When it comes to holiday spots in Africa, Rwanda is among the safest especially for solo tourists. Despite the occasional minor crime perpetrated by visitors, the people are amiable and welcoming, and there is relatively little overall criminal activity. In addition to breaking into hired cars, pickpockets can be spotted in crowded venues like marketplaces.
Most people assume that Rwanda is an extremely dangerous location when you mention it. The horrors of the Holocaust in 1994 would most likely be their first thought or memory. You’ll be surprised, though, at how much the nation has come together, developed to restore the nation, and vowed to destroy their lovely nation “never again.”
The area’s safest travel destination is Rwanda. The genocide that began in the country in the 1990s has ended, and the Rwandan government is fully aware of its serious obligation to protect both its nationals and foreign guests. Credit card fraud, overcharging, and small-time criminality are common, minor safety hazards that can be found in cities all over the world. These can be prevented if proactive steps are taken.
There is security to guarantee your safety and hassle-free stay everywhere you look, including tourism police, hotel security, and the police. Do not worry, you will see the army man or officer everywhere you turn. Their goal is to keep you safe. Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, is regarded as one of the safest cities on the continent and is often used as an example for the region’s economic development.
Rwandans are exceptionally polite, understanding, tolerant, and nice to everyone. It is uncommon to read in the local press about a visitor to Rwanda experiencing safety or security issues.
The Political and Economic Situation in Rwanda
Rwanda has managed to maintain political stability even since the 1994 massacre. Women held 64% of the seats in the legislative elections held in September 2018. In the Chamber of Deputies, the Rwandan Patriotic Front remained in complete control. For the first time, the Social Party Imberakuri and the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda have each gained two members in the legislature. In August 2018, President Paul Kagame was re-elected to a seven-year term, as a result of a December 2015 constitutional revision that permitted him to run for a third term.
The nation has progressively recovered under President Kagame’s direction, and it is currently a thriving economic powerhouse that gives the preservation of its natural riches and the advancement of the local populace top priority. Rwanda wants to reach the status of a High-Income Country (HIC) by 2050 and a Middle-Income Country (MIC) by 2035, according to the World Bank.
Rwanda was ranked as the ninth safest nation in the world in 2017 by the World Economic Forum. Rwanda was ranked higher than the Netherlands, Morocco, Austria, Estonia, Sweden, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Portugal, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. The rankings take into account the consequences of common criminal activity, violent crimes, and terrorist acts, in addition to the degree to which the public trusts law enforcement to reduce crime.
After the tragedy of the 1990s, the people and government of Rwanda have worked incredibly hard to rebuild their country. For a historical experience that highlights both the good and bad times in the nation’s history, visit the genocide museum in Kigali.
Rwanda is experiencing Civil Unrest
Promoting genocide theories based on contentious racial, ethnic, regional, religious, or other qualities is forbidden by strict legal criteria. Publicly advocating “genocide ideology” or “divisionism,” which encompasses racism, sectarianism, and denial of genocide, carries a fine of 100,000 to 1,000,000 Rwandan francs and a five-to nine-year jail sentence.
Political violence is extremely rare in Rwanda since nonviolent protests are usually organized in advance. However, when you’re out and about, especially in rural and border areas, use caution and stay away from protests. Violence can occur even in casual situations. Remember that you should always pay attention to local notifications and news.
In Rwanda, corruption is frowned upon and extremely rare. Call the Rwanda National Police’s special hotline at 116 to report harassment or attempted bribery if it has happened to you.
The Rwandan government may be more monitoring journalists, employees of non-governmental organizations, and human rights observers.
It is forbidden to take pictures of military installations, airports, public monuments, and government buildings. Security personnel or law enforcement may grab your cameras.
Regional Safety and terrorism in Rwanda
Everywhere in the world, including East Africa, is at risk from terrorism. Despite being active in the area, the terrorist organization Al-Shabab has not specifically attacked western interests in Rwanda. It is recognized that neither local organized crime groups nor international terrorist organizations exist in Rwanda, nor is either of these organizations supported by the Rwandan government.
Rwanda is the world’s fifth-largest supplier of Peacekeepers
Because of Rwanda’s open borders, entering neighboring nations is simple. The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is still active along Rwanda’s western border and has been connected to grenade attacks across the country. In the provinces of North and South Kivu, the Congolese military and the UN peacekeeping force continue to fight rebel and militia groups. In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, close to the border, are the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda. As such, do not venture anywhere near the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by yourself.
Through Kigali International Airport, a lot of travelers who wish to visit gorillas but don’t think Rwanda is a worthwhile trip enter the nation. Following that, these tourists enter Uganda in order to start their gorilla trekking adventure. Additionally, traveling across the little nation of East Africa is safe.
The Experience of Gorilla Habituation
Because of tourism and gorilla trekking, Volcanoes national Park welcomes thousands of visitors each year, making it an extremely safe destination. There is a history of bloodshed and rebel participation in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the DRC side of Virunga Park, there are armed organizations that are in action. Use considerable caution as the border may not be exact.
That being said, Volcanoes National Park is not known to be the scene of any insurgent activity. Before you enter Rwanda, make sure you have a gorilla trekking permit from the Office of Tourism and National Parks.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the safest place to undertake gorilla trekking; each group is escorted by experienced guides and armed rangers for protection.
Petty crime in Rwanda.
Despite occasional efforts at auto break-ins, pick-pocketing, purse snatching, home invasions, and car accessory thefts, Kigali has a low crime rate. In Rwanda, violent crimes make up the bulk of crimes committed.
Africa’s safest capital is still Kigali, but as in any large city, use caution at night and avoid taking needless chances as crimes of opportunity may arise. There are less reasons for anxiety here than in most other countries, and substantial crime or antagonism directed specifically at tourists is rare.
Rwanda ranks among the safest nations in the world, per the 2016 Gallup Global Law and Order study. Rwanda is ranked twelfth overall and second in Africa, according to the study, with over 87% of its citizens indicating they feel secure and at ease regarding their security. The Gallup Law and Order Index gauges public perceptions of law enforcement in addition to feelings of personal safety.
“Do you believe that the local law enforcement in the city or neighborhood where you reside is reliable?” was one of the questions asked of the participants. Do you feel at ease taking nighttime walks by yourself in the city or area you call home? In the past year, have you or any member of your household had money or personal belongings stolen? Have there been any violent or theft incidents in the last 12 months?
Visitors visiting Rwanda are recommended to exercise caution and good judgment when it comes to taking ownership of their own safety. There are no off-limits areas in Rwanda, but it’s always a good idea to exercise caution around crowded tourist spots, clubs, and marketplaces.
- When in public places, be mindful of your belongings and avoid carrying a lot of cash.
- Avoid making obvious signs of your affluence.
- Make sure that your belongings are kept in a secure location in your safe room.
- Always notify your friends and family whether you are moving out or organizing a trip.
- When in areas where there are a lot of foreign visitors, use caution.
In conclusion therefore, Rwanda is a secure and hospitable location for travelers. It provides an unforgettable travel experience due to its breathtaking natural beauty, lively culture, and strong emphasis on safety. Visitors can safely enjoy all that Rwanda has to offer by following basic precautions and adhering to local norms.