Travel
Travel Note
Getting the Most out of Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the safest, cleanest countries in the world, and Kigali might just be Africa's most underrated city. Here's how to arrive ready. Getting Here RwandAir, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines all connect from the different locations. Book early, August is peak season and fares climb fast. Visa Refreshingly simple. A single-entry e-Visa costs USD 50, apply at irembo.gov.rw or pick it up on arrival. Either works. Attending both events? The East African Tourist Visa (USD 100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya for 90 days. Much better value. Bring: passport valid 6+ months beyond travel dates, and your Yellow Fever card, immigration may ask. Money Currency: Rwandan Franc (RwF). ~1 USD = 1,460 RwF. Bring USD 50 or USD 100 bills, smaller denominations exchange at worse rates. Cards work at upmarket spots; carry cash for everything else. Get an MTN or Airtel SIM on arrival for reliable 4G. Getting Around Kigali is hilly, beautiful and easy to navigate by taxi or VW Move (Rwanda's Uber). Note: Jalia Garden is in Kabuga, just outside central Kigali, allow extra travel time and arrange your taxi in advance. Health Malaria exists but is low risk in Kigali. Use DEET in the evenings and cover up. Tap water is not drinkable, bottled only, including for brushing teeth. Carry your Yellow Fever card; immigration will ask for it. Safety Kigali is genuinely very safe. Stay alert in busy markets, use ATMs inside malls, and take a taxi rather than walking at night. Please make sure you do not leave your phones or valuables unattended when attending the Gusaba. The emergency number is: 112 Plugs Rwanda uses Type C and Type J outlets (round pins), 230V, not the same as Uganda. Pack a universal adaptor. One last thing: plastic bags are banned. Leave them at home, they may be confiscated at the airport.
Travel Note
Where To Stay in Kigali
August is peak season, so book at least 2 months in advance! BEST NEIGHBOURHOODS IN KIGALI Kimihurura: Best for first-time visitors. Trendy, walkable, best restaurants and cafés (Poivre Noire, KhanaKhazana) Close to Convention Centre. Lively but very safe. Nyarutarama: Upscale, leafy, peaceful. Embassies, golf course, excellent apartment complexes. Great for a quieter, more residential feel. Kacyiru: Quiet and green. Jacaranda-lined streets. Close to the Genocide Memorial and Kigali Public Library. Gishushu / Remera: More central and affordable. Near the Convention Centre, BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium. Kiyovu: Central, colonial charm, lush greenery. Walkable to downtown. HOTELS Kigali Marriott Hotel: from USD 173/night 5-star, heart of downtown Kigali. Floor-to-ceiling city views, 4 restaurants, outdoor pool and spa. Consistently the best-reviewed hotel in Kigali. Kigali Serena Hotel: from USD 145/night 5-star landmark, 5 minutes from the CBD. Tropical pool and garden, Maisha Spa, exceptional breakfast buffet. A Kigali institution. Park Inn by Radisson Kigali — from USD 160/night (breakfast included) Modern hotel in Nyarutarama. Pool, fitness centre, spa, two restaurants. Great value Heaven Boutique Hotel — from USD 90/night Eco-lodge style boutique in Kiyovu with local art, terraces and lush gardens. 22 rooms across three charming properties. On-site restaurant is one of Kigali’s most beloved, weekend brunch USD 15 is a must! AIRBNB & SERVICED APARTMENTS IN KIGALI A great option, spacious, often with pools and kitchens, usually better value. What to look for: - 24/7 security - Fibre WiFi - Daily housekeeping - 4.7+ rating Search by name on Airbnb: • Rubangura Luxury Apartments, Kimihurura • Elizabeth Golf Apartments, Nyarutarama • High Ground Villa • Ecoair Apartment Hotel, Kimihurura Budget USD 40–120/night.
