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Resources & References

Resources & References

Rwanda

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for Your Journey

  • Yego:

    Book moto-taxis and cars with transparent, fixed pricing.

  • Google Maps/Maps.me:

    Real-time navigation and offline maps for data saving.

  • Google Translate:

    Overcome language barriers; download offline Kinyarwanda.

  • WhatsApp:

    Widely used for communication with locals and operators.

  • Banking Apps:

    Manage finances and monitor transactions while abroad.

Online Planning & Information

  • Rwanda Development Board (RDB):

    Official source for tourism and permit information.

  • Rwanda Immigration Website:

    Official site for all visa inquiries and eVisa applications.

  • Travel Advisories:

    Check official government sources for safety and security updates.

  • Reputable Travel Blogs:

    Search for practical tips and personal experiences about Rwanda.

  • Social Media Accounts:

    Follow "Visit Rwanda" or "Rwanda Tourism" for inspiration.

Online Platforms & Content

Rwanda Development Board

The official source for tourism and investment in Rwanda. Information on national parks and policies.

Visit RDB

Immigration Services

Use the official website for all visa-related inquiries and eVisa applications before your journey.

Apply for Visa

Online Communities

Find dedicated forums on platforms like TripAdvisor for traveler tips and questions. Search for "Rwanda Travel" Facebook groups.

Language & Cultural Learning

Kinyarwanda Resources

  • Duolingo: A simple way to learn basic phrases and vocabulary.
  • Phrasebooks: Carry a small Kinyarwanda phrasebook for quick reference.
  • YouTube: Many channels offer basic Kinyarwanda lessons.
  • Podcasts: Search for content covering Rwandan history, culture, and travel.

Art & Music Immersion

  • Documentaries: Explore films covering Rwanda's past and present.
  • Music: Listen to traditional Intore dance music and contemporary Rwandan artists.
  • Art: Look at examples of Imigongo art online before visiting galleries.
  • Digital Content: Seek out various online resources for cultural enrichment.

Print Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

  • Bradt Guide to Rwanda (praised for depth).
  • Detailed paper maps of Kigali.
  • General Rwanda travel guidebooks.
  • Look for maps in bookshops or hotels.

Books on History & Culture

  • We Wish to Inform You... by Philip Gourevitch.
  • Left to Tell by Immaculée Ilibagiza.
  • A Thousand Hills to Heaven by Josh Ruxin.
  • Shake Hands with the Devil by Roméo Dallaire.

Local Publications

  • The New Times (Rwanda's leading daily newspaper).
  • Provides current news and event listings.
  • Available in English.
  • Look for local cultural magazines.

Emergency & Medical Information

Essential Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Police/General Emergency: 112
  • Traffic Police: 113
  • Ambulance: 912
  • Fire: 111

Hospitals & Clinics

  • King Faisal Hospital (Private, modern, English-speaking).
  • University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK).
  • Pharmacies for common medications.
  • Located in Kigali for accessible care.

Embassy Information

  • U.S. Embassy Kigali: +250 252 596 400.
  • U.K. High Commission Kigali: +250 252 551 054.
  • Locate your country's mission before departure.
  • Contact for lost passports or emergencies.

Lost Documents

Reporting Procedures

  • Report to Police: Immediately obtain a police report for lost items.
  • Contact Embassy/Consulate: Seek guidance for obtaining emergency documents.
  • Inform Tour Operator/Hotel: They might assist with local procedures.

Essential Steps

  • Keep Numbers Handy: Have emergency contacts written down and on your phone.
  • Document Copies: Store physical and digital copies separately.
  • Security: Keep important documents secure at all times.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Stay Informed

  • Local News: Follow reports and weather forecasts.
  • Embassy Alerts: Register travel plans to receive instructions.
  • Local Authorities: Adhere to guidance from officials or accommodation staff.

Common Hazards

  • Flooding: Localized flooding during heavy rains.
  • Earthquakes: Occasional minor tremors.
  • Preparedness: Review safety information before your trip.

Further Reading & Exploration

Films & Documentaries

  1. Hotel Rwanda: Historical drama based on true events.
  2. Sometimes in April: Another drama depicting the genocide.
  3. Ghosts of Rwanda: PBS Frontline documentary on the genocide.
  4. Black Earth Rising: Netflix series set in post-genocide Rwanda.
  5. The 600: Documentary on the Rwandan Patriotic Front.

Music & Art

  1. Traditional Rwandan Music: Features drums and singing, like Intore dance.
  2. Contemporary Rwandan Artists: Blending traditional sounds with modern genres.
  3. Imigongo Art: Traditional cow dung paintings.
  4. Art Galleries: Explore local and contemporary Rwandan art.
  5. Live Performances: Seek out music and dance events.

Online Communities & Learning

TripAdvisor Forums

Dedicated sections for Rwanda travelers share tips and recommendations.

Facebook Groups

Search for "Rwanda Travel" or "Kigali Expats" for current advice and connections.

Language Learning

Utilize apps like Duolingo for Kinyarwanda lessons and practice.

Print Resources

Guidebooks & Essential Reads

Recommended Guidebooks

  • Bradt Guide to Rwanda:

    Often praised for its depth and accuracy on Rwanda travel.

  • Local Maps:

    Detailed paper maps of Kigali are available in some bookshops or hotels.

  • General Travel Guides:

    Look for guidebooks providing broader information on East Africa.

Books on Rwanda

  • We Wish to Inform You...:

    A powerful non-fiction account of the 1994 genocide by Philip Gourevitch.

  • Left to Tell:

    A moving memoir of survival and forgiveness by Immaculée Ilibagiza.

  • Shake Hands with the Devil:

    Roméo Dallaire's memoir as UN peacekeeping force commander.

Local Publications

The New Times

Rwanda's leading daily newspaper, published in English. Provides current news and political updates.

Event Listings

Check local publications for cultural event listings and community happenings during your stay.

Local Magazines

Seek out local magazines for insights into Rwandan lifestyle, arts, and tourism.

Literature & Language

Reading

  • A Thousand Hills to Heaven: Memoir about modern Rwanda's recovery.
  • Land of a Thousand Hills: Account of life in Rwanda by Rosamond Halsey Carr.
  • Gorillas in the Mist: Dian Fossey's work on mountain gorillas.
  • The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A personal story of resilience.

Kinyarwanda Practice

  • Duolingo: Easy lessons to build basic phrases.
  • Phrasebooks: Keep a small one for quick translation.
  • Online Videos: Many resources for pronunciation and vocabulary.
  • Practice: Engage with locals to reinforce your learning.

Audio-Visual & Online Communities

Documentaries & Films

  • Hotel Rwanda: Dramatization of events during the 1994 genocide.
  • Sometimes in April: A different cinematic perspective on the genocide.
  • Ghosts of Rwanda: A PBS Frontline comprehensive account.
  • The 600: Focuses on the Rwandan Patriotic Front's entry into Kigali.

Music & Art Appreciation

  • Traditional Music: Listen to Intore dance music featuring drums.
  • Contemporary Artists: Explore blends of traditional and modern genres.
  • Imigongo Art: Review examples of traditional cow dung paintings online.
  • Online Forums: TripAdvisor and Facebook groups offer current advice.

Offline Access

A small phrasebook or local map provides a practical backup for moments without digital connectivity, boosting your confidence.

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