The outbreak of covid-19 changed a lot of things in the world and one of them was
travelling in Rwanda. Gone are the days when travelling in Rwanda was liberal when the
only travel guidelines were the conventional ones. However, things have changed, and new
guidelines have been formulated for the good of people (travellers) and the nation. The
guidelines were enacted to prevent the spread of covid-19 which is a deadly scourge that
has ended lives in the past three years.
The standard operating procedures have been invented for people to enjoy Rwanda and its
top tourist attractions. Rwanda is one of the top tourism destinations in the whole world,
travellers have been missing out a lot. Now things have started opening up and travellers
are gearing up to visit Rwanda either on a self-drive safari or a guided tour. To make them enjoy their travel around the land of a thousand hills without compromising the laws set and their health, we have come up with some travel tips to heed during this global
pandemic.
Get tested before Travelling to Rwanda
Every international traveller must present a negative COVID-19 certificate. The only
accepted test is a SARS-CoV2 Real-Time Polymerase (RT-PCR) performed within 72 hours
before departure to Rwanda. All other forms of COVID-19 tests are not permitted. No
traveller is allowed into Rwanda without a negative COVID-19 certificate. In case you test
positive postpone your travel to Rwanda for some good days to allow you to recover from
coronavirus. You should then go back to the test until you test negative.
Get a COVID-19 Jab
Travellers are advised to vaccinate themselves against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine helps to boost immunity so that you can withstand the effects of the virus. The Vaccine rollout is free worldwide and some of the vaccines to take include Astra Zena, Johnson Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna. Presentation of the COVID-19 vaccination certificate is not yet mandatory in Rwanda but it is for your benefit to protect yourself from the virus.
Wear a mask and regularly sanitize
One of the first standard operating procedures stipulated by The World Health Organisation
was to wear a mask and regularly sanitize. The covid-19 rapidly spreads through body fluids like saliva that comes with the mouth and a mask does prevent that. Sanitiser that contains alcohol kills the virus so people are advised to wash their hands whenever they make contact with other people or touch surfaces that are within reach of everyone.
Keep a social distance
When you are in overcrowded places like the Kigali International Airport, restaurants,
supermarket and park headquarters try as much as possible to distance yourself from other
people.
Avoid visiting crowded tourist destinations
You need to comprise your travel needs during this COVID-19 period to have a safe travel
experience in Rwanda. Go to places that don’t pull a massive crowd. Places like Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park and Nyungwe National Park are advised to visit. They are vast enough to accommodate people without getting into close contact.
Rent a car in Rwanda
Since COVID-19 is spread through contact with other people, travellers are advised to rent a car in Rwanda. Rwanda car rental offers privacy, reliance and convenience which a traveller needs on a Rwanda safari. You can either self-drive Rwanda or hire a car with a drive to explore the different national parks and other tourist sites.
Purchase a health insurance
Covid-19 is viral; it spreads like wildfire. You cannot be sure that you will not contract it on
your safari trip to Rwanda. To safeguard yourself from the huge expenses you might incur treating the virus in a foreign country, you are advised to get health insurance from your insurance company. The restrictions and guidelines stipulated for travelling in Rwanda during this pandemic are not strict, they are rules one can easily adhere to and also have a good time. Therefore, come to Rwanda for self-drive safari or for classic safari tours to explore the rare treasures hidden in the hills of this amazing country.
