Ideal Travel Dates
Saturday February 6th - Sunday February 7th 2021 are the ideal travel dates for this ceremony, as this would allow you to explore the beautiful land of Rwanda and get immersed in the culture or kick your feet back and relax in preparation for the exciting days to come.
Visa Requirements
The Rwandan Government does not require a lot of African countries to apply for a visa prior to arrival in Kigali. According to the Passport and Immigration website, nationals of all countries receive a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. A single entry tourist visa costs US$ 30. For more information, please visit the Immigration and Visa website.
COVID-19 Protocols in Kigali
- Pre-arrival:
- All costs (tests, accomodation, transport, etc) will be covered by the traveller. Please see payment methods here.
- All travellers to Rwanda will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test (Real Time Polymerase Reaction from an ISO-certified laboratory), taken within 120 hours of departure for Rwanda. The results from this test must be submitted to the Rwanda Development Board before departing the country of origin and needs to be shown on arrival in the country.
- Prior to departure, the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) must be completed and the COVID-19 test certificate uploaded in this link.
- This page will issue a reference number that will be given to health authorities on arrival. All traveller information will be available on the PLF including the hotel they will be staying at on arrival.
- Arrival into Rwanda:
- A second mandatory RT-PCR test will be conducted upon arrival in Kigali to confirm the negative results of the test taken prior to arrival. Note that this will require a minimum of one overnight (24 hours) stay in a designated Kigali hotel while awaiting results. Costs for testing and accommodation are to be covered by the traveller.
- If travellers are unable to get the first test prior to departure from their country of origin, they will be required to take two tests in Rwanda, allowing for a 48 hour period between tests. The cost of these is US$ 50 per person per test.
- Sanitary protocols are followed at the airport, and travellers will be accompanied through baggage collection all the way to the vehicle for their transfer to the hotel.
- COVID-19 tests will be conducted at the hotel by health authorities, where a dedicated COVID-19 desk will be occupied 24/7. An additional medical service fee of US$ 10 will be charged at the hotel to conduct a test.
- On leaving Rwanda:
- A test on departure is compulsory and will cost US$ 50.
Budget Hotels |
Mid-range Hotels |
High-End Hotels |
|---|---|---|
Transportation
Inbound Transport |
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Listed below is a list of taxis you can use to get around during your stay. Please note that these providers are not affiliated with ALU in any way, and are merely recommendations. |
Provider 1: Move |
Provider 2: Yego Taxi |
Provider 3: Azaria |
Provider 4: Musoni |
Provider 5: Egide |
Provider 6: Sammuel |
Provider 7: Emmanuel |
Provider 8: Faustin |
Provider 9: Safari |
Provider 10: Jean Marie Vianney (JMV) |
Provider 11: Tuyisenge |
Attire
The ALU Rwanda Graduation festivities will happen in the month of February; during the rainy hot season. We recommend that you pack light clothing for the heat. Additional attire considerations should be made for the following:
Wednesday, 10 February: Business casual attire or semi-formal attire for Asante Sana celebrations.
Thursday, 11 February: Formal attire for the Graduation ceremony.
Sim Cards
MTN, Airtel-Tigo and KTRN are the 3 main mobile network providers in Rwanda. You may purchase SIM cards from the airport or from any authorised sellers in the city. Please have your ID (Passport) handy when going to get a SIM card.
Banks & ATMs
You will find ATMs at the airport and banks at the airport, Kigali Heights and various secured locations in the city.
Exchange Rates
There are several Forex Bureaus in the city. You can change money at Universal Money (UNIMONI) at Kigali Heights or any other Forex Bureau in the city. You may also change money at the airport provided you arrive before 11pm Kigali time. Kindly carry your passport if you plan on using Forex.
Costs to Expect
The biggest cost of your trip to Rwanda is most likely going to be your flight. Beyond that you can budget for the following for your stay on the island:
- Accommodation: $150 to $300 per night
- Airport pick up/drop off: $60 per ride
- On the ground transportation: $20 per ride from your accommodation to ALU campus if you stay in the city.
Please note that these figures are approximate numbers and might not be accurate in every situation.
About Rwanda
Rwanda, or the Land of a Thousand Hills, as it is popularly known due its mountanous terrain, is a picturesque country that is home to exceptional natural beauty and the warmest people. Among its nature showstoppers are the dormant volcanoes found in the northwest of Rwanda in the Volcanoes National park. Lake Kivu is another beauty and is the 6th largest lake on the continent, bordering the DRC. Rwanda's laid back back urban capita, Kigali, is considered one of the safest and cleanest cities on the continent, and a first choice location for international events and conferences.
Culture
Rwanda represents a harmonious combination of the past, present and the future. As one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, Rwanda is fast becoming a hub of innovation, however, still holding on to its heritage. Rwandan cultural elements are steeped into the fabric of the country, which is most evident in the design. One of the country's most iconic landmarks, the Kigali Convention Center, was inspired by the traditional king's palace which graduation attendees can visit in Nyanza. The traditional geometric imigongo design also features Rwandan design, from architecture to fashion.
Places To Visit
- Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Inema Arts Center
- Nyamata Church
- Dancing Pots
- Kigali City Tour
- Kimironko Market
- Golden Rwanda Safari
- Thousand Hills Distillery Tour
Weather
The average Kigali temperature in February is warm at 20.5 degrees celsius (68.9 fahrenheit). Normal maximum temperature is about 36 degrees celsius (79 degrees fahreinheit) and normal minimum temperature is about 15 degrees celsius (59 degrees fahrenheit), with 35% chances of rain each day.
Food Deliveries
Enjoy a variety of Rwandan cuisine as well as other continental dishes from other retsaurants at Kigali Heights and others across the city. If you are interested in having food delivered to you at your accomodation, please refer to this here.