Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Together Women Rise: Journey to Rwanda
May 31 – June 8, 2025

MARBURG VIRUS DISEASE

The first case of the Marburg Virus Disease in Rwanda was confirmed on September 27, 2024, however Rwanda has reached a significant milestone in combating Marburg, with no new cases reported since October 30.  Please refer to this fact sheet as the Elevate Destinations team is closely monitoring the disease and implications for travel to Rwanda, and will continue to update with the most up to date information. This was last updated on November 13, 2024.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Elevate Destinations recommends that all travelers have medical insurance which covers them in Rwanda. Travelers are also required to have their physicians fill out a Physician’s Approval Form for their travel. Please download the form here and email your signed form to Jill (jill@elevatedestinations.com) or upload to this secure Dropbox no later than 30 days after your registration.

Please note that this trip requires participants to:

  • Walk at least one mile without difficulty on uneven surfaces
  • Spend extended periods of time on their feet
  • Spend time outside in various weather conditions
  • Climb multiple sets of stairs without assistance
  • Keep pace with an active group of travelers
  • Ride comfortably in a vehicle on bumpy roads for extended periods of time
  • Able to withstand an altitude of least 8,000 and up to 10,000 feet for gorilla trekking.
  • For trekking, be able to walk for hours on uneven terrain that can often be muddy and slippery in dense vegetation and navigating some steep inclines. A moderate to high fitness level is required for gorilla trekking.

Elevate Destinations also recommends that all travelers make and print a list of medications and any existing health conditions to bring on your trip. You may choose to carry this on your person or give it to your guide. Having this list could be life saving in the unlikely case of an emergency.

MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Prior to travel, Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that you look into recommended immunizations for your time in Rwanda. Given that we are not a licensed healthcare provider, we cannot advise travelers on which immunizations they may need. We recommend that all travelers do the following:

  • Travel Doctor: Consult with a travel clinic or your primary care physician regarding immunizations or other precautions you may need to take in order to participate in this journey. 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.
  • CDC Guidance: Please be sure to check the CDC website for Rwanda for updated information about vaccinations and health concerns, and check with your medical provider or travel clinic about your individual requirements.
  • Medical Insurance: Elevate Destinations covers evacuation insurance for this trip. All travelers are recommended to also have health insurance that will cover them while abroad. Check that your health insurance covers you in Rwanda. If you would like to purchase any supplemental coverage, please see the Pre-Departure Information tab for more information.
SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

Your guide will give you current briefings on safety while in-country, but here are some basic ground rules for safety while traveling:

  • Keep all valuables in the hotel safe.
  • Avoid flashing money. Be mindful of your belongings at all times. Keep bags in front of you in crowds, and on your lap when at restaurants.
  • Pay attention: avoid walking around with your smartphone in hand.
  • Be vigilant when crossing roads.
  • Stick with the group.
  • Always make sure that others know of your whereabouts and movements.
  • Avoid street protests or large gatherings.
  • Do not wear expensive or sentimentally valuable jewelry while traveling.
  • Let a staff person or your guide know if you have any safety concerns.
  • Always wear sun protection in the form of lotion, a hat and/or a scarf to cover your shoulders, especially during the peak of the day.
SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP)

We recommend that all travelers from the U.S. sign up for the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in case of an emergency. Enrolling in this program has enormous benefits
in case of an emergency while abroad:

  • You will receive information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination.
  • Enrolling lets the U.S. Embassy in that country know that you are there and helps them contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family-related.