Rwanda has been known as one of the safest safari destinations on the African continent for close to a decade now. Besides security, Rwanda boasts of the cleanest city on the African continent. It was because of its remarkable safety that United Kingdom had considered them as their Asylum partner; a deal that seems to have gone to waste after the Victory of the labor party.
In Rwanda’s popular international campaigns such as the “visit Rwanda” campaign where Rwanda is one of the premium partners of the Bundesliga giant Bayern Munich, League one giant; PSG and Premier League giant, Arsenal; the country has made international strides in reputation and branding.
But amidst its international popularity; there has been a PR backlash after over 50 European journalists launched the “Rwanda classifieds”. On top of the media backlash in the recent past. Rwanda has suffered negative PR from its civil unrest with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
Recent Unrest in Rwanda
In the recently published UN report; Rwanda and Uganda were accused of supporting M23; the leading rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Though Rwanda didn’t deny the allegations, Uganda distanced itself from these allegations claiming that it is already fighting tooth and nail to ensure stability in Congo and therefore it would be illogical for them to support rebels in Congo.
Though Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have had continuous heated tensions, all fights have been happening within Congo’s borders. For this reason, Rwanda has remained safe and undisturbed for a long time.
Unlike tensions with Somalia that usually attract terrorist attacks similar to what has been happening in Uganda; Rwanda has not suffered any tourist attacks in the recent past because their tensions are mainly tribal.
Is Rwanda Safe for tourists?
In 2022, Euronews rated Rwanda among the safest destinations on the African continent. Their criteria partly featured Rwanda’s observance to LGBTQ rights unlike many other African countries. In 2023 BBC also ranked Rwanda among the safest travel destinations in the world. Travel Noire also ranked Rwanda among the safest countries for solo female travelers.
Rwanda has also hosted several notable personalities that have shared their experience stamping Rwanda as a safe destination. Just last month, CNN correspondent Larry Madowo shared a video of a well-lit street in Rwanda with isolated individuals walking on the streets at night without fear of being mugged. Given the fact that Larry comes from Kenya, has lived in Nairobi for some time, this was quite a foreign experience to him.
Is Rwanda safe for Self drive?
One of the most relaxed ways of exploring any destination on the African continent is through self drive safaris. These kind of safaris offer travelers an opportunity to explore destinations on their own pace. However not every African country is safe for self drive.
Rwanda is one of those few countries on the African continent that are safe for self drive. But before embarking on a self drive trip in Rwanda, you must also consider a brief guide on renting a car in Rwanda. Highway robbery and roadside scammers are not common in Rwanda.
The country drives on the right hand side making it a familiar driving destination to many European travelers. On top of that, most of the roads in Rwanda are well paved. It is not common to find potholes on Rwanda’s highways making the experience worthwhile.
However besides the smooth travel, several travelers have a had a bad experience traveling in Rwanda for two major reasons. Rwandans are not are joyous as people in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. On top of the relaxation among people; many travelers have complained about the automatic traffic tickets.
But it is also important to note that it is things such as the automatic traffic tickets that make driving in Rwanda safer compared to other African countries.
How Safe are Kigali Markets?
Part of the Kigali city tours is exploring Kigali markets. Similar to many African markets, travelers are advised never to walk with a lot of cash, keep your hand on your belonging when walking in congested places. Generally; Kigali markets are safe places to visit while on your Rwanda visit.
In conclusion, Rwanda is a safe destination. Whether you are intending to visit Rwanda for a conference, a guided gorilla safari, Kigali city tour, self drive safari or merely visiting a friend, you will feel safe travelling in Rwanda.
