons
In Rwanda, there are two main tourist seasons:
1. Peak season (June-September and December-February): This is the time when tourists are most likely to visit Rwanda due to favorable weather conditions. During this period, the weather is mostly dry, making gorilla trekking and other outdoor activities more accessible. It is advisable to book your accommodation and permits in advance because they tend to sell out quickly during this time.
2. Low season (March-May and October-November): The low season is characterized by heavy rainfall, which can make some roads and trails impassable. However, it is an excellent time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy lower rates on accommodation and permits.
Recommendations:
- If you plan to visit during peak season, book your accommodation and permits well in advance.
- Pack appropriate clothing for both wet and dry weather conditions.
- Bring good quality hiking shoes for gorilla trekking and other outdoor activities.
- Respect local customs and wildlife while exploring Rwanda's natural beauty.
visa
Here are some special visa rules for visiting Rwanda as of my knowledge cutoff date:
1. Citizens of all countries can get a 30-day visa upon arrival at the Kigali International Airport or at any land border.
2. However, citizens of some specific countries are required to apply for a visa before their trip. These countries include Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Syria.
3. Citizens of East African Community member states (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan) can enter Rwanda without a visa and stay for up to six months.
4. As of September 2021, the cost of a single-entry tourist visa is USD 50, while a multiple-entry visa costs USD 70. The cost of a transit visa is USD 30.
Please note that visa rules and fees may change over time, so it's always best to check with the relevant authorities or embassy for the most up-to-date information.
souvenirs
Some of the best souvenirs to buy from Rwanda include:
1. Hand-woven baskets - Average price: $10-$40; Where to buy: Kimironko Market, Caplaki Craft Village
2. Traditional Imigongo paintings - Average price: $20-$100; Where to buy: Nyanza Art Gallery, Inema Arts Center
3. Coffee and tea - Average price: $5-$15; Where to buy: Question Coffee, Bourbon Coffee, Gorilla's Coffee
4. Rwandan handicrafts - Average price: Varies; Where to buy: Caplaki Craft Village, Inema Arts Center, Nyamirambo Women's Center
5. Kitenge fabric items - Average price: $5-$30; Where to buy: Kimironko Market, Caplaki Craft Village
Note: Prices may vary depending on the location and bargaining skills.
If you have 1 week
Great to hear that you're in Rwanda! This beautiful country has so much to offer, from stunning natural landscapes to vibrant cultural experiences. Here's a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip:
Day 1: Start your adventure in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the tragic history of the country and pay your respects to the victims. Next, head to the Kimironko Market to shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
Day 2: Take a day trip to Volcanoes National Park, where you can hike to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won't forget.
Day 3: Explore Lake Kivu, one of the African Great Lakes. Relax on the beaches or take part in water activities like kayaking or swimming. Don't miss out on trying some of the fresh fish caught by local fishermen.
Day 4: Visit the Nyungwe Forest National Park to discover the lush rainforest and its inhabitants, including chimpanzees and other primates. The canopy walk is also a must-try activity, offering a unique perspective of the forest.
Day 5: Head to Akagera National Park, located in the east of Rwanda. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes. Take a game drive or a boat ride to see the animals up close.
Day 6: Visit the ancient Nyamata Church, which was used as a refuge during the Rwandan genocide. Today, it serves as a museum that commemorates the victims and educates visitors about the horrors of the genocide.
Day 7: End your trip with a visit to the RDB Tourism and Conservation Office, where you can learn about the country's efforts to promote sustainable tourism and conservation. You can also purchase souvenirs made by local artisans here.
Overall, this itinerary offers a mix of cultural experiences, natural wonders, and wildlife encounters that will give you a taste of the best Rwanda has to offer. Enjoy your trip!
If you have 2 weeks
Hello there! As a DAN, I don't know where to start because there are so many amazing places you could visit. But since you're in Rwanda, I have a couple of suggestions for a two-week itinerary that will give you a taste of everything the region has to offer.
Firstly, you should visit Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. You can go on a city tour and visit notable landmarks like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Presidential Palace Museum or even pay a visit to the famous Kimironko Market. This will give you a chance to experience the country's rich history and culture.
Secondly, a visit to Volcanoes National Park should be on your list. It's home to several endangered mountain gorillas, and you'll get to see them up close and personal. Additionally, you can take nature walks to see other wildlife and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains.
Thirdly, make a trip to Lake Kivu. This beautiful lake offers stunning scenery, water sports activities such as kayaking, boat rides and fishing trips, and it's also surrounded by several excellent restaurants and cafes.
Lastly, you should consider visiting Akagera National Park. Here, you can go on game drives and experience some of East Africa’s most exciting wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, buffalo, leopards and lions. Moreover, to complete the unforgettable experience, you can stay in one of the lodges inside the park.
Overall, these four destinations offer an incredibly diverse range of experiences, from cultural history to exciting wildlife. They all showcase Rwanda's unique beauty, and you'll undoubtedly have an unforgettable time exploring them.
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