Traveling to a new destination like Rwanda comes with lots of excitements. First, it serves as an eye opener as you explore new places and as a result, you have a chance to enjoy lots of thrilling adventures. But before you make your trip to any destination, you must think about its safety and security.
Safety of the destination is key to any travelers not only those intending to visit Rwanda. To ensure you have a safe and secure trip, we have put together some of the amazing safety and travel tips below;
Conduct thorough research
Before you embark on a trip to any destination, first, you must have adequate information of where you intend to go for a holiday. Go through the different traveler reviews or consult with the locals for authentic information about the safety of where you plan to go to, accommodation and anything else related to crime.
You can also make the best use of the State Department’s website for the country updates or enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. While on a tour or business trip in destinations like Rwanda or any, you also need to know whom to contact, especially when it comes to emergency issues.
Before you go on a road trip, ensure that you have contacts of the tour operator whom you are dealing with, police emergency numbers or contact details for the embassy/consulate nearby.
Do not draw attention
While in the new place, do not start acting as if it is your first time being there. Such acts put you at the risk of crime or hands of robbers. Do your homework and research on the places you visit, avoid crowded places, know directions and if you do not know, know how to approach the person to inquire; keep all your valuable items safely.
Keep your colleagues and family updated
Regardless of where you heading to for a holiday or how long you intend to be there, the family and your friends back home must be updated of your whereabouts. Prior to your departure, it is a good idea that you share a copy of your travel itinerary with some trusted people and regularly keep in touch with them.
Be aware of your surroundings regardless of the destination
There are strangers everywhere and you must be keen enough on them. Do not allow anyone to snap the picture of your social media platforms and always safeguard your property. Yes, traveling comes with plenty of opportunities for you to meet new people, create friends and explore more about the different cultures and lifestyle of other people. While this brings lots of joy, some keenness must be taken to ensure that you have a successful road trip in Rwanda –The Land of a Thousand Hills.
Avoid crowds
Regardless of your location, following crowds or protests should be avoided at all cost. Some of the crowds or protests aren’t peaceful and higher chances are you may fall in the hands of police or security officers in charge as a culprit aiding such acts.
Security when trekking gorillas or safari
On a Rwanda safari in Volcanoes NP or any of the parks in Rwanda, ensure that you embark on a safari with a local guide. There are experienced park guides fully equipped to ensure you have a safe and secure gorilla trekking adventure or chimpanzee tracking experience.
Be aware of petty crimes
Petty crimes like pickpocketing are common in urban areas and you must be keen enough when walking. At night, avoid walking alone in dark streets. When driving in the city centre of Kigali or Kampala, Nairobi, ensure that your car doors/windows do not give chance to someone to pick anything. When packed, the doors and windows must all be locked properly with your valuable safely kept. Do not display your valuables because you risk them being grabbed.
Respect people’s cultures and traditions
Like your home country, every destination or country has its distinct cultural and traditional customs and norms. People’s cultures and traditions must be respected and this means, you must consider or mind about how you dress up or conduct yourself while in some community or interacting with locals while on your road trip.
Medication/health
Countries like Uganda and Rwanda do not have well-developed health facilities unlike developed states. You must be prepared enough and this includes taking insurance cover, take yellow fever shot, and carry anti-malaria medicine as prescribed by your doctor and also consider packing a tin of effective insect repellent. As you go further to the remotest places where national parks or reserves are found, you realize that there are very few medical facilities.
Respect the traffic rules and other laws
On a self-drive tour, ensure that all traffic rules are well-observed to avoid any cases that may cost you. Also, be aware of the country’s laws in relation to LGBTQI and how you should conduct yourself. Such acts are illegal in some destinations but a person can visit and enjoy his vacation provided he or she doesn’t violet the set regulations.
Pack essentials
Your packing list must comprise of mainly essentials. These include waterproof walking or hiking shoes or boots, a good camera, extra camera battery, long sleeved safari shirts, daypack, insect repellents, a sweater, a rain jacket, trousers, a gorilla permit (if you plan to go to visit mountain gorillas), valid passport, visa, and yellow fever vaccine certificate/card.