Key Road Safety Tips for Traveling Rwanda

Twenty years ago Rwanda had one of the worst road-safety records in the world. But once the government recognized that making roads safer could help with the rehabilitation of a nation traumatized by the 1994 genocide, its efforts have won international acclaim. After the genocide which plunged Rwanda into mourning in 1994, the country knew that one method of rehabilitation was improving its road infrastructure which was damaged during the genocide leading to many road traffic deaths. While traveling to Rwanda, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in developed countries like the United States. In Rwanda, as in the United States, traffic moves on the right-hand side of the road.

Tourists are prohibited from driving outside Kigali city limits after dark (6:00 p.m.), and are not permitted to use motorcycle-taxis or mini-bus taxis. Due to safety and security concerns, the use of motorcycle-taxis or mini-bus taxis for transportation is not recommended. Regulated orange-striped (along the base of the vehicle) sedan auto taxis are safer, but be sure to agree on a fare before beginning your trip. Public transportation can be dangerous due to overloading, inadequate maintenance, and careless drivers.

The main roads in Rwanda are in relatively good condition, but during the rainy season many side roads are passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles. Nighttime driving, particularly outside major cities, is hazardous and is discouraged. Often, roadways are not marked and lack streetlights and shoulders. Many sections have deteriorated surfaces. Due to possible language barriers and lack of roadside assistance, receiving help may be difficult. You may be stopped at police roadblocks throughout the country, where your vehicle and luggage may be searched. Service stations are available along main roads.

You should especially exercise caution at traffic circles and traffic lights, as drivers do not always respect the right-of-way. Excessive speed, careless driving, and the lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles are hazards on Rwanda’s roads. Many vehicles are not well maintained, and headlights are either extremely dim or not used. Drivers tend to speed and pass other cars with little discretion. Some streets in Kigali have sidewalks or sufficient space for pedestrian traffic, while others do not, and pedestrians are forced to walk along the roadway. Street lighting is limited and drivers often have difficulty seeing pedestrians. Additional road hazards include cyclists, pedestrians, and livestock.

Third-party insurance is required and will cover any damages from involvement in an accident resulting in injuries, if you are found not to have been at fault. The driver’s license of individuals determined to have caused an accident may be confiscated for three months. Causing a fatal accident could result in three to six months’ imprisonment. Drunk drivers are jailed for 24 hours and fined 20,000 Rwandan Francs (RWF)(approximately $35). Call 311 from any mobile phone to reach local police or any of these local police station numbers. Ambulance assistance is very limited but can be obtained in Kigali by dialing 912. Wear seat belts and drive with care and patience at all times.

Rwandan traffic laws prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving and, if apprehended, the driver will be fined 10,000 RWF (about $18). Hands-free devices may be used. As of August 2010, after-market tinted window treatments are prohibited on all vehicles; those apprehended will be required to remove them.

The Dance of the Intore

The traditional Ballet of Rwanda is one of Africas longest established and least exposed musical traditions. The use of the word Ballet is a product of Belgian colonial rule. In fact, the art form was refined over centuries in the courts of the Rwandan Mwami (kings).

There are three main components to Rwandan Ballet, and a standard performance by a group will contain all three. These are the songs/dances that are the essence of the art form (and are referred to here as ‘the Ballet’), Intore (dance of heroes) and Ingoma (‘drums’).

The ‘Dance of Heroes’ is performed by men wearing grass wigs and carrying spears. The background is a dance performed by returning warriors, celebrating victory in battle. The dancers move from side to side combining grace and complex choreography with a raw aggression. At certain stages the dancers stop, with arms outstretched and make blood-curdling battle crys.

These calls are individual to each dancer and represent warriors declaiming the details of how many he had slain in battle. Battles traditionally involved Hutu, Tutsi and Twa fighting alongside each-other against a common enemy. The performance of Intore therefore has always consisted of warriors of all groups dancing together.
A visit to Rwanda is not complete without seeing a dance by the Intore Dancers, the dance form took shape in the courts of Rwandan Mwami(The King), it is generally a story telling dance, in which stories of love, war and time of hard ship are put into a dance form. It is more like an opera than a ballet as some Belgian’s termed it. It can not be termed as a battle dance alone because, it is performed in different scenarios, it was also performed after winning a battle.

