Are you wondering whether solo travel to Rwanda is a good idea? Don’t let other people’s opinions deter you from experiencing everything that Rwanda has to offer! Kigali, Rwanda’s marvellous capital, is one of the safest cities on the continent, making it a popular destination among solo travellers.
If you’ve always dreamed of a Rwanda safari holiday, now is the time to make it happen. Let’s explore what Rwanda has to offer solo travellers and a few tips on how to safeguard Rwanda’s incredible natural beauty.
An Ideal Destination for Solo Travellers
When it comes to travelling alone in Africa, Rwanda should be at the very top of your list. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or it’s your first time embarking on a solo adventure, you can look forward to a safe, memorable experience.
A Commitment to Tourist Safety
Rwanda’s commitment to tourist safety is truly impressive. The government and local community understand the essential role that tourism plays in rebuilding the economy. Over the past decade, the country has made significant strides to safeguard both locals and tourists.
Well-Trained Park Rangers
There are always risks involved when it comes to being in close quarters with wild animals. However, Rwanda’s park rangers are some of the very best in the world, prioritising your safety throughout your safari experience.
They are experts in what they do, having undergone rigorous anti-poaching and conservation training. With this in mind, you can be sure that your guide will be knowledgeable and ready to take action in the event of danger.
Robust Security Infrastructure
Crime rates in Rwanda are exceptionally low. In fact, the popular safari destination ranked as one of the top 10 safest countries on the entire continent of Africa in February 2024. This can be attributed to the well-trained police force and private security forces, which help keep the country safe for both locals and foreigners.
While there are still a number of petty crimes each year, the country experiences very few violent crimes. When you look at the statistics, Rwanda is actually safer than the UK and other Western countries.
Tips for Safe Solo Travel in Rwanda
Looking forward to your Rwanda safari holiday? Here are a few tips for helping ensure your personal safety during your time in Rwanda. While the crime rates are incredibly low, it is still possible to get yourself into a potentially dangerous situation.
Plan Ahead
As a solo traveller, it is always very important to plan ahead. How will you get from the airport to your accommodation? Where will you stay? A little research and planning goes a long way. Working with experienced safari travel experts, like Tailormade Africa, helps ensure safety throughout your trip.
Use Your Common Sense
Rwanda may be one of the safest countries in Africa, but you should always use your common sense. This means that you should avoid doing things like leaving your valuables unattended or walking through unfamiliar territories by yourself at night.
In summary, don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home and always be aware of your surroundings.
Prioritise Your Health
There is nothing worse than getting sick in an unknown country, especially if you are on your own. Try to boost your immune system before your trip, and be wary of eating street food or any drinks that do not come in a sealed bottle.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol and maintain your health throughout the duration of your trip. This means taking your vitamins, eating nutrient-rich foods and staying active. It’s also a good idea to have travel insurance to ensure access to quality medical care in the event that you get sick while abroad.
Look Forward to an Enriching Travel Experience
While safaris are often the major highlight of a trip to Rwanda, the social aspects of your trip should not be forgotten. This is your opportunity to connect with locals and experience an entirely new culture!
Participation in Homestays
There are plenty of amazing hotels and lodges in Rwanda, but they may not truly capture the local way of life. If you want to see how Rwandans live, you may consider looking into a homestay opportunity.
You’ll get to stay with a local family and be part of their everyday life. Talk about an authentic experience! Why not participate in a homestay and spend the rest of your time at a lodge?
Tailoring your trip this way could present the perfect blend of cultures and luxury-ensuring a fulfilling experience that leaves you enriched.
Vibrant Cultural Experiences
Due to the number of ethnic groups and tribes in Rwanda, there are many cultural experiences. If you want to learn more about the country’s fascinating history, you can visit museums in Kigali, including the Kandt House Museum.
You can also book cultural excursions where you’ll get to see local villages and visit craft markets. We can offer advice on the best places to visit on your trip to avoid cultural experiences that seem too staged for a truly immersive Rwandan experience.
Hospitable Locals
The people of Rwanda are known for being incredibly friendly and for their enthusiasm for sharing their culture. Interacting with locals can enrich your entire experience, so take the opportunity when it comes.
Remember to treat all locals with respect. Although their culture may be very different, this presents an unmatched opportunity to connect on a human level.
You aren’t in Rwanda forever, so take the time to interact and listen. These communities have incredible stories to tell, and a decent share of the locals are fluent in English.
What You Can Do to Safeguard Rwanda’s Natural Beauty
As a tourist, you have a certain responsibility towards the country you’re visiting. There are certain things that you can do to help safeguard Rwanda’s incredible natural beauty.
Listen to the Game Rangers
Rwanda has some of the best park and game rangers in Africa. They strive to uphold the country’s conservation efforts. They may tell you not to taunt animals or remove fauna or flora from their natural habitat.
Do Not Litter
It goes without saying that you should not litter, no matter where you are in the world. In 2008, Rwanda banned all plastic bottles and bags. You are not allowed to bring these items into the country. For this reason, you may want to bring a tote bag for shopping and a reusable water bottle for your drinking water.
Opt for Eco-Friendly Products
Did you know that the personal care products you use have a direct impact on the environment? When packing for your trip, opt for eco-friendly products like organic shampoo and conditioner. The run-off from your shower can directly impact the local area, so always keep the environment in mind.
Donate to Conservation Efforts
If you are looking for a worthy cause to donate to, Rwanda could use your help. While this is completely voluntary, it always feels good to contribute to local conservation efforts. Some organisations to consider include the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association and Nature Rwanda.
Looking to embark on a solo Rwanda safari holiday of a lifetime? Look no further than Tailormade Africa for a custom itinerary designed to meet all your preferences. Contact our team to book your trip or find out more about solo travel in Rwanda.