Travel Note
Getting the Most out of Uganda
Uganda surprises everyone. People arrive expecting a stopover and leave already planning their return. Here's how to arrive prepared and make the most of it. Getting Here Entebbe Airport (EBB) connects from Johannesburg, Dubai, Doha, Amsterdam and Nairobi. From Kigali it's just under an hour on RwandAir, barely enough time to finish your drink. Serena Kigo is 20 minutes from the airport, so if you're flying in on the day, you're set. Visa: Do This Early Uganda does not offer visas on arrival for US/Canadian passport holders, this one can't be left to the night before. Apply online at visas.immigration.go.ug at least 2 weeks ahead. Single-entry e-Visa: USD 50, ~4 business days to process. You'll need your passport scan, photo, Yellow Fever certificate and accommodation details. Print your approval letter, don't rely on your phone. Attending both events? The East African Tourist Visa (USD 100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya for 90 days. Much better value. Money Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX). ~1 USD = 3,700 UGX. USD works at most hotels and tour operators. Use ATMs inside malls (Acacia or Victoria Mall are safe bets). Cards work at upmarket spots, carry cash for everything else. Tipping ~10% is appreciated. Getting Around Kampala traffic is no joke, leave earlier than you think you need to, every time. Download Bolt or Uber before you land. Use hotel transfers, Uber or Bolt at night rather than walking. Skip the boda bodas. Health Malaria is present, speak to a travel clinic before departure. Use DEET in the evenings, cover up, and carry your Yellow Fever card (immigration will ask). Bottled water only, including for brushing teeth. Safety Entebbe and Kampala are generally safe for visitors. Stay alert in busy markets, use Bolt at night, ATMs inside malls only. Emergency: Police 999 | Ambulance 112. Plugs Type G outlets (UK-style, 3 square pins). Pack a universal adaptor and a power bank, you'll thank yourself later.
Travel Note
Where To Stay in Kampala
Serena Kigo is 20 min from Entebbe airport and 45 min from Kampala city centre. Guests can base in either direction, lakeside Entebbe or urban Kampala. BEST NEIGHBOURHOODS IN KAMPALA Munyonyo: Right on Lake Victoria. Upscale, gated resort district. Home to Speke Resort. International conference hub, top security, water activities. Short drive from Serena Kigo. Perfect for the lakeside lifestyle. Kololo: Kampala’s most prestigious neighbourhood. Leafy, tree-lined streets, embassies, excellent security. Acacia Mall and Forest Mall nearby. Best urban base for exploring Kampala. Highly rated Airbnbs throughout. Nakasero: Central business district. Buzzing, convenient, walkable to most Kampala attractions. Buziga: Hilltop near Lake Victoria. Beautiful views, quiet, green, expat-friendly. Easy Entebbe Expressway access. Muyenga: Serene hilltop popular with expats and families. Elevated, scenic. HOTELS NEAR SERENA KIGO Speke Resort Munyonyo: from USD 130/night Lakeside resort 10 minutes from Serena Kigo. Kids’ pool, water activities. Great for families wanting the full lake experience. spekeresort.com Kampala Serena Hotel: from USD 157/night 5-star in central Nakasero. Gardens, pool, exceptional service. The Sunday brunch at The Lawns is legendary. 20-minute drive to Serena Kigo. Protea Hotel by Marriott Kololo: mid-range Modern 4-star, central Kololo. Rooftop infinity pool. Good value. AIRBNB & SERVICED APARTMENTS NEAR ENTEBBE/KAMPALA Best areas: Kololo, Munyonyo, Buziga. Please reach out to Doreen who will help guide you at: +256751456942 What to look for: -Generator backup (confirm, power cuts happen) -Gated compound with security -Fibre WiFi Search by name on Airbnb: - Kololo Hilltop Residency - Munyonyo serviced apartments - Buziga Lake-view homes Budget USD 40–120/night. Search airbnb.com → ‘Kololo Kampala’ or ‘Munyonyo Kampala’ → sort by rating. Book early. August fills up fast!
Travel Note
What to Pack
Two countries, two climates, one bag. Here's what to bring. Clothing Both Rwanda and Uganda are warm but not aggressively so, think light, breathable fabrics (cotton or linen) for daytime. Evenings in Kigali can get surprisingly cool, so pack a light jacket or wrap. Modest dress is the baseline for both countries, shoulders and knees covered is a good rule of thumb, especially for the wedding events and any church or cultural visits. Your event outfits are covered on the Events page. Health & Medications Anti-malaria medication if prescribed by your travel clinic DEET mosquito repellent, bring from home, reliable brands are harder to find locally -> Imodium or anti-diarrheal tablets: Just in case -> Rehydration salts: More useful than you'd think in the heat -> Pain relievers and any personal prescriptions, with extras to spare -> Hand sanitiser: For when you're on the move -> Sunscreen: The equatorial sun is strong even on cloudy days Tech & Adaptor Rwanda and Uganda use different plugs, pack a universal travel adaptor, it'll cover both. A power bank is genuinely useful; outages happen in Uganda and long days out happen everywhere. Download Bolt, Uber, Move VW, Yego Cabs Rwanda before landing in either city. Documents Printed visa approvals, Yellow Fever card, travel insurance details, and copies of everything stored separately from the originals, in a second bag or your email. Nice to Have A foldable umbrella (tropical showers appear and disappear fast), a reusable water bottle (you'll be refilling from bottled water), and wet wipes for when facilities are limited. One thing to leave behind: plastic bags. They're banned in Rwanda and may be confiscated at the airport.