The actual meaning of the term Intore is “the chosen ones”, so basically it was the dance of the chosen ones.

Intore dancers have gained a worldwide status of fame and have become an indispensable part of the Rwandan culture and tradition. The Intore dancers gained popularity in the year 1958 during the World Expo which was held in Brussels. This form of traditional Rwanda ballet is one of the ancient forms of dancing in Africa. The Intore dancing is also known as “warrior dancing”.

The Intore people, who were once regarded as part of the traditional Rwanda army, were not only given military training but also taught the technique of high jumps and dancing. They were known for their outstanding method of jumping with the help of which they could rise up to 2,40 meters from the ground.

There are three main parts of the Rwandan ballet which comprise of Ingoma, Intore dancers and the songs. During the performance, Intore dancers, especially men wear grass wigs and have spears in their hands. They wear little bells on each foot which gives a rhythm to the entire background music. The theme of the performance is the celebration of victory in a battle which is depicted through the medium of dancing. The Intore dancers move sideways combining difficult choreography and grace with a raw aggressiveness in their expressions. At one point, the dancers stop, with stretched arms and give out blood-curdling battle cries. Throughout the ballet, physical quarrel between the dancers turns into a form of artistic rivalry and at the end of the performance they hug each other as a symbol of friendship.

The most common traditional battles include Tutsi, Hutu and Twa fights against a familiar opponent. The performance of Intore dancers is always associated with the idea of power, raw masculinity, aggressiveness and yet as a tradition of the cultural heritage of Rwanda.

Music from Rwanda

The music of Rwanda largely consists of African folk music performed by its people. Traditional music and dance are taught in “amatorero” dance groups, which are found across the country. The most famous of these is the Ballet National Urukerereza, which was created in the early 1970’s to represent Rwanda in international events. Also famous were the Amasimbi n’amakombe and Irindiro dance troupes.

The ikinimba is perhaps the most revered musical tradition in Rwanda. It is a dance that tells the stories of Rwandan heroes and kings, accompanied by instruments like ingoma, ikembe, iningiri, umuduri and inanga. The inanga, a lyre-like string instrument, has been played many of Rwanda’s best-known performers, including Rujindiri, Sebatunzi, Rwishyura, Simparingoma, Sentoré, Kirusu, Sophie and Victor Kabarira, and Simon Bikindi.

Due to situations in the past, many Rwandans have moved overseas in recent years, bringing their country’s music to cities like Brussels and Paris. For many years, Rwandan-Belgian Cécile Kayirebwa was arguably the most internationally famous Rwandan musician, until the late 1990’s arrival of Rwandan-Canadian Corneille and Jean-Paul Samputu. Before the chaotic 1990s, Rwanda produced popular local bands like Imena, Nyampinga, Les 8 Anges, Les Fellows, Impala, Abamarungu, Los Compagnons de la Chanson, Bisa, Ingenzi, and Isibo y’Ishakwe. They took influences from across Africa, especially the Congo, as well as Caribbean zouk andreggae. Following the civil war, music gradually returned to the country, and new stars arose, the most prominent of which is probably Aimé Murefu, a guitarist that draws upon American rock and blues guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, BB King and Carlos Santana.

Rwandese Inanga

Jean-Paul Samputu, along with his group Ingeli, won two Kora awards (African Grammy awards) for “Most Inspiring Artist” and “Best Traditional Artist” in 2003 for their performance of neo-traditional Rwandan music. The group tours the world spreading the Christian message of peace and reconciliation, and helps raise money for the many orphans of Rwanda. In 2007 Samputu brought twelve of these orphans, known as Mizero Children of Rwanda, to tour the U.S. and Canada. Cyprien Kagorora was nominated for a 2005 Kora Award in the category of “Best Traditional Artist”. He is among the most recognizable male vocalists in Rwanda.

