Before you pack your bags and leave, know this: Rwanda is not a place where you can just, wing it.
With its mist-clad mountains and tranquil lakes and undulating hills cloaked in green, Rwanda defies the well-worn tropes of what everyone has come to expect of, ‘Africa’. There are no sweeping, cinematic safaris through sun-drenched plains, no feverish and hurried urban sprawls, and definitely no Big Fives to track down dusty roads. It doesn’t, in many ways, conform to the image of ‘Africa’ that is so often peddled in the tourist landscape— wild, untamed, and chaotic— and yet, in other ways, it still holds onto the heart of what we often associate with the continent: a deep sense of community, a connection to the land that is both nurturing and demanding, and a resilience forged through generations of hardship.
My first impressions of Rwanda, in that fleeting moment between crossing the border and having our plastic bags confiscated, were not quite what I had imagined. It started off with a sudden panic attack while I was in line, over whether I’d misunderstood that I didn’t need a visa because everyone else seemed to need one – and so to put a stop to my frenetic second-guessing, I did a reassurance-Google Search that lasted for 3 minutes and costed me USD27. This was then, of course, followed up by an efficient bus search where we witnessed the quiet authority of the Rwandan customs officers swiftly confiscating every plastic bag they saw in sight – this, despite our guide’s repeated pleas to remove all plastics from our bags before crossing the border.
It took a couple of days before anyone acclimatised to the rhythm of Rwanda (and the jarring contrast to the chaotic pulse from where we’d just came from); and when we did, we finally began to appreciate the country for all the quiet profundity it carries. Where its neighbours are often found vibrant and bustling, Rwanda is steady, purposeful, and introspective; with little resemblance to how it once was just some three decades ago. And it was remarkably refreshing.
To truly understand Rwanda yourself, you’ll first need to shed any preconceived notions of what an African adventure should look like. This is not a destination defined by the frenzy of mass tourism or the typical exotic allure. Everything is different here- from its past and present to its rules and cultural norms- and it is essential to approach it very differently from all the countries you’d just trailed through. To start, here are ten key nuances that you should probably get used to, if you want to redefine your expectations of what an African destination can be.
1. Do Not Bring Plastic Bags Into the Country.
Bringing plastic bags to Rwanda is not just an environmental faux pas; it is illegal.
Not even kidding, Rwanda has implemented a groundbreaking ban on all non-biodegradable plastic bags since 2008; and they have no qualms going through your bags very thoroughly at customs to confiscate all plastic bags on sight – trust me, this is not just theory. It happened right before me.
You likely won’t be fined for the first time on account of being a tourist, but rest assured that the process will be equally distressing and inconvenient should you get caught in this snag.
Aside, before you dismiss this as an unsustainable policy in modern world context, you will be surprised to learn that this very ban has yielded remarkable results for the country: today, Kigali is lauded as one of the cleanest cities in the world, with streets free of the litter that mars many urban spaces worldwide. This dedication to environmental stewardship has even helped Rwanda maintain an annual clean-up day known as Umuganda, where citizens gather to beautify and care for their communities.
2. Do Not Casually Consume Food In Public.
I’ll confess, I’m the biggest culprit of this because, where I’m from, eating happens all the time: weaving through busy streets, rushing through traffic, even standing in line. Every minute on-the-go is just another opportunity to multi-task and get two things done at once… but here, eating demands a lot more respect than that.
It is a moment to sit, be present, and fully engage with both the food and the people around you; so eating while you’re out and about is often frowned upon and comes across as being impolite.
You may get away with it in more urban settings like Kigali where modern lifestyles have introduced more flexibility toward traditional values – but expect to raise eyebrows nevertheless (especially with the older generation). Meals here are just simply not an afterthought to be done alongside an errand, it is something one truly partakes in – and preferably, in a communal setting.
3. Do Not Attempt to Bribe Yourself Out of Anything.
You know what they say about Africa- in fact, you might have even read about What I Did in Kenya – but Rwanda is in many ways not like Africa, and bribing the police can result in serious consequences (it is illegal, after all).
Rwanda isn’t joking around, folks. Sure, most (or all) governments will have some law or another against bribery- especially that of a police officer; but Rwanda takes theirs very seriously. In fact, it is a hard-line stance that has helped shape the country’s reputation for being one of the least corrupt in the continent today.
4. Read Up About the Rwandan Genocide, But Do Not Talk About It Carelessly.
The number one advice that I give to people considering a trip to Rwanda? Educate yourself about the 1994 Genocide. It is the only way you can fully grasp the significance of the country’s current state of peace, and how its unity and resilience remains the cornerstone of its incredible success in the region today.
That said, after you do, you may feel compelled to bring it up in conversations, especially with the locals- perhaps, as a way to show that you know and care- but please exercise caution if you do. The Genocide remains deeply sensitive for many Rwandans, and while it is important to acknowledge the past, it is equally important for us as visitors to approach the conversation with respect and empathy. Do not bring it up casually (this is not a conversation starter!), do not pry into their personal experiences, and definitely do not ask them if they are Hutu or Tutsi. Rwanda has made significant strides in the aftermath to promote national unity and discourage ethnic identification, and it is considered highly inappropriate and insensitive to ask someone about their ethnicity, even if asking after one’s race may seem like a harmless enquiry where we’re from.
If the topic of the Genocide ever arises naturally, let the Rwandans guide the conversation, and be mindful of the emotional weight it carries for them. It is often best to listen and learn rather than try and share your thoughts. After all, we’ve only ever read about it. They, lived through it.
5. It Is Not True to Say that Rwandans Are Unfriendly
The stereotype that Rwandans are not particularly friendly to tourists often stems from misunderstandings of their cultural norms rather than any inherent unkindness. Rwandans tend to be reserved, especially with strangers- which often saddles them with the reputation for being unsmiling and cold. Try not to take this personally; it is more a reflection of their cautious nature rather than intended hostility towards you.
You may find the treatment especially aloof if you just hopped in from a neighbouring country; just keep in mind that the Rwandans practise hospitability a little differently from their neighbours: where they are vivacious and demonstrative, the Rwandans are more nuanced and understated, and tend to show their warm in quieter, more mindful ways.
6. Be An Early Riser.
At the risk of stereotyping, Rwandans start their day early – and I mean, early. Even in the city, the streets of Kigali can be full-on bustling by 6am; so if you’re planning on visiting markets, parks, or local attractions, it’s best to sync up with the local schedule and start your day early too.
Even if you aren’t morning people, you’ll find that Rwanda is really one of those things worth waking up for; that fresh morning air filled with the clatter of stalls setting up shop, motorbikes zipping through traffic, and the sound of lively conversations as people start their day. Many businesses – especially once you leave the capital- close early too; so just really lay on the itinerary as early as you can muster, and don’t expect to get much done after dark. (Trust me, Rwandan mornings are totally worth it.)
Speaking of time… …
7. Africa Time* Does Not Exist In Rwanda… Or Does It?
To put it simply: punctuality in Rwanda will depend largely on the situation and the person you’re meeting with. By and large, lateness is not tolerated in business and professional settings; however, flexibility is encouraged in personal relationships, where it is absolutely common for people to be at least thirty minutes to an hour late (sometimes even two).
That said… where we are concerned, Rwandans often expect foreigners and tourists to be punctual; so if you’re signed up for a tour or activity, this is not your moment to explore this ‘flexibility’; you will be expected to, as they say in Rwanda, keep time.
tldr: just show up on time.
*Africa Time is a colloquial term used to describe a more relaxed or flexible approach to timekeeping that can be prevalent in some African cultures, particularly in informal or social settings. Nothing starts exactly on time, and can often begin much, much later than scheduled. However, instead of being perceived as ‘tardiness’, Africa Time reflects a cultural attitude where punctuality is less rigid, with greater emphasis on social interactions, community, and patience.
8. Do Not Expect an African Safari Experience
What you’re thinking of is Kenya, or Tanzania, or possibly even Botswana – but no, Rwanda is not the country you head to for that legendary once-in-a-lifetime safari expedition with vast plains and roaring prides and a grandiose spectacle of animal herds. Here, the landscape tells a different story: lush hills- often veiled in mist- and a more serene, intimate connection with nature. The animals, when you encounter them, tend to appear quietly, almost as though they’re part of the scenery rather than the focus of your journey; and the experience here isn’t so much about the chase, than it is about the opportunity to linger.
9. Understand the Moto Culture
The motorcycle taxi—known as a moto for short— is often the quickest and most efficient way to navigate through Rwanda’s uniquely hilly terrain and narrow streets- even in rural regions that aren’t easily accessible by car. They are everywhere; and personally, I find them to be one of the most exhilaratingly authentic and immersive windows into Rwanda’s daily life. If you don’t know where to begin, just tell them what you want to see; the drivers usually know the city inside out and more often than not, will be more than eager to share local insights, recommend spots to visit, or provide context about the places you’re passing.
Prices are generally low and most are honest; but as always, if you want to avoid surprises, negotiate before hopping on – or better yet, seek out a ride-hailing app that assures better safety and transparency (Yego Moto or SafeMotos are good places to start).
10. Get Used to Umuganda Day
On the last Saturday of each month, the country observes Umuganda, a national day of community service. Most businesses shut their doors in the early hours, and locals come together to clean, build, and contribute to their neighborhoods. Whether it’s sweeping the streets, planting trees, or repairing buildings, the purpose is simple: to strengthen the community through shared labour and mutual respect.
If you’re in Rwanda on Umuganda, do not expect to get much done during the morning hours. The usual hustle of everyday life slows to a near standstill: you will find most shops and restaurants closed, and the usual sounds of the city are replaced by the purposeful hum of communal activity. It’s a unique pause, one that reflects the country’s deep sense of pride in its collective achievements.
As a visitor, you have two options: you can either join in the communal service, immersing yourself in the experience of contributing to a shared purpose- or, you can embrace the slow rhythm of the morning and take it slow. Most activities will resume by late morning (after 11am).
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