Packing Recommendations

*Before packing, check with your airline for luggage weight restrictions. There is  generally a fee for each bag over 23 kilos (~50 pounds), and a TSA weight limit of 32 kilos per bag (~70 pounds.)

For Your Carry-On

  • $50 USD for your visa

  • Cash ($100 bills yield the best exchange rate, must be dated 2009 or later), credit card, and ATM card

  • Yellow fever vaccination card – if you have one (please note: this only required if traveling through an endemic country and not required of anyone traveling directly from the United States or Israel)

  • Universal adapter like this one

    • In Rwanda, the commonly used outlet types are Type C and Type J

  • Neck pillow for travel

  • Passport – must be valid for at least 6 months after your visit; should have at least one blank page

  • Insurance policy numbers and emergency contacts

  • It is advisable to bring at least one change of clothing on the plane, as well as a toothbrush and any medication (including malaria medication!). If your luggage gets lost en route to Rwanda, it can take a few days to arrive.

  • Letter for customs, if applicable. See here.

Clothing

Weather in Kigali generally stays between 65°F and 85°F, though due to the high altitude in other parts of the country, it can get colder than 65°F. It is advisable to bring clothes that can be worn in layers, as needed. Click here for more information about Rwanda’s weather. 

When packing, you should keep in mind the time of year when you are traveling. Rwanda has two wet seasons and two dry seasons. Recently, Rwanda has been experiencing more rain than typical during the dry seasons, so always travel with rain gear.

Rwandans are generally modest in their clothing. They generally stay very clean, despite the dust and mud.

Rwanda is a conservative country. Please avoid shorts, low cut shirts, and spaghetti straps. Showing cleavage is generally not appropriate. If worn, shorts or skirts should be knee length or longer. You can show your shoulders but bring a cardigan just in case. Workout clothing (e.g.: leggings) is fine to wear in the Village. Recommended clothing to pack includes:

  • T-shirts

  • Long-sleeve shirts

  • Shorts (knee-length or longer)

  • Pants (jeans, khakis, etc.)

  • Sweatshirts / sweaters / fleece jacket

  • Raincoat or jacket

  • Undergarments

  • Pajamas

  • Nice clothing for special occasions

  • Hats (for sun protection)

  • Comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty

  • Sleepwear

  • Depending upon your itinerary, you may wish to bring a bathing suit

  • Additional notes: 

    • If you are traveling to Akagera National Park, some suggest avoiding black and blue clothing, which may attract tsetse flies. 

    • If you will be trekking, bring a rain jacket, hiking boots/long socks, a hat, long pants (ideally water resistant), long sleeves, a warm layer (e.g.: fleece), a small backpack, and a water bottle. Garden gloves are not necessary but are nice to have to protect your hands. Gaiters are available for rent for ~$10 at the park.

Shoes

Women often wear open-toed sandals while men often wear nice/dress shoes or clean sneakers. *Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Everything will get a bit dirty from the red dirt in the Village. 

  • Sneakers

  • Sandals that stay on your feet (Chaco, Teva, Source, Keen, etc.)

  • Flip-flops, for wearing around the house and/or showering

  • Hiking shoes/boots (optional)

  • Rain boots (optional)

  • Soccer cleats (optional)

Hygiene

While you can buy most of these products in Rwanda, they are often expensive, and it is sometimes difficult to find specific brands. It is advisable that you bring all necessary hygiene items with you.

  • Shampoo/Conditioner/Soap

  • Deodorant

  • Menstrual products

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Tissues

 Medication

Bring a supply of all prescription medication. Pharmacies in Rwanda may not be able to fill international prescriptions.

  • Malaria medication

  • Prescription medications

  • Contact lenses (if applicable) & contact solution

  • Extra pair of glasses (if applicable)

  • Various medicines or vitamins for minor illnesses (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine, Benadryl, Antacids etc.)

  • First-aid kit with Band-Aids, hydrocortisone, alcohol swabs, etc.

Money

The simplest way to obtain Rwandan Francs (and the best exchange rate) is obtained by taking out cash via ATM. An ATM is available directly outside the airport baggage claim. They are often available in hotels or near exchange bureaus. The best place to exchange cash is in Kigali at a “FOREX” (foreign exchange) bureau; there are many in the Kigali city center and in Remera. If you are short on time, you can also exchange cash at an exchange counter in the airport. The rate is not typically as good, but it is very convenient. Outside of Kigali it is more difficult, so if you are traveling within Rwanda, plan ahead.

Cash can also be obtained in various methods from banks in Kigali.

Credit cards (primarily Visa and MasterCard) are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and many stores. American Express and other credit cards are not accepted as widely.

Traveler’s cheques are not easily exchanged and, if so, at poor rates.

For the most current exchange rates, visit https://www.xe.com/. Exchange rates are significantly better when exchanging newly minted $100 bills. Also note that bills must be dated 2009 or later to be accepted for exchange.

Other Packing Recommendations

It is recommended you also bring the following items:

  • Reusable water bottle – 1 or 2 to use for drinking and teeth brushing. There are stations throughout the Village with filtered water. Outside the Village it is recommended to drink bottled water.

  • Snacks! (e.g.: protein bars, dried fruit, nuts)

  • Sunscreen – Sunscreen is expensive in Rwanda and not readily available for purchase. Due to the high altitude and Rwanda’s proximity to the equator, it is recommended that you bring sunscreen. 

  • Sunglasses

  • Bug spray (with DEET)

  • Flashlight or headlamp

  • Camera (with charger, memory cards, etc.)

  • Watch

  • Electrical adapter/converter (the same as in most of Europe and Israel)

  • Umbrella

  • Journal and pen

  • Fan (optional)

What Not to Pack

Non-biodegradable plastic bags have been banned in Rwanda, and any found on you at the airport may be confiscated. Ziploc bags are generally fine, but please note that this may be subject to change.


Jill Radwin