Social ConventionsThe traditional way of life is based on agriculture and cattle. The Rwandans settle in the fertile areas, but they do not form villages, each family being surrounded by its own fields. The majority of the population belong to the Hutu tribe. There is a significant Tutsi minority (15 per cent) and a smaller minority of Twa, a mixed race of traditional potters and hunters and said to be the country’s first inhabitants. Normal social courtesies apply.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national carrier is
Rwandair Express
(website:
www.rwandair.com).
Departure TaxNone.
Main AirportsKigali (KGL) (Kigali International Airport), 12km (7.5 miles) east of Kigali (journey time – 25 minutes).
To/from the airport: Bus and taxi services are available.
Facilities: Bar, duty-free shop, post office and currency exchange.
Getting There by RoadInternational routes are available from the surrounding countries of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Uganda. Visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution, owing to political instability.
Bus: There are daily services from Kampala in Uganda and Bujumbura in Burundi to Kigali.
OverviewThe following items may be imported into Rwanda by persons over 16 years of age without incurring customs duty:
Two cartons of cigarettes and 2l of alcoholic beverages.
Game trophies can only be exported with special permission of the Game Department.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirChartered planes are available but are usually expensive.
NoteDeparture taxUS$20.
Getting Around by RoadTraffic drives on the right. Some local roads are not tarmacked and a 4-wheel drive vehicle would be advantageous. There can be landslides on some of the major roads during annual rainfall in spring and autumn. Extra care should be taken at night, as taxis use full headlights. The network is generally sparse; the roads linking the capital with Butare, Bugarana and the frontier posts are, however, good. Driving is not recommended and visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution.
Bus: Minibuses and Government vehicles operate regular routes in Rwanda. Services are operated by the
Ministry of Transport and Communications. A timetable and tariff booklet is available in Rwanda.
Taxi: Available in Kigali and other large towns. Fares should be agreed in advance. Tipping is not expected.
Car hire: Limited facilities in Rwanda. There are no international car hire firms operating, but there are local companies in Kigali. Fuel is expensive.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.
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