To fully experience Rwanda, try to learn some of the local languages, which help many visitors communicate easily. Kinyarwanda is the native language spoken by most locals. In markets and even in remote areas, you will be greeted in the native language, so it is good to have a guide who understands it well.
In the past, from World War I up to Rwanda’s independence in 1962, French was used as the official language of administration. However, after the 1994 genocide, which caused major problems in the government, and with the return of Tutsi refugees from Uganda, English became more widely used, and many people started to follow this change.
In 2008, the government changed the language of education from French to English, and many people welcomed this. But since French had been used for a long time, many citizens still speak it.
By 2018, the government brought back French as a foreign language class at the primary level to keep it from disappearing completely. French is still spoken, especially by people in the upper classes.
Swahili is also used, mostly in business, especially among traders, and is taught as a subject in schools. According to the 2012 census, Swahili was spoken by about 1% of people, French by 6%, and English by 15%. By 2009, the number of French speakers had dropped to 68%.
Rwanda is a landlocked country bordered by Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Water covers about 1,390 square kilometers of the country.
of the largest lakes are Bulera, Ihema, Kivu, Mugesera, and Muhazi. The country’s transport system is improving and includes both air and road transport. The road network covers about 14,000 km, and Kigali International Airport is the main airport.
The climate is quite good. It is hot and humid in the valleys and drier and cooler in higher areas. There are both wet and dry seasons. The rainy months are from March to May and from October to November, while the dry months are from August to September.
Make sure you have the correct travel documents when entering the country, or you may be deported. Also, avoid using drones near government buildings or flying them illegally, as you may be detained.
Use a language translator app to enjoy a smooth safari.
