Below are answers to some of the common health questions asked by travelers to Rwanda, and our advice to help you keep safe
What vaccinations are required to visit Rwanda?
Yellow fever vaccination is required if coming from or have been to a high-risk country. Check here to see the countries https://www.migration.gov.rw/anounce/anounce/instructions-on-yellow-fever/
Yellow fever has been spreading to more countries so the countries may change by time of your visit. Better to take the shot to avoid any inconvenience and also for your safety
Other advised (but not mandatory) vaccinations include Hepatitis, typhoid, cholera, covid 19
Covid 19 guidelines for travelers
As of 2024 there are no covid 19 requirements for travelers to and from Rwanda.
How to keep safe from Malaria in Rwanda?
Rwanda is a malaria risk country. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, so the first protection against malaria is by avoiding mosquito bites. Sleeping under a mosquito net is a must. Apply insect repellent on your exposed skin in the evenings and when going out in jungle for activities such as the famous gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey tracking, hiking etc…
Mosquito bites may not be entire avoided, so anti-malaria drugs are advised as precaution. Visit your physician for best recommendation and dosage.
Can I drink tap water in Rwanda?
Tap water is treated but can be contaminated by leakages and old pipes and thus cannot be recommended for drinking. Risks of drinking contaminated include diseases; typhoid, diarrhea, and cholera.
Boil the tap water before drinking.
Otherwise drink only bottled water.
You should also brush your teeth with bottled water or boiled tap water if you cannot get bottled water.
Eating street food in Rwanda
Street food is not easy to come by in Rwanda because street vending and hawking is not permitted in the country.
There are however many small restaurants and bars in the suburbs that prepare a delicacy of what can pass as street food such as roasted meats. One such suburbs is the vibrant Nyamirambo that has lots of bars and restaurants along busy streets.
However much Rwanda is one of the cleanest countries in Africa with local authorities enforcing strict hygiene standards, be selective where you eat.
Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables.
Essential items to pack for health & safety in Rwanda
- First aid kit – basic first aid kit with items such as bandages, cotton wool, plaster, disinfectant, analgesia, thermometer, anti-histamine cream.
- Shades/sun glasses to protect from dust, bacteria and insects.
- Sunscreen to protect from sunburn
- Insect repellent
Responsible Travel Policy
You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make. Our responsible travel policy allows guests to depart emotionally rich, more informed, more ecologically aware, and more appreciative of the natural resources, people and cultures.
