WikiIndaba conference 2022/Travel Information and Visa Assistance

Overview

Rwanda is a country known for its breathtaking scenery, often referred as the land of a thou sand hills. Its capital Kigali has been ranked the second most popular destination in Africa for hosting international conferences and events by ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association).

Nothing describes Rwanda’s culture better than the affectionate hospitality of its people, little wonder some have referred to Rwanda as a land of a million smiles and opportunities. Rwanda, is a young nation, with more than 70% of its population being under 30 years of age. Placing the youth at the center of the nation transformation, Rwanda has emerged as an impressive story on the continent as results of a bold vision guided by successive national medium-term plans and by comprehensive policy reforms over the last two decades. The key ingredient of Rwanda’s successful transformation has been the involvement of citizens that understand their role to address the challenges they face, under the direction of productive and equitable policies. Rwanda aspires to become a middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income coun try by 2050.

The average temperature during the day varies between 26-28 oC and goes down during the night to 15-17 ̊C. Rwanda enjoys a subequatorial climate all year moderated by the altitude (1,500 to 2,500m above sea level). Rwanda has two rainy seasons. The first heavy and per sistent rainy season lasts from mid-March to May, then from June to mid-September is the long dry season. The second rainy season starts in October to December. However, during Rwanda’s dry seasons, there is often light cloud cover. This helps to moderate the tempera- tures, but also occasionally brings light rain showers.

What to know about Rwanda

Geography

With a surface of 26,338 square kilometres, Rwanda is located about 1,000 kilometres south of the equator. It shares a border with Uganda in the North, Tanzania in the East, Bu rundi in the South, and the Democratic Repub lic of Congo in the West. With an estimated population of nearly 12 million, There is only one time zone in Rwanda (GMT+2), which does not change throughout the year.

Currency & Banking

The Rwandan currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF) with a current exchange rate approx imate to 1,047 Rwf for changing 1 US Dollar. Most of the hotels, some restaurants, and main super- markets accept Visa cards, while the mobile money payment modality is the most used in all places. Cash can be withdrawn with international credit cards from ATMs scattered around the country.

National Parks

Rwanda has 4 national parks, namely Akageral, Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Gishwati Mukura Na tional Parks. In addition to these touristic sites, Rwanda offers a range of experience includ ing the newly established Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-tourism Park located in Kigali and other activities including kayak, hiking among others. For more: www.visitrwanda.com

Languages

The constitution and other laws prohib it religious discrimination and provide for freedom of religion and worship. The law requires religious groups and faith-based organizations (FBOs) to obtain legal status before beginning operations.

What to Wear

Dress codes are informal yet respectful. Men tend to wear trousers but shorts are fine, although walk ing around without a shirt is frowned upon. Women will feel more comfortable in knee-length or longer. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing and think about sun protec tion, including a hat and sunglasses. The evenings tend to be cool, and a light sweater appreciated.

In Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park slightly heavier clothing is useful. A lightweight waterproof jacket may come in handy in the moist mountains. Avoid wearing blue in Akagera National Park, which attracts tse tse flies, and take sensible precautions against mosquitos and other bites.

When tracking gorillas, wear sturdier clothing to protect against stinging nettles, and solid walking shoes. Consider bringing gardening or leather gloves as well as gaiters. For those who wear contact lenses, cleaning fluid is not readily available and dust or sun could prove an irritation, so it’s best to bring a pair of glasses along for peace of mind.

Mean annual temperature for Rwanda is 19.1°C, with average monthly temperatures ranging between 19.5°C (September) and 18.5°C (July). Annual precipitation is 1,170.2 mm. Rainfall is experienced through out the year in Rwanda, with most significant rainfall occurring from September to May.

General information

Visa Information

From 1st Jan 2018, Nationals of all countries receive visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. Citizens of countries members of the follow- ing international organizations; African Union, Common wealth and La Francophonie get visa upon arrival and are waived visa fees for a visit of 30 days. For more information, please contact the Rwandan Immigration Directorate General website: https:// www.migration.gov.rw/

Office Working Hours

Government offices and businesses are generally open between 7:00am- 6:00pm with a short lunch break between 12:00pm-1:00pm. On Fridays, some public offices including UN work a half-day until about 3:00 pm. Most shops and banks do not break for lunch. Some banks close early at 6.00pm, others close at 7:00pm. Some banks open on Saturdays and Sundays as well. Depend- ing on the neighbourhood, some shops stay open 24/7 including supermarkets.

Useful Information

Electricity

In Rwanda, there are 220/240-volt electrical of the places including hotels have UK 3-pin plug. While the 3-pin adaptors are widely available.

Internet

There are currently various internet service providers in the country: MTN Rwanda, Airtel Rwanda, Mango, ISPA, BSC, liquid telecom among others. The providers offer different deals and packages. All hotels and most of public space including the summit venues provide free Wifi connections.

Health

COVID-19

The current measures in place state that no COVID-19 test is required for travellers landing in Rwanda, and no mandatory vaccine document is required. However, participants will do a mandatory test on site while picking their badges. (The cost will be covered by the conference organizers)

General

The KING FAISAL Hospital is the hospital of reference (see contact details on page 5). Most well-known drugs are available in local pharmacies and some can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. the summit will offer safer management of emergency cases with standby ambu- lance and personnel present; while the medical treatment related cost will be catered by the patient either through own medical insurance or private payment. However, there will be first aid and moderate services at the venue throughout the summit, free of charge.

Explore Rwanda

Rwanda has several cultural activities to attend:

Art

There are several art galleries in Kigali, including Art-Rwanda Ubuhanzi Showrooom, Inema Arts and Ivuka Arts in mention- ing few. They often host monthly exhibitions and other activities in their spac es, in addition to selling artwork.

Dining/ Going out Kigali

There is a variety of cuisines and restaurants around kigali, with distinct option to explore. Most restaurants are located in Kiyovu, Kimihurura, Gisimenti, Nyarutarama ... Cafes also tend to be located in these areas. Kigali has many bars in all neigh- bourhoods, which get going in the after-work hours.

Museums

The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre is usually the first stop for visitors to Rwanda to better under stand the Rwandan history. The Campaign Against Genocide museum has also informative tools on the liberation journey of the nation. Many other museums and memo- rials are found just a short drive outside of Kigali. https://www.rwandaheritage.gov.rw/

Nightlife

Friday and Saturday nights are often eventful in Kigali. In addition, several places were established to provide enter- tainment experience including Imbuga city walk, Biryogo Car free zone, Gisimenti free zone, there are several live music options at Heaven, Marriott Hotel or Mille Collines on Thursday and Friday.

Reading in Kigali

The Kigali Public Library is located next to the American embassy in Kacyiru, with a wide book selec tion. In addi- tion there are other book stores like Librairie Ikirezi Bookshop in Kacyiru and Librairie Caritas located in the city centre.

The most popular news sites are Igihe (www.igihe.com) and the New Times (www.newtimes.co.rw)

Learn some Kinyarwanda

English	Kinyarwanda
Hello	Muraho
Good morning	Mwaramutse
How are you?	Amakuru/ bite se?
I am fine	Ni meza / ni byiza
Thank you	Murakoze
Excuse me	Mumbabarire
Goodbye	Murabeho
We’re together	Turi kumwe
How’s work?	Akazi karagenda?
Yes	Yego
No	Oya
A little	Bukebuke
A lot	Cyane
Good	Byiza
There	Hariya
Here	Aha
Hot	Gishyushye
Cold	Gikonje
Today	None
Yesterday	Ejo hashize
Tomorrow	Ejo hazaza
Where?	Hehe?
When?	Ryari?
What’s your name?	Witwa nde?
My name is...	Nitwa...
Where to find...?	Nayibona hehe?
I am happy	Ndanezerewe
I am happy	Ndarwaye
It is expensive	Kirahenda
I don’t understand	Simbyumva
I would like	Ndashaka
I need	Ndashaka
Help me!	Mfasha!
It is good	Ni byiza
It is bad	Ni bibi
Beer	Inzoga
Good	Byiza
Water	Amazi
Coffee	Ikawa
Tea	Icyayi
House	Inzu
Right	Iburyo
Left	Ibumoso
Straight	Imbere
Money	Amafaranga
Welcome	Ikaze

Additional Information

Communication

The communication of the conference will be done through a set of channels including emails, social Medias and websites. The email of the conference is wikimediarwanda{@}gmail.com and social Medias are: • Twitter: WikiIndaba

• Twitter: WikiRwanda
• Facebook: WikiIndaba

All logistical information of the conference and for the county in general have to be available/ accessible for all delegates to allow their smooth hospitality.

Hygiene

As the priority of the country in general, hygiene and cleanness is also critical in the YCA Summit preparation, thus inspections have been made well before to have the list of approved host hotels that meet desired requirements/standards.

Safety

There are no current curfew measures in the country and the streets are safe even during the night. For security purposes, there is a military pres- ence patrolling most of the city streets during the eve nings and nights.