Rwandan youth perform the most popular music in Rwanda. Many have adopted or adapted styles from East Africa or Western genres, most notably including hip-hop. Riderman is among the most famous Rwandan hip-hop performers. Others, like Mani Martin, perform more traditional genres of Rwandan music.

Cya kijigija

The music industry in Rwanda is gradually growing and becoming more professionalized. An increasing number of companies are investing in the development of new talent, including the production of major music festivals like Kigali Up! and Primus Guma Guma Superstar, and the music competition television show, Ishusho K’umuziki Nyarwanda.

Essential Guide to Primate Watching in Rwanda

Often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is one of the world’s most rewarding destinations for primate lovers. From the iconic mountain gorillas in the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park to playful golden monkeys, lively chimpanzees, and rare colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest, the country offers unmatched opportunities to encounter primates in their natural habitats. A Rwanda safari is not only about wildlife viewing but also about conservation, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes. This guide highlights where to go, what to expect, and essential tips to make your primate adventure in Rwanda truly unforgettable.

Where to Go for Primate Watching in Rwanda

Rwanda is known for protecting exceptional national parks where one can see the incredible primates. Among these national parks are;

Volcanoes National Park

Located in the north-western part of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is one of the only five destinations in the world where one can see the incredible mountain gorillas. The park protects 12 habituated gorilla families that can be seen in the mist Virunga rainforest during a mountain gorilla trekking experience.

Apart from mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is also home to the shy and beautiful golden monkeys. These creatures can be seen during the golden monkey tracking experience that involves trekking into lush bamboo forests. Volcanoes has two habituated golden monkey groups that are about 60 to 100 in number and these make the viewing reliable and rewarding.

Nyungwe Forest National Park (southwest Rwanda)

In the South-western part of the Republic of Rwanda, Nyungwe forest National Park is another destination where Rwanda primate watching is done. The park is a home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, Angola (Ruwenzori) colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, silver monkeys, and golden monkeys. But of all these species, the park is mostly visited for the chimpanzee tracking experience. The activity involves walking through the park’s rainforests to search for the endangered apes, and once found, you will be allowed to spend a full hour in their presence.

Secure the necessary permits

For one to take part in the Rwanda primate watching experience, he or she must secure the necessary permits from Rwanda Development Board or through a licensed and registered tour operator. These permits range from different prices according to the activity that is USD 1500 for gorilla trekking, USD 100 for golden monkey tracking and USD 100 per person for chimpanzee tracking.

Book the right accommodation

There are different accommodations from which one can choose during the primate watching experience. These accommodations suit every budget from luxury lodges to affordable guesthouses and campsites. All the lodge types can be found close to the park entrance but luxury ones offer added comfort, and sometimes even spa services, while mid-range and budget options provide cozy, simple stays that let you connect with nature.

Prepare for the physical challenge

Primate trekking can be physically demanding, especially when tracking gorillas in mountainous, dense forests. Depending on where the gorillas are that day, a trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours. To make the experience easier, start walking or hiking regularly before your trip to make your body strong and prepared for any physical hardship.

Pack responsibly for the adventure

When planning for a Rwanda primate watching safari, you have to make a proper packing list. Among the items to pack for the trek include, waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, breathable pants, a rain jacket, a camera and gloves. Also, don’t forget the hat, and sunglasses protect you from the sun, while insect repellent helps keep bugs away. In your small backpack, include the water, snacks and binoculars that you will use to spot wildlife from a distance.

Best time to visit Rwanda for primate watching safari

Primate safari destinations can be visited all year round but the best time is during the dry season which is in the months of June to September and December to February. This is because the trails are less muddy and thus making the trek easier.

During the wet seasons, you can still proceed with the experience but come prepared with waterproof gear and be ready for more challenging trails and lush landscapes

Trekking Rules and Regulations

• Always follow park guidelines to protect both primates and yourself:
• Keep a minimum distance (e.g., 7 meters for gorillas; similar for golden monkeys and chimps)
• No flash photography, smoking, eating, or rapid movement
• Do not touch any primates, and sick individuals should refrain from trekking.

Gorilla Pictures from Tourists

Here are some of the pictures shared by tourists who have been on gorilla trekking expeditions in the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda.