Need to know some health tips before getting to Rwanda? Dubbed the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda is East Africa’s landlocked country and a few incredible destinations for you to explore while on a safari in Africa. It is surrounded by Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania. Depending on what your travel interests are in this magical landlocked country, take note of the health tips below.
What vaccines are needed?
Keep up to date with which vaccine to take prior embarking on actual trip. Before getting to Rwanda, there are specific vaccination certificates one needs to present and yellow fever certificate is one of them. As well, you can get immunized against polio, Diphtheria vaccine, hepatitis A and B vaccine, typhoid, cholera, tetanus, Meningitis vaccine, rabies, and others.
Other key health issues you need to note
Most African states are Malaria prone and so is Rwanda and that said, you need to have enough anti-malarial tablets. At night while sleeping at a lodge, make sure that your mosquito net is on to protect you from mosquito bites that may cause malaria. As well, be keen on dengue fever which caused by mosquito bite from particular mosquitos that are very active during daylight. This infection has no specific medication but the best you can do is to have insect repellent if you are heading off to affected parts in Rwanda. Equally, schistomiasis is common-a flatworm infection which is got due to contact with affected fresh water streams, Lakes or Rivers.
Altitude sickness
Generally, Rwanda is a hilly and it is one reason it is dubbed the land of a thousand hills. Given this kind of landscape, you need altitude sickness medication and also do adequate exercise to familiarize yourself with the level of altitude in this country. Therefore if you are looking to a Rwanda gorilla trek, it is important to stay atleast a night in the Volcanoes so that you can get acclimatized.
Heat and humidity
Rwanda has moderate weather conditions and experiences 2 seasons-the dry and wet season. Each season comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. The dry season usually begins from June to September and from December to February and for primate enthusiasts on Rwanda safari, this is usually regarded as the best as it is characterized by low rainfall and relatively drier habitat making it ideal for one to hike through the dense vegetation while in search for chimpanzees or gorillas.
The wet season is begins from March to May and October to November and it comes with heavy rainfall and the habitats become muddy and slippery thus making it a bit challenging for one to hike through especially while in search for chimpanzees or mountain gorillas. It also comes with plenty of forage for these creatures to depend on and in most cases they don’t over move like it is a case when it is dry season. As well, it is when most wildlife species give birth and most migratory birds confine in most habitat and hence making it the best for birders to spot variety of avifaunal species.
Water and food safety
While on safari in Rwanda, know what to eat and drink and what not to. Your health matters a lot and that is why we recommend that you get yourself bottled water. You can find good food at classic hotels in Kigali or any town and try to avoid road side food as most of those places don’t keep hygiene.
Health/travel insurance
When planning for a trip to a new destination, insurance is that one thing you need to think about that is why before you embark on actual trip to Rwanda, you need to have health insurance to help you cover many risks.
Personal safety
Safety starts with you first and for any plans to spend a holiday in Rwanda, better consider a well-stocked first aid kit or medical kit. This will serve as provision for emergency treatment and life support in case of injuries/illnesses. In your medical kit, you should have bandages, cotton, plasters and wool among others.
Conclusively, for any plans to pay a visit to Rwanda for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking or wildlife viewing, the above health tips must be put into consideration and you will have the best of your safari holiday in this magical landlocked country.
