Welcome to the END Fund journey to Rwanda! Below you will find some information that will be useful while planning your travels.
REGISTRATION FORM:
The registration deadline is March 16, 2018. Please complete the following Guest Profile form (Click here) for each traveler in your party by March 16 in order to reserve your spot on this trip. This allows us to easily record your vital travel information.
FLIGHTS FROM THE US:
International flights are booked by travelers independently. If you would like the contact information for a trusted independent travel agent we are happy to provide you with this information. Kindly forward your international flight information to Meredith (meredith@elevatedestinations.com) once you have booked your flights. Here are our arrival and departure recommendations:
Main Program:
- Arrive in Kigali International Airport (KGL) anytime on May 17, 2018
- For those who arrive before 1 pm, if interested, we are happy to arrange a visit to the Nyamirambo Women’s Center and a guided walking tour of the colorful suburb of Nyamirambo.
- Leave from Kigali International Airport (KGL) anytime on May 21, 2018
EXTENSIONS:
Elevate Destinations is happy to assist with your travel needs. Please let us know if you would like to arrange any pre or post travel plans. We are also happy to assist you with creating a custom extension trip. Alternatively, please let us know if you are interested in taking a pre-trip Monkey Trekking Extension to Musanze where you will have the option to partake in either a Golden Monkey Trek or a Gorilla Trek*.
*Gorilla Permits
The Gorilla Permit is required to participate in a gorilla trek. This fee is charged by the Ministry of Tourism and permits are provided on a first come first serve basis. Full payment is the only way to guarantee a permit. The cost of the permit, is used to strengthen conservation efforts for these majestic creatures and contribute to community development while improving the livelihood of local people living around national parks. Please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to apply for a Gorilla Permit.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that all travelers have travel insurance for any trip they wish to take with us. Please note that some insurance options require purchase within 24 hours of making payment for your trip. We encourage you to review your travel insurance options before making payment to Elevate Destinations.
Elevate Destinations is partnered with the Travel Insurance Center, a broker of travel protection products. For assistance, contact Alan Lightbody, Agent Representative, E-mail alightbody@travelinsurancecenter.com, Toll Free 1-866-979-6753 Ext. 3648, or Direct 402-343-3648.
Guests may acquire travel insurance through the Travel Insurance Center, or any other travel insurance company of their choosing. Elevate Destinations recommends that travelers evaluate the insurance options available for their needs, and inquire with providers about insurance that will provide coverage if the trip needs to be cancelled.
PASSPORT:
Travelers should ensure that the validity of their passports extends at least six months beyond the end of their intended stay, and should have at least two blank (unstamped) visa page in their passport to enter the country. The last two amendment pages are unacceptable for immigration stamps.
VISA:
A tourist visa is required for entry into Rwanda. For U.S. citizens and nationals of Australia, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden and the United Kingdom, the single entry visa (tourist visa) of 30 days is the best option. We recommend purchasing your visa on arrival. The cost for the single entry visa $30 USD (must be paid with crisp, clean bills from the last 5 years). Please also note that if you are interested, VIP visa support upon arrival can be arranged for $50 total (inclusive of visa costs). To arrange for this service or if you have any questions please contact Meredith at Elevate Destinations.
You can also access an online visa application here. For those who choose to get their visas ahead of time, we encourage everyone to apply for their visa at least 2-4 weeks before departure as it may take some time to process. Travelers must have a scanned copy of their passport available in order to complete this application.
If you are planning on doing any pre or post trip travel in Kenya or Uganda, you can apply for an East Africa tourist visa valid for 90 days at $100. This type of visa can be for multiple entries within the three countries. You can apply for this visa at any of the diplomatic representations of Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda, or online.
HEALTH CONCERNS
Please consult with a travel clinic or your personal physician regarding the recommended immunizations for travel to Rwanda. You will need to do this well in advance of your trip as some vaccinations require time to take effect, and you may need to allow time between a series of shots. Comprehensive information can be found on the CDC website for Rwanda, as well as the Travel Health Pro website (UK citizens).
In addition to being up-to-date on routine vaccinations 4-6 weeks before travel, that most travelers be vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and to take prescription medication before, during and after your trip to prevent Malaria. The CDC also recommends some travelers to be vaccinated for Hepatitis B and Rabies.
Yellow Fever: The government of Rwanda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever or a country with an active yellow fever outbreak. Further details available here.
Note: Zika is a risk in Rwanda. Because Zika infection in a pregnant woman can cause serious birth defects, women who are pregnant should not travel to Rwanda. All travelers should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika virus during and after the trip. For more information, see Zika Virus in Rwanda.
If you have any additional questions please feel free to reach out to our Travel Team:
Meredith Hauser
meredith@elevatedestinations.com
617-475-0889
Katherine Redington
katherine@elevatedestinations.com
202-643-8370
Naomi Garner
naomi@elevatedestinations.com
207-370-4886
