Following the increased numbers of the COVID-19 outbreak and as guided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the government of Rwanda had to suspend all tourism activities and closed the international airport sometime in March 2020. This was an immediate effort to protect all residents, visitors and wildlife from the deadly global pandemic.
Adventure Consults reports that tourism has returned to Rwanda after a nearly four-month hiatus caused by the global pandemic.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) which overseas tourism activities in the East African nation announced the resumption of tourism activities as well as international arrivals on charter flights.
However, the RDB adds that “the well-being of all travellers is our top priority and we have therefore put robust health and safety guidelines in place.” Adventure Consults will share these guidelines as soon as they have been issued.
Together with private tourism operators, RDB is offering attractive, all-inclusive tourism packages for Rwandans and foreign residents. These packages have been designed to showcase Rwanda’s remarkable leisure and recreational experiences, from mountain adventures to serene landscapes and lively cities.
“Rwanda’s tourism industry is adapting to create a safe environment for travelers and operators in order to thrive in these unprecedented times,” says Belise Kariza, the Chief Tourism Officer at RDB. “We encourage all travel enthusiasts and nature explorers to take advantage of this unique opportunity to venture out and experience the beauty and adventure that our country has to offer.”
Rwanda’s national parks are offering the following promotional offers through 31st December 2020:
- Gorilla permits are now available for US$200 for Rwandans & EAC nationals residing in Rwanda, and US$500 for foreign residents.
- Special packages are available for groups, families and corporates on other products in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks.
Specific precautionary measures are as follows:
- Domestic tourists visiting Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks are required to test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours prior to visiting these attractions. A private test center has been set up at Petit Stade, Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, by appointment only. Other test centers outside Kigali will be communicated as demand grows.
- All visitors travelling by charter flights are expected to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to arrival. Tourists will take a second COVID-19 test prior to visiting any tourist attraction.
For more information on Rwanda’s tourism reopening guidelines, please check with sales@adventureconsults.com or this link for Rwanda safari ideas.