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Rwanda is interestingly one of the most visited destinations in Africa with all its tourist sites fully open to world travelers to explore. Most popular for mountain gorilla trekking, Rwanda is home to 30% of all 1063 mountain gorillas that are left on earth. It is a landlocked country with a lot to be explored by visitors on African safaris.

Rwanda is dubbed The Land of a Thousand Hills for a good reason and on a holiday, you can attest to this description. It is a beautiful country with abundant floral and faunal species. Aside from flora and fauna, Rwanda is also known for its dark history – the 1994 genocide.

Vaccinations and Inoculations

Yellow fever is a risk in Rwanda. It is recommended that all travelers over the age of 9 months receive this vaccine. This is also important for travelers who will continue on to other EAC countries since Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya all require yellow fever vaccinations as well.

The following vaccinations are recommended but not required when visiting Rwanda:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Malaria
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis B
  • Rabies

Malaria
Even though less prevalent than other African countries, Malaria does exist in Rwanda. While there is no vaccine against malaria, prophylactic drugs along with prevention will significantly reduce the risk of getting it.

We recommend you consult your doctor on malaria medicine prior to traveling to Rwanda.

Do I need malaria medicine?

Even though less prevalent than other African countries, Malaria does exist in Rwanda. While there is no vaccine against malaria, prophylactic drugs along with prevention will significantly reduce the risk of getting it.

We recommend you consult your doctor on malaria medicine prior to traveling to Rwanda.

Are vaccines needed in Rwanda?

Yes, like any other country, some vaccines are vital if you are visiting Rwanda. The recommended vaccinations include Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow fever, Meningitis, Cholera and Hepatitis B.

Vaccinations needed –COVID Tests

In 2020, the World Health Organization –(WHO) declared outbreak of COVID-19, but all hope wasn’t lost. Given the safety measures put in place, and public adherence, there is chance to travel and explore the world once again now that WHO declared END of COVID-19. Take note that if you are visiting Rwanda for holiday, there is no need for proof of a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test prior to your arrival. Passenger no longer need to complete the Passenger Locator Form.

However, if you are visiting MICE venues and national parks such as Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, COVID-19 tests can be conducted. All tourists visiting Rwanda’s protected areas, with exception of Akagera National Park require PCR test taken at least 72 hours. If you are visiting Akagera N/Park and other tourist destinations, rapid antigen test is required and you can carry out test at the different clinics in Kigali at RWF 5000. If you don’t have negative test result, you won’t be allowed to visit the parks.

Covid management

Vaccinations for Rwanda VisitorsTo curb spread of COVID-19, the government of Rwanda put into place safety measures and amazingly, the republic of Rwanda emerged the top African state and 6th worldwide in managing the spread of this pandemic. Information about the pandemic was made accessible to the public and strict measures put in place. They included full vaccination of citizens and residents of Rwanda so as to have access to public areas. Those traveling to attend any event are required to present negative COVID-19 test result conducted 48 hours before meeting. Face masks are no longer mandatory. Accommodation in Kigali and other parts of Rwanda are open for bookings.

Water

Unfortunately, it is not recommended to drink the tap water during your time in Rwanda. It is important to stick with bottled water, even when brushing teeth.

Health travel advice

Rwanda is a safe and secure African destination to visit whether it is for business, leisure or MICE. However, there is need to observe the set health precautions regardless of the destination. Vaccinations and medications required of Rwanda visitors may differ from person to person. Before taking a flight to Rwanda for a holiday, first, you must conduct personal risk assessment with your professional health officer back home.

Stay healthy while gorilla trekking

Before you consider visiting mountain gorillas in Rwanda or any destination in Africa, take note that your health and survival of these endangered apes matter a lot. No visitor is allowed to go track mountain gorillas if he or she is ill or sick. Besides, make sure that you are fit enough to go on long day search for mountain gorillas. Only persons above 15 years free of infectious human diseases are permitted to visit gorillas or chimpanzees.

Stay healthy while hiking

You must keep fit for your hike whether you are visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking or volcano hiking. Carry with you first aid kit and should contain plasters of various sizes & shapes, safety pins, scissors, tweezers, thermometer, antiseptic cream, triangular bandages, alcohol free cleansing, tablets, distilled water, eye wash, skin rash cream, sticky tape, disposable sterile gloves, and